VGCCC Rebukes Crown Resorts for Non-Compliance with Gambling Pre-Commitment Rules

VGCCC Issues Reprimand to Crown Resorts for Gambling Rule Breaches

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has formally reprimanded Crown Resorts, a major player in the casino and hospitality sector, for failing to adhere to the state’s gambling regulations. Specifically, Crown Melbourne was found to have breached the mandated requirements designed to minimize gambling-related harm.

Breaches of Victoria’s Pre-Commitment Regulations by Crown Melbourne

The VGCCC highlighted that Crown Melbourne permitted patrons to use gaming machines in violation of compulsory pre-commitment rules. These pre-commitment measures are intended to help players recognize gambling risks and encourage responsible gaming practices. Victoria’s YourPlay program enables players to establish limits on their gambling activities to prevent excessive losses.

These pre-commitment controls apply universally to all poker machines within the state of Victoria.

Investigations revealed that from December 2023 through July 21, 2024, Crown Melbourne allowed 22 customers to continue using poker machines despite reaching their preset time or spending limits. Additionally, from December 23, 2023, until August 4, 2024, 10 more customers were found gambling on machines through YourPlay accounts that did not match their legal identity.

As a consequence of these findings, the VGCCC has issued a formal censure against Crown Melbourne. While the regulator noted Crown’s cooperation with the inquiry and the isolated nature of these infractions, as well as the swift corrective actions taken by the casino, it also cautioned that future breaches may lead to intensified enforcement measures.

VGCCC Warns of Heightened Penalties for Repeated Violations

Chris O’Neill, chairman of the VGCCC, announced the censure and underscored the significant risks associated with poker machines. He stressed that the commission is prepared to act decisively against operators who fail to comply with legal obligations designed to safeguard gamblers.

“Poker machines carry a high risk of harm, which is why we hold the gambling industry accountable when they disregard their legal and social responsibilities to protect players from harm,” O’Neill stated.

The chairman further emphasized that pre-commitment systems are proven tools in curbing problem gambling, making it critical for operators to fulfill these duties thoroughly.

O’Neill also noted that the official reprimand would be recorded on Crown’s compliance history and warned that persistent non-compliance could result in more severe disciplinary actions by the VGCCC.

This reprimand against Crown Resorts follows the VGCCC’s recent penalty imposed on another operator, QuestBet.