Crown Casino maintains its Melbourne license

In a reprieve of sorts, Melbourne's well-known Crown Casino has been allowed to keep its gaming license, as confirmed by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)—but for an unspecified duration.
A Отчет Королевской комиссии 2021 года Concluded that Melbourne’s Crown Casino was deemed 'unsuitable' as a responsible license holder within the region.
Commissioner Ray Finkelstein’s report uncovered serious issues at Crown Casino, many linked to fraudulent and unethical activities.
Despite its issues, the Commission has opted against an immediate license revocation, citing that the casino is a major employer in the city.
The casino is a crucial job provider, with over 10,000 staff members; closing it down could have drastic repercussions for many citizens.
Штраф в $120 миллионов и «специальный управляющий»
The critical 2021 review unveiled systemic legal and ethical misconduct within Crown Casino's operations.
A primary directive from the review was Crown’s need to function under a 'special manager' for two years to implement significant operational overhauls.
Due to these shortcomings, Crown Casino faced penalties Штраф в $120 миллионов imposed by the VGCCC for longstanding gambling law violations, extending over a decade.
Любой легальный казино It's essential for establishments to prioritize player protection above profits, something Crown largely overlooked.
The casino was criticized for lax gambling controls, allowing non-stop play beyond 24 hours—an oversight of responsible gaming.
Management also faced backlash for permitting methods like using plastic inserts to hold slot machines in play, without pressing any buttons—strictly frowned upon by the VGCCC.
$450 million penalty for money laundering breaches after Austrac suit
Crown's issues weren’t confined to irresponsible gambling oversight.
The casino conceded in a lawsuit from Austrac that it neglected to monitor and report dodgy dealings—money laundering included.
Justice Michael Lee labeled these oversights as 'grossly negligent,' imposing a hefty $450 million fine, payable over two interest-free years.
Altogether, one of Australia's premier casinos faced over $500 million in penalties for actions that breached major ethical and legal boundaries. So, what allows it to retain its license?
Systemic issues tackled at Crown
Between 2021 and 2023, Crown Melbourne initiated transformative restructuring. Over $200 million went into rectifying internal processes, bolstered by the Melbourne Remediation Action Plan.
This scheme launched over 300 initiatives across eight operational domains, touching on financial security, compliance risk, governance, and harm prevention.
Addressing these systemic flaws was sufficient for the VGCCC to determine Crown’s license wouldn't be rescinded.
The decision largely hinged on preserving the jobs of more than 10,000 employees whose livelihoods would be at stake if the casino shut down.
The Commission also vowed continued surveillance over Crown, ensuring it doesn't regress into questionable operations.
Gazing ahead – Could Crown be Melbourne’s 'safest' gambling spot?
VGCCC Chairperson Fran Thorn observed that after two years, Crown Casino is evolving, marked by crucial transformative efforts.
Crown's CEO, Mike Volkert, remarked that holding the Victoria license represents one of the casino's most critical achievements.
Volkert asserted, 'We recognize the work is ongoing, and our commitment is to uphold top-tier industry practices, placing our guests’ well-being at the forefront continuously.'
He even went on to call Crown the 'safest place for gaming and entertainment in Victoria,' a claim some might view with skepticism.
Though Crown has reacted commendably to VGCCC's directives, much effort is still needed to regain the trust of the Victorian public.
Так как есть многочисленные казино в Мельбурне Considering gambling venues, it’s intriguing to watch Crown’s recovery trajectory in recent years.
Помните о разумной игре
Crown’s failings underscore the imperative of responsible gambling. Although casinos and bookies are bound by laws to ensure fair play in Australia, each gambler should also exercise personal caution.
You can practice this by consciously setting and adhering to personal gambling limits, whether gaming online or at physical casinos in Melbourne.
Embrace gambling as just entertainment—not a way to make a quick buck. Wins or losses can happen with each play, so having realistic expectations is crucial for enjoyment.
Here at Betsquare, we advocate for responsible gambling and urge readers to bet within their comfort zones.
Узнайте больше на нашей странице о ответственной игре , and if gambling becomes a problem, reach out for support GamStop and leverage free online self-exclusion and other available tools.