The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has announced new rules for electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at Crown Melbourne, aimed at reducing gambling harm.
The key changes will see players banned from playing more than one machine at a time and from using any item to hold down buttons on unrestricted machines to facilitate continuous play. These, the regulator said, will mean the rules for EGMs at Crown Melbourne will better align with the responsible gambling objectives in the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and the Casino Control Act 1991.
In a Wednesday announcement, the VGCCC said it is still considering other recommendations contained in a report from last year’s Royal Commission, with more regulatory changes likely to be initiated in the future.
“Playing more than one machine at a time is not consistent with the responsible gambling objectives contained in the legislation, and nor is playing continuously by using items to hold down an electronic gaming machine button,” said VGCCC Acting Director Licensing, Jason Cremona.
“The casino is required to ensure that patrons comply with the rules, and the VGCCC will be monitoring compliance and will take regulatory action should Crown not ensure that the rules are complied with.”
As previously reported by IAG, the Victorian state government is also planning to increase the tax rate on EGMs at Crown Melbourne which it says will generate up to AU$30 million (US$21.3 million) a year and subject Crown to the same tax rates as those operated by not-for-profit, community-based venues such as RSLs.
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