The Allan Labor Government will act to ensure Crown continues to run the Melbourne casino to the highest standard while reducing gambling harm - with legislation to be developed to keep holding the operators to account.
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne today announced new legislation would be developed to strengthen the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission's (VGCCC) powers to keep Crown accountable and responsible.
This follows the VGCCC's recent decision that Crown is suitable to hold the Melbourne Casino Licence, after Crown's significant efforts to overhaul its operations in line with government requirements.
In announcing its decision, the VGCCC indicated 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 more-than 100 actions outlined in the plan recognise 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.
The legislation will include increasing penalties should Crown not comply with the VGCCC's statutory direction to implement the Melbourne Transformation Plan.
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 - theCasino 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.
As stated by Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne
"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."
