Crown Casino has been instructed by VGCCC to implement spending limits and identity verification measure

The Victorian gambling regulator, VGCCC, directed Crown Casino in Melbourne on May 4th to ensure that all electronic gaming machines in Victoria have visible play and expenditure limits.

This directive must be implemented by December 2023.

As an anti-money laundering measure, every electronic gaming machine at Crown Casino will now be linked to a patron’s gaming card, thereby tying their identity to each game they play, as ordered by the VGCCC. Prior to commencing play, patrons must also commit to a spending limit and a specified time limit on the machine.

The VGCCC has commended the casino for agreeing to remove unlimited gaming machines from public areas and discontinue machines that allow continuous play while restricting credits to $1000 per machine. Commission President Fran Thorn stated that the measures’ implementation would be closely monitored.

Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Volkert claimed that these changes would significantly enhance the company’s ability to prevent and reduce gambling harm, which is a critical component of Crown’s goal to be a world leader in safe and responsible gambling and entertainment.

This order follows a $30 million fine levied against the casino a week earlier for allowing gamblers to deposit self-issued bank checks, in violation of problem gambling and money laundering controls. Furthermore, in 2022, the casino was fined a total of $200 million for breaching its responsible gambling services standards and allowing players to use their credit cards to access funds illegally.

Crown Limited owns the massive Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, situated on the southern bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia. The temporary casino first opened in 1994, followed by the full-service casino and resort in 1997. The casino floor itself encompasses roughly 220,000 square feet, while the entire complex spans 510,000 square meters, making it the biggest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest gambling entertainment complexes globally.

Guests can choose from three hotels on the property that offer a combined total of over 1,600 guest rooms, suites, and villas. The complex features 37 restaurants, comprising 12 premium establishments, 15 casual dining options, and a food court with ten vendors.

Numerous other facilities and amenities are available, such as the Crown Conference Centre at the Crown Promenade Hotel, multiple swimming pools, two spas, several live entertainment venues, including The Palms at Crown concert hall, numerous lobby lounges, three nightclubs, and 15 bars. Additionally, there are 13 cinema theaters, a King Pin bowling center, an interactive game arcade, and a retail shopping center. Children under the age of 18 are permitted in the entertainment and shopping areas.