Posted on: December 14, 2023, 08:39h.
Last updated on: December 14, 2023, 10:35h.
Gamblers visiting Crown Resorts’ Crown Melbourne casino will have to get used to some changes. In a bid to address its gambling addiction concerns and maintain its license, Crown Resorts’ Crown Melbourne casino has implemented compulsory carded play measures on its almost 3,000 electronic gaming machines.
These measures include mandatory sign-up and precommitment of time and spending limits, enabling guests to track and monitor their progress. Also included are regular safety checks by a dedicated team, and expanded access to preventative gambling support.
This initiative, which Crown said in a statement is the first of its kind in the world, follows the recommendations of the 2021 Royal Commission into the casino’s license in Victoria. It reflects Crown’s collaboration with the Victorian government to foster responsible gambling practices as it tries to overcome ongoing issues.
How Crown Got Here
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) fined Crown AU$30 million (about US$20 million) following the Royal Commission. The gaming regulator confirmed that Crown had been allowing patrons to gamble using bank checks made out to themselves, further highlighting the need for effective measures to curb harmful gambling behaviors.
The casino giant also participated in money-laundering activity, directly and indirectly. Ultimately, Victoria and other states determined that Crown didn’t deserve to hold a casino license, leading to remediation proceedings.
The new card measure aims to promote responsible gambling practices by empowering individuals to set and monitor their limits, ensuring they engage in gambling in a controlled and informed manner. The introduction of safety checks by a specialist team further reinforces the casino’s commitment to identifying and assisting individuals who may be struggling with gambling addiction.
The expanded access to preventative gambling support is a crucial step in addressing the issue of problem gambling. It will provide individuals with the resources and guidance they need to manage their gambling habits and seek professional help if necessary.
Crown CEO Investigation Gets Steam
An investigation into recent allegations that Crown CEO Ciaran Carruthers intervened to allow patrons to gamble even though they had been blocked by security is gaining steam. Crown has encouraged its employees to come forward with any wrongdoing they may have witnessed.
The company’s letter to employees, issued on Wednesday, confirmed that it had engaged a law firm to investigate the two distinct allegations against Carruthers. The letter also encouraged employees to report any other instances of misconduct they may have encountered.
The allegations against Carruthers, if proven, could further damage Crown’s reputation and threaten its ability to operate its casinos in Australia. The company has already been fined millions of dollars for previous breaches of gambling regulations.
The letter to employees, who recently threatened a strike, also urged them to come forward with any concerns they may have about the company’s culture and practices. It emphasized that the company would not tolerate any form of misconduct and would take all necessary steps to address any issues that are raised.
