The Victorian Government has outlined new legislation which will enhance the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission’s (VGCCC) powers to keep Crown Melbourne accountable and responsible.
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne announced the new legislation in the wake of the VGCCC’s recent decision that Crown is suitable to hold the Melbourne Casino Licence.
In announcing its decision, the VGCCC indicated Crown will have to follow its Melbourne Transformation Plan, which includes more than 100 actions focused on integrity, reducing gambling harm and improving customer service.
The plan recognises that while Crown has undertaken considerable work to transform itself and pivot away from a toxic culture, there is still more to be done and Crown’s efforts must continue.
Minister Horne said: “The VGCCC and the Special Manager have noted that Crown Melbourne has undertaken significant work to transform itself – and its transformation efforts must continue.
“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.”
The VGCCC’s powers will be strengthened in relation to Crown Melbourne’s close associates reflecting their material influence over compliance behaviour, allowing the VGCCC to issue penalties to close associates if they breach the legislation that governs casino operations in Victoria – the Casino Control Act 1991.
This builds on the major reforms introduced at the casino since the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence handed down its report, such mandatory carded play with time and loss limits on gaming machines, prohibiting junkets, enforced breaks in play and limiting cash transactions to $1000 in a 24-hour period.
All 33 of the Royal Commission’s recommendations have now been either fully implemented or are legislated and awaiting commencement.