The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has levied a substantial $30 million Australian dollar (15.8 million pounds/19.8 million dollars/18 million euros) penalty on Crown Resorts, a brick-and-mortar casino operator, for its Melbourne establishment’s infringement of the “blank check” policy.
The penalty is imposed on Crown Resorts for permitting patrons to wager using checks drawn in their own names, rather than checks issued by the casino, even if the checks have not been cleared.
This practice contravenes the Victorian Casino Control Act 1991, which prohibits the use of checks in casinos, with only a few specific exceptions. The policy is intended to prevent casinos from extending credit to gamblers and serves as an anti-money laundering safeguard.
The penalty is significant because it was an unrecorded practice that had been ongoing for a considerable period at the casino, undermining crucial controls. Based on the findings, the VGCCC indicates it will conduct further inquiries into Crown’s unrecorded procedures.
“This marks the second occasion we have taken action against the casino’s undocumented practices, and we will be conducting further investigations to ensure this does not occur again,” stated Chair Fran Thorn. “It must be unequivocally understood that we will not tolerate casinos concealing their practices to evade scrutiny.”
The prominent Australian gambling establishment, Crown Melbourne, has faced another penalty, marking its third such instance. This latest sanction follows a thorough investigation by a Royal Commission, which unearthed serious concerns regarding the casino’s operations. The inquiry uncovered that Crown’s acceptance of blank checks, among other practices, exposed the company to the risk of money laundering and its patrons to the dangers of excessive gambling. These actions also compromised the casino’s integrity, safety, and fairness.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, the body responsible for overseeing gambling activities in the state of Victoria, expressed deep concern over the findings. They concluded that Crown was not fit to hold a casino license but refrained from immediately revoking it.
The Commission was particularly troubled by evidence suggesting that Crown might have accepted blank checks in exchange for gambling chips. This practice, according to the Commission, would constitute a serious violation of the law. While they lacked sufficient evidence to definitively prove Crown’s involvement in this activity, they have prohibited the use of blank checks at the Melbourne casino and mandated a comprehensive review of Crown’s policies and procedures for accepting checks.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has levied a third penalty against Crown Resorts for actions revealed by the Royal Commission.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission imposed a $80 million fine on Crown Resorts in May 2022 for breaching China UnionPay payment procedures. In November of the same year, the agency penalized Crown Resorts an additional $120 million for failing to meet its responsible gambling commitments.
A representative for Crown Resorts stated, “Crown Melbourne acknowledges the ruling of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.”
“These practices have ceased, and we have implemented substantial improvements to mitigate and prevent risks across our operations.”
“Under new ownership and leadership, our Future Crown plan is driving change throughout the company, and we continue to enhance our culture and build a Crown that surpasses the expectations of our stakeholders and community.”
“We will adhere to the issued directives and collaborate constructively with the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission and the government to address this matter and other concerns raised by the Victorian Royal Commission.”
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