The Victorian government said in a Friday statement that it will enact new laws aimed at ensuring Crown Melbourne continues to follow its Melbourne Transformation Plan, including increased penalties for non-compliance and greater powers to act against close associates.
While Crown earlier this month won back its Melbourne casino license after the Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) ruled the company had returned to suitability, the government said it will “keep holding the operator to account” by way of the new legislation.
Specifically, the Crown will have to follow its Melbourne Transformation Plan, which includes a range of actions focused on integrity, reducing gambling harm and improving customer service, the government said.
The new legislation will include increasing penalties should Crown not comply with the VGCCC’s statutory direction to implement the Melbourne Transformation Plan, while the VGCCC’s powers will be strengthened in relation to Crown Melbourne’s close associates – reflecting their material influence over compliance behaviour. The VGCCC will be enabled to issue penalties to close associates if they breach the legislation that governs casino operations in Victoria, the Casino Control Act 1991.
Reforms already implemented at Crown Melbourne include mandatory carded play with time and loss limits on gaming machines, the prohibition of junkets, enforced breaks in play and limiting cash transactions to AU$1,000 in a 24-hour period.
“The VGCCC and the Special Manager have noted that Crown Melbourne has undertaken significant work to transform itself – and its transformation efforts must continue,” said Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne.
“This isn’t set and forget – we’re further enhancing the VGCCC’s powers to ensure what happened in the past at Crown Melbourne can never happen again.”
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