Crown Melbourne Fined AU$2 Million for Breach of Self-Exclusion Rules
Posted on: October 15, 2024, 02:06h
Last updated on: October 15, 2024, 02:41h
Image: Crown Melbourne has been fined AU$2 million for failing to keep self-excluded gamblers off its casino floor. The penalty was handed down by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. (Image: News Corp. Australia)
Crown Melbourne, one of Australia’s premier casino resorts, has recently come under fire for failing to uphold the integrity of its self-exclusion program. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) imposed a hefty fine of AU$2 million (approximately US$1.34 million) after it was revealed that the casino allowed at least 242 individuals who had previously chosen to self-exclude from gambling on the property to access its slot machines and table games.
Background of the Violation
The investigation led by the VGCCC found that these violations took place between October 2023 and May 2024. This breach of self-exclusion protocols raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of the safeguards that Crown Melbourne had in place to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm.
VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn stated, “Those who self-exclude must be able to trust that gambling providers will take all reasonable steps to enforce their decision to avail themselves of this harm prevention initiative.” Allowing these individuals back inside the casino not only undermines the trust placed in the establishment but also poses a risk of further gambling harm to those seeking to avoid it.
Shortcomings in Security Measures
While Thorn acknowledged that Crown’s efforts to prevent self-excluded individuals from accessing gambling facilities were inadequate, she also noted that many of the people who circumvented the entry restrictions took "considerable lengths to avoid detection." This raises questions about the effectiveness of the casino’s security protocols and its commitment to self-exclusion measures designed to protect its patrons.
Following this incident, Thorn highlighted that Crown Melbourne has started to enhance its entrance security and policing of exclusion lists. The casino has also implemented new compliance monitoring procedures to prevent such violations from happening in the future.
Regulatory Changes and Corporate Overhaul
This incident comes in the wake of a broader scrutiny of Crown Resorts, which owns and operates Crown Melbourne. In recent years, investigations in various Australian states, including Victoria and New South Wales, revealed that Crown struggled to combat money laundering activities, often tied to organized crime. As a result, the company has been working diligently to reform its corporate structure and improve its regulatory compliance.
As part of these improvements, Thorn directed Crown to engage a third-party security firm to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of its self-exclusion program. These changes aim to ensure that the casino systemically safeguards those who recognize their gambling addiction and take steps to manage it.
Addressing Problem Gambling in Australia
Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of gambling participation, with nearly 75% of the adult population engaging in gambling activities at least once a year, and about four in ten gambling on a weekly basis. This widespread activity has led to rising concerns about gambling-related harm, particularly among young adults.
A 2022 government study revealed alarming statistics: over 70% of men and 56% of women aged 18-34 were deemed "at risk" of experiencing gambling harm. In response to such distressing data, the Australian Government introduced the national self-exclusion registry, BetStop, in August 2023.
The BetStop Initiative
Since its launch, BetStop has gained traction among individuals seeking to manage their gambling behavior. More than 28,000 people have registered, with 35% opting for self-imposed lifetime bans. This national registry allows individuals to self-exclude for various periods, ranging from three months to indefinitely.
Those who self-exclude must navigate a process for revocation, which involves demonstrating that they have sought help for their gambling issue. The minimum waiting period before applying for removal from the self-exclusion list is three months.
Conclusion
The AU$2 million fine imposed on Crown Melbourne serves as a critical reminder of the importance of responsible gambling practices and the enforcement of self-exclusion programs. As Australia grapples with the challenges of gambling addiction, it is essential for operators like Crown to prioritize the well-being of their patrons and adhere strictly to regulatory obligations. By reinforcing security measures and promoting responsible gambling initiatives, Crown Melbourne can help restore trust and contribute to a safer gambling environment for all its visitors.
