Crown Resorts has escaped having the licence for its Melbourne casino cancelled but faces unprecedented scrutiny over its operations for the next two years after the Victorian royal commission found the company’s behaviour “disgraceful” and that it was unfit to operate the business.

In a move unheard of for a public company, Commissioner Raymond Finkelstein, QC, recommended a “special manager” be appointed to oversee Crown, with powers to direct its board, veto decisions, and ultimately recommend whether it retains its licence.