Crown Faces Reprimand from VGCCC due to Pre-Commitment Lapses
Crown Melbourne, one of Australia's leading casino and hospitality giants, has been formally reprimanded by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for multiple violations of Victoria's gambling harm minimization laws.
The breaches centred around the mandatory YourPlay pre-commitment program on poker machines, a local requirement designed to help gamblers control their play and prevent excessive losses. Between December 2023 and mid-2024, Crown allowed at least 22 customers to continue gambling after exceeding their self-set time or spending limits, and an additional 10 customers used YourPlay accounts not registered in their legal names to gamble on poker machines[1][2].
The YourPlay pre-commitment program requires players to set binding limits on the amount of time and money they will spend before gambling. Crown Melbourne’s failure to enforce these rules constituted a breach of its legal obligations to minimize gambling harm. The VGCCC emphasized that these were isolated incidents; however, Crown's breaches resulted in a formal censure[1][2].
Chris O’Neill, Chair of the VGCCC, highlighted the importance of pre-commitment programs to help prevent harm. He stated that the reprimand is now on Crown's record, signalling that future or repeated violations may lead to more severe regulatory penalties[2].
It is imperative for casino operators to meet their pre-commitment obligations, as stated by O'Neill. The VGCCC places emphasis on holding the industry accountable for gambling harm. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of pre-commitments in reducing problem gambling[1].
Poker machines are considered high-risk, high-harm products. The VGCCC would take action upon identifying regulatory breaches. They recently penalized QuestBet, and the reprimand against Crown is now on their record[1][2][3].
In addition to the 22 customers who exceeded their pre-committed limits, another 10 customers were able to gamble on casino poker machines using a YourPlay account that was not associated with their legal name between December 23, 2024, and August 4, 2024[1]. The YourPlay pre-commitment program seeks to ensure players are familiar with the risks and make informed decisions.
The VGCCC warned that further violations may prompt more serious regulatory action. O'Neill highlighted the serious risk that poker machines pose to players and emphasized that the casino industry has a responsibility to protect its customers from harm[2].
References:
[1] Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. (2024). Media Release: VGCCC censure of Crown Melbourne. [Online] Available at: https://www.vgccc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/vgccc-censure-of-crown-melbourne
[2] O'Neill, C. (2024). Statement on Crown Melbourne censure. [Online] Available at: https://www.vgccc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/statements/statement-on-crown-melbourne-censure
[3] Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. (2023). YourPlay Pre-commitment. [Online] Available at: https://www.yourplay.vic.gov.au/
