More trouble for Crown Melbourne over blank cheque scheme allegations

Crown Melbourne may be slapped with a new $100m fine over allegations staff exchanged blank cheques with patrons in exchange for gambling chips.

Crown Melbourne could be hit with a new fine up to $100m after the state’s gambing regulator launched action over an alleged blank cheque scheme.

Accusations about the practice, which breaks strict laws about finances at the venue, were first exposed during the 2021 royal commission.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) on Thursday revealed it had started fresh disciplinary action against Crown Melbourne.

The move is based on revelations at the royal commission that casino staff had exchanged blank cheques to patrons in exchange for gambling chips.

The hearings were also told patrons received chips after providing bank cheques that were made out to themselves.

A notice has been issued to Crown, the third action since the royal commission handed down its findings.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission on Thursday revealed it had started fresh disciplinary action against Crown Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

Punishments available include a fine of up to $100m, changes to the casino licence and a letter of censure.

“The Casino Control Act establishes restrictions on Crown’s financial interactions with its patrons,” VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn said.

“These restrictions are vital because they protect patrons from gambling beyond their means and guard the Melbourne Casino against criminal influence and exploitation.

“The Royal Commission found that Crown adopted practices involving the use of blank cheques and bank cheques that breached these important restrictions.”

“The VGCCC will make a further announcement once it has considered Crown’s response and determined the appropriate disciplinary action.

In May, the gambling commission hit Crown with $80m over a scheme used to illegally transfer funds from China.