Crown Casino has been hit with a record $120 million fine by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for failing to comply with responsible service of gambling obligations.
This latest fine is in addition to an $80 million fine Crown copped for its involvement in a scheme that involved the illegal transfer of funds.
A royal commission led by respected jurist Ray Finkelstein found multiple cases of Crown failing to follow responsible gambling rules.
VGCCC chair Fran Thorn said that the gambling giant has accepted its behaviour was non-compliant at the Royal Commission.
“For a long time, Crown failed in its legal and moral obligation to ensure it provided its gambling products and services in a manner which minimised potential harm to its patrons, their families, friends and communities,’ Thorn said.
“The record fines totalling $120 million that we have imposed on Crown today will send a powerful message to Crown that the Commission will not tolerate misconduct that exposes our community to increased risks of gambling related harm.”
Thorn said the breaches were not isolated and that they were a part of “extensive, sustained and systemic failures” that spanned more than a decade.
She said that the decision handed down by the regulator should be read by all holders of gambling licenses.
“This disciplinary action also sounds a warning to all in the Victorian gambling industry that we expect them to do everything they can to minimise the harmful impacts of gambling. The Commission will be resolute in pursuing our new requirement to regulate for harm minimisation, and the industry can expect further action from the Commission on this matter,” Thorn said.
Further disciplinary action against Crown also follows the recent demands from the Queensland government in show-cause letters sent to Star Entertainment to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against their two casino venues in that state.
