Posted on: December 14, 2023, 08:39h.
Last updated on: December 14, 2023, 08:39h.
Gamblers visiting Crown Resorts’ Crown Melbourne casino will have to get used to some changes as the casino enforces gambling addiction controls.
Crown Resorts’ Crown Melbourne casino has implemented compulsory carded play measures on its almost 3,000 electronic gaming machines, in line with new regulations, to address gambling addiction concerns and maintain its license. Gamblers will have to sign up and pre-commit to time and spend limits, allowing them to track and monitor their progress and receive expanded access to preventative gambling support.
Crown’s initiative follows the recommendations of the 2021 royal commission into the casino’s license in Victoria, reflecting the collaboration between Crown and the Victorian government for responsible gambling practices.
How Crown Got Here
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) fined Crown AUD30 million following the royal commission, due to the casino allowing patrons to gamble using bank checks made out to themselves, highlighting the need for effective measures to curb harmful gambling behaviors. Victoria and other states determined that Crown didn’t deserve to hold a casino license, leading to remediation proceedings.
The casino giant also participated in money-laundering activity, directly and indirectly, and had previous breaches of gambling regulations that cost them millions of dollars in fines.
The innovation aims to promote responsible gambling practices by empowering individuals to set and monitor their own limits, ensuring controlled and informed gambling. Safety checks by a specialist team further reinforce the casino’s commitment to identifying and assisting individuals who may be struggling with gambling addiction.
It provides individuals with access to the resources and guidance they need to manage their gambling habits and seek professional help if necessary, a crucial step in addressing the issue of problem gambling.
Crown CEO Investigation Moves Forward
An investigation into recent allegations that Crown CEO Ciaran Carruthers intervened to allow patrons to gamble, despite being blocked by security, is gaining steam. Crown encourages employees to come forward with any wrongdoing they may have witnessed and has engaged a law firm to investigate the allegations.
The allegations, if proven, could further damage Crown’s reputation and threaten its ability to operate its casinos in Australia.
It also urged employees to report any concerns they may have about the company’s culture and practices, emphasizing that the company would not tolerate any form of misconduct.