Victorian government brings forward investigation into suitability of Crown Casino’s gaming licence

Crown Casino Melbourne could be stripped of its licence as the Victorian government orders an investigation into the gaming venue.

Melbourne’s Crown Casino is under threat of losing its licence with the Victorian government bringing forward an investigation into the controversial gaming venue.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) will review the state’s largest single-site private sector employer following “concerning evidence” which came out of a NSW inquiry into Crown Sydney.

It was revealed the NSW gambling regulator last month blocked the planned launch of the casino group’s new $2.2 billion Sydney gaming complex.

The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority halted the opening after Crown made an 11th-hour submission to the Bergin inquiry — held this year to probe the suitability of Crown Resorts to hold a Sydney gaming licence — about criminals allegedly laundering cash through Crown in Melbourne and Perth.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) will review Crown Melbourne. Picture: Scott Barbour/AAP

A dedicated commissioner will be appointed to the VCGLR to hold the seventh Crown Casino review.

The state’s Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne said there was “a need for an immediate response” in Victoria following “concerning evidence” presented during the course of the NSW investigation.

“We’re making sure Crown Melbourne conducts its business in a transparent and appropriate manner,” she said.

“This review is needed given the evidence we’ve seen come out of the NSW inquiry.

“While we await the findings of that investigation, it’s appropriate to bring forward the next review to ensure Crown Melbourne is suitable to hold a licence in Victoria.”

The most recent investigation, the Sixth Casino Review, occurred in 2018.

The ILGA Inquiry will hand down its findings in February 2021.

Originally published as Victorian government brings forward investigation into suitability of Crown Casino’s gaming licence