Published on: May 15, 2026, 01:28h.
Updated on: May 15, 2026, 01:28h.
- Suspected drug overdoses at Crown Melbourne happen approximately every two weeks
- This information is based on data released by Ambulance Victoria
A major casino resort is facing serious concerns due to a significant number of suspected drug overdose incidents. This troubling information is derived from data shared in response to a Freedom of Information request by a national healthcare organization.
In response to an inquiry from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Ambulance Victoria disclosed that they consistently respond to emergency situations at Crown Melbourne, with many related to suspected drug overdoses.
Over the past two years, Ambulance Victoria has responded to 59 emergency calls for suspected overdoses and poisonings at Crown Melbourne, with patients found in various locations including hotel rooms, restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, and on the casino floor.
The 59 incidents translate to roughly one suspected overdose call every 1.7 weeks. Notably, these figures do not encompass calls concerning public intoxication or alcohol-related issues at the venue.
Crown Melbourne, situated on the Yarra River’s southern bank, is the oldest casino owned by Crown Resorts, extending over two city blocks and recognized as the largest casino destination in the Southern Hemisphere.
The resort features nearly 3,000 slot machines and over 500 table games, along with 1,600 hotel rooms.
Is the Government Ignoring the Issue?
Experts in criminology consulted by ABC suggest that the high frequency of ambulance responses to Crown Melbourne for suspected overdoses calls for a governmental review. Vincent Hurley, a criminologist at Macquarie University and former police officer, indicates that political influences may be allowing Crown Melbourne to continue to permit drug use on its premises.
“The inaction from the government is astonishing. If drug overdoses happened in any Australian town’s main street, the government would certainly take immediate action,” Hurley commented.
In its defense, Crown Resorts challenged the reported ambulance figures.
“Crown Melbourne operates like a small city, attracting tens of thousands of visitors on busy nights and 26 million guests annually across our hotels, restaurants, bars, and public spaces,” the statement noted.
Crown also mentioned that some of the ambulance calls involved patients experiencing interactions with prescription medications.
Australia’s Ongoing Drug Crisis
Australia is facing a serious drug crisis, akin to many other nations.
Health authorities in Australia are reporting unprecedented levels of illegal drug use, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The nation has some of the highest rates of meth use globally, alongside rising rates of recreational drugs like cocaine and MDMA.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly half (48%) of Australian adults have used illegal drugs at some point, with two out of ten reporting illicit drug use within the last year. It’s important to note that cannabis is classified as an illegal drug under Australian law.