Crown Melbourne Penalized for Failing to Enforce Self-Exclusion Rules

2 min read | October 15, 2024 11:16 AM AEDT | By Team Kalkine Media

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Crown Melbourne Penalized for Failing to Enforce Self-Exclusion Rules — Image source: shutterstock

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Highlights

Crown Melbourne fined due to self-exclusion breaches

242 self-excluded gamblers placed bets between 2023 and 2024

Victorian regulator orders improvements to prevent future violations

Crown Melbourne, owned by Blackstone, has been fined $2 million by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) after allowing 242 self-excluded gamblers to place bets at its casino between October 2023 and May 2024. These breaches, which were discovered through the VGCCC's routine monitoring, highlight failures in Crown's system and control processes, intended to prevent gambling harm.

Fran Thorn, chairwoman of the VGCCC, underscored the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals who opt for self-exclusion. She stated that people choosing self-exclusion must trust that casinos will enforce their decision to avoid gambling. While Thorn acknowledged that some self-excluded patrons actively attempted to bypass the system, she also emphasized that it remains the casino's responsibility to prevent such violations.

The breaches were attributed to system failures rather than deliberate misconduct. However, the VGCCC has required Crown Melbourne to work with an independent expert to review and enhance its self-exclusion program. The casino has already begun taking steps to strengthen its controls in response to these issues, but the regulator expects further improvements.

This fine follows Crown Melbourne’s recent reinstatement of its casino licence, which was previously suspended after an inquiry revealed a series of legal and ethical violations at the casino. These included allegations of money laundering and poor oversight, leading to the casino being deemed unfit to operate. While the current breach is less severe, it signals the ongoing challenges Crown faces in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Moving forward, Crown Melbourne is expected to fully implement the necessary changes to its self-exclusion systems to prevent future breaches. With its track record under scrutiny, the casino’s ability to maintain responsible gambling practices will be critical in avoiding further penalties.

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