In a shocking turn of events, Crown Melbourne has been slapped with a hefty fine of AU$2 million for allowing self-excluded individuals access to the casino floor. The penalty comes as a result of a thorough investigation launched by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) following multiple complaints and reports of individuals who had voluntarily banned themselves from gambling at the casino but were still able to enter and play.
The self-exclusion program is designed to help individuals with gambling addiction issues take control of their habits and prevent themselves from entering a casino environment. Once a person enrolls in the program, their details are entered into a database that is meant to flag them as prohibited from entering any of the casino’s premises.
However, it appears that Crown Melbourne failed to monitor and enforce this crucial aspect of responsible gambling. The VCGLR’s investigation revealed that multiple self-excluded individuals were able to access the casino floor and gamble freely without any intervention from casino staff.
The VCGLR’s Chair, Catherine Myers, expressed her disappointment and concern over the gross negligence displayed by Crown Melbourne. “The self-exclusion program is a vital tool in promoting responsible gambling and protecting vulnerable individuals from harm. It is unacceptable for a casino operator to disregard the rules and allow self-excluded persons to continue gambling,” she stated.
In response to the fine, Crown Melbourne has issued a public apology and vowed to implement stricter measures to ensure that the self-exclusion program is enforced effectively. The casino has also promised to conduct a full review of its policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This is not the first time that Crown Melbourne has come under fire for its handling of responsible gambling issues. In 2019, the casino was fined AU$300,000 for tampering with poker machines and violating gaming regulations. The latest incident only adds to the growing concerns surrounding the casino’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices.
The AU$2 million fine imposed on Crown Melbourne serves as a stark reminder to all casino operators of the importance of upholding responsible gambling standards. It sends a strong message that any breach of regulations will not be tolerated and that the authorities will take swift and decisive action to protect the welfare of gamblers in the community.