Casino Complex Crown Melbourne Granted Additional Two Years to Implement Crucial Gaming Adjustment
The Victorian government has made a significant decision regarding Crown Melbourne's gaming operations, extending the deadline for the implementation of mandatory card play for table games to December 2027. This move comes amidst ongoing discussions about Crown's future oversight and the state's dedication to gambling reform and efforts to fight money laundering.
The government commissioner who proposed this extension is Clare O'Neil. The change aims to replace cash deals at tables with a system where players use signed-up accounts, thereby enhancing transparency and potentially curbing illegal activities.
Crown, the global leader in responsible gaming initiatives, has already implemented carded play on all slot machines at its Melbourne venue. The company also plans to expand carded play to electronic table games in the near future.
The initial deadline, suggested by the 2021 Royal Commission, was set for the end of 2025. However, the final outcome of the bill's passage remains uncertain due to ongoing talks.
The decision not to include required loss limits in the carded play program has led the Alliance for Gambling Reform to stop supporting it. This organisation, along with some Labour MPs, has criticised the holdup, claiming it goes against the government's commitment to cleaning up the industry.
Crown regained its casino license last year following a major internal overhaul due to findings of widespread wrongdoing, including tax shortfalls, helping illegal money transfers, and targeting problem gamblers. The company has stated that an earlier cutoff date might have resulted in up to 1,200 job losses.
The tech for cashless betting at regular tables is still in development, according to government officials. Meanwhile, pubs and clubs in Melbourne and Ballarat are set to start testing carded play next month.
The Australian news outlet The Age reported this extension of the deadline. The change is being discussed in relation to the state's dedication to gambling reform and efforts to fight money laundering. The bill to make the extended deadline official is currently in parliament.
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