Crown Casino Receives Record $120 Million Penalty for Responsible Gaming Failures
The renowned Melbourne gaming establishment, Crown Casino, has received an unprecedented $120 million penalty for neglecting responsible gaming protocols. This constitutes the most substantial sanction ever imposed on an Australian gaming entity and follows a series of industry scandals, prompting widespread condemnation of inadequate supervision and insufficient penalties by regional gaming authorities.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) issued the considerable fine in response to Crown’s transgressions, indicating a notable escalation in regulatory enforcement. A significant $100 million of the penalty was assessed against Crown for its inability to prevent patrons from engaging in prolonged gambling sessions, surpassing 24 hours in certain cases. A supplementary $20 million fine was levied for the casino’s tolerance of a method where customers employed plastic tools to influence electronic gaming devices.
This historic penalty arises from a Royal Commission investigation into Crown Resorts, which revealed systemic deficiencies in the company’s practices. The inquiry, spearheaded by Commissioner Ray Finkelstein, determined that these were not isolated occurrences but rather constituted a pattern of extensive and ingrained misconduct spanning over a ten-year period. Distressing testimonies were presented during the inquiry, outlining the devastating consequences of gambling dependence on individuals, families, and communities. Individuals recounted experiences of financial devastation, attempts at self-harm, and resorting to desperate actions like larceny or sex work to sustain their gambling behaviors. The inquiry illuminated the human toll of Crown’s shortcomings, exposing a culture that prioritized financial gain over the welfare of its clientele.
Simultaneously, the Australian gambling enterprise, Star Entertainment, faces intense scrutiny from New South Wales regulatory bodies. The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) is taking a firm stance, citing numerous infractions, including breaches of anti-money laundering regulations and even questionable associations with criminal syndicates.