Published on: October 15, 2024, 02:06h.
Last updated on: October 15, 2024, 02:07h.
Crown Melbourne faces a $2 million fine for allowing self-excluded individuals to gamble at its casino. This breach was detected by government-appointed monitors who found that 242 self-excluded people were granted access to slot machines and table games.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) imposed the financial penalty on Crown Melbourne for the violations that occurred between October 2023 and May 2024.
VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn emphasized the importance of trust between self-excluded individuals and gambling providers. Thorn stated that Crown’s failure to prevent self-excluded individuals from gambling put them at risk of further harm.
Thorn acknowledged that Crown’s efforts to prevent access to self-excluded individuals were inadequate. She noted that some individuals went to great lengths to bypass security measures and break the exclusion requirements.
Recent Regulatory Actions
Following state inquiries revealing money laundering issues, Crown Resorts has been improving its corporate structure and compliance with regulations. In response to the violations, Crown Melbourne has enhanced its entrance security and compliance procedures.
Despite these improvements, Thorn mandated Crown to engage a third-party security firm to evaluate and enhance the management of its self-exclusion program.
Thorn justified the $2 million fine under the Australia Casino Control Act of 1991.
Prevalence of Problem Gambling
Australia has a significant gambling population, with a high percentage of adults engaging in gambling activities. A government study in 2022 revealed a concerning number of individuals at risk of experiencing gambling harm.
In response to these findings, the Australian Government launched BetStop in 2023, a national self-exclusion registry. Over 28,000 people have registered with BetStop since its inception, with many opting for lifetime bans.
BetStop provides various self-exclusion periods, allowing individuals to seek help and revoke their participation after a minimum of three months on the prohibited list.
Those struggling with gambling addiction can find support through the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which oversees the BetStop registry.