Victoria Government grants Crown Melbourne two-year carded play extension
The casino will have until the end of 2027 to implement carded play on its electronic table games.
Key points:
– The Victorian Government has given Crown Melbourne until the end of 2027 to implement carded play on its electronic table games
– It follows investigations into AML/ CTF failings
– Some have criticised the move
The Victorian Government has granted Crown Melbourne two more years to introduce mandatory carded play to its electronic table games, despite the potential this brings for money laundering.
Legislation introduced by Police Minister Anthony Carbines will give the casino until the end of 2027 to introduce the system, which was initially set to be introduced by the end of this year. Crown has insisted that introducing the system this year would have resulted in significant job losses, though some MPs and safer gaming advocates have voiced frustration.
Carded play allows players to set spending limits before using electronic machines and requires a casino membership (hence carded play) to use. This system has been in place for slot machines at Crown Melbourne since 2023, but it seems table games are struggling to match the pace.
Good to know: The Crown Melbourne appointed a new CEO, Ed Domingo, in March
On the decision, Gambling Alliance Reform spokesman Tim Costello said: “The royal commission found they shouldn’t retain a licence unless they do these things. It is all too cosy with an ex-minister chairing the Crown board and Labor seeming to look after their mates.”
A Crown spokesperson disagreed, stating: “Crown is leading the way with responsible gambling measures.”
This all comes following investigations into the Crown for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing failings. While the findings were significant, at one point being fined AU$450m (US$294m), it did not result in the operator losing its licence. However, the investigation has called for major reform – some of which it seems the casino is putting off.
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