Crown Resorts’ Melbourne Casino has been handed a substantial financial penalty by the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Regulation Commission (VCGLR). This action follows an inquiry that exposed significant shortcomings in Crown’s interactions with junket enterprises, essentially organizers of VIP gaming.
The VCGLR determined that Crown’s collaborations with these junket entities lacked the essential protections to guarantee their operations were conducted with integrity. In essence, this signifies that Crown was not taking sufficient measures to thwart money laundering and other illicit activities potentially associated with these high-stakes gambler groups.
The inquiry brought to light a series of concerning matters, including:
* **Deficient Due Diligence:** Crown was not adequately scrutinizing the junket operators they were collaborating with.
* **Subpar Documentation:** They neglected to uphold sufficient records of their due diligence endeavors and choices pertaining to junket integrity.
* **Insufficient Expertise:** Determinations regarding a junket operator’s suitability were not consistently made by personnel possessing a comprehensive grasp of Crown’s regulatory responsibilities.
Due to these deficiencies, Crown Melbourne has been subjected to the highest possible fine of $1 million AUD (approximately $777,305 USD) and has been prohibited from engaging in any further dealings with junket operators until they can demonstrate that they have rectified their practices.
This is not the first instance of Crown encountering difficulties, but the magnitude of this penalty, as per VCGLR Chairman Ross Kennedy, emphasizes the gravity of their shortcomings and their ongoing struggle to implement robust procedures over a considerable duration.
Resolute measures are required to safeguard Crown Melbourne from illicit endeavors and manipulation. These constitute unambiguous legal responsibilities that Crown consistently neglected to fulfill.”
Crown’s Executive Chair, Helen Coonan, remarked: “Crown is collaborating with the Victorian Gaming and Casino Regulatory Authority (VGCCC) and the Victorian Administration concerning its reformation plan. These overhauls and operational adjustments are intended to attain the utmost benchmarks of oversight and adherence to reconstruct public and regulatory trust in our undertakings.”
“Crown has terminated all interactions with high-roller organizers as a component of this reformation initiative.”