Summary
- The VGCCC has uncovered numerous instances where Crown Melbourne has fallen short in fulfilling its pre-commitment responsibilities.
- These were isolated incidents and do not reflect the property's commitment to maintaining regulatory standards.
- The watchdog firmly reprimanded Crown Melbourne and issued a stern warning to prevent future violations.
Crown Melbourne has come under scrutiny from the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission due to numerous isolated incidents where players using carded play exceeded their set limits. Although the commission expressed its disapproval of the situation, it deemed further actions unnecessary, opting instead for a formal reprimand.
Crown Melbourne is the focus of a new VGCCC investigation
Since December 2023, all land-based venues in Victoria must use carded play and pre-commitment for poker machines. This measure aims to keep a close watch on financial transactions while helping consumers manage their spending responsibly. However, by July 2025, Crown Melbourne was found to have permitted 22 patrons to exceed their spending limits. Additionally, 10 individuals accessed accounts not legally registered in their names—a violation occurring between December 2023 and August 2024. Although these breaches initially seemed grave, the VGCCC conducted a detailed investigation with Crown Melbourne's full cooperation. They concluded that these were isolated incidents rather than signs of widespread failures or negligence. Nonetheless, VGCCC's Chair, Chris O’Neill, delivered a stern public warning. He emphasized that this breach, while not officially recorded, signals a line that cannot be crossed again. Any future violations will prompt the regulator to enforce stricter actions decisively.
Evidence-based approach to limit gambling-related harm
Poker machines pose significant risks and potential harm, which is why we are adamant about holding the industry accountable when they fail to live up to their legal and ethical obligations to protect their customers. O'Neill emphasized that pre-commitment programs are designed to give individuals the power to control their gambling by setting limits on time and money spent before they even begin. The VGCCC firmly believes that pre-commitment systems are rooted in solid evidence, showcasing how effective responsible gambling measures can be for consumers. Recently, the VGCCC imposed an AU$80,000 fine on QuestBet for not stepping in when customers exhibited signs of gambling-related harm.
