Victoria has enacted the Casino Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Implementation and Other Matters) Bill 2022, a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at overhauling the state’s casino regulatory system, specifically targeting Crown Melbourne. Introduced in August, the bill received swift approval just over a month later. The amendments were recommended by the Ray Finkelstein-led royal commission, which unveiled extensive misconduct at Crown Melbourne and criticized senior executives for their disregard of ethical, moral, and legal obligations. Crown also faces inquiries in New South Wales and Western Australia. The legislation also introduces a pre-commitment regime for poker machines, requiring players to set spending limits before playing, in line with Finkelstein’s recommendations.
The Royal Commission’s Findings and Recommendations:
The Royal Commission, led by Ray Finkelstein KC, uncovered a range of misconduct issues at Crown Melbourne and highlighted the indifference of senior executives towards their obligations. To address these concerns, Finkelstein recommended significant amendments to the casino regulatory framework. The swift passage of the Casino Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 reflects the government’s commitment to implementing all 12 of the royal commission’s recommendations, particularly those related to money laundering and harm minimization.
Pre-commitment Regime for Poker Machines:
One of the key provisions of the legislation is the introduction of a pre-commitment regime for poker machines. Players will be required to set predetermined spending limits before engaging in play. This measure aims to promote responsible gambling and reduce the risk of excessive losses. The recommendation from the Finkelstein report underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the potential harm associated with gambling.
Implementation Timeline and Compliance:
Crown has been given until the end of 2023 to establish the spending limits, with a deadline of December 2025 for full implementation of all the changes outlined in the legislation. The extended timeline acknowledges the technological developments necessary for Crown to ensure compliance with the law. Failure by Crown to demonstrate a significant improvement in its conduct will result in the automatic revocation of its casino license. This strict accountability framework emphasizes the government’s determination to hold Crown Melbourne to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
Minister’s Statement and Objectives:
Melissa Horne, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, affirmed the government’s commitment to accountability and the implementation of the royal commission’s recommendations. The legislation represents world-leading reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence of the failures exposed by the royal commission. By targeting money laundering and harm minimization, the government aims to restore public trust in the casino industry and ensure the protection of consumers and the community.
Victoria’s swift enactment of the Casino Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 demonstrates the government’s determination to implement sweeping reforms in response to the royal commission’s findings. By holding Crown Melbourne accountable and introducing world-leading measures, the state aims to prevent the recurrence of misconduct and safeguard the integrity of the casino industry. The pre-commitment regime for poker machines underscores the commitment to responsible gambling practices. As Crown faces inquiries in other states, the comprehensive reforms in Victoria serve as a significant step toward restoring public confidence and establishing a robust regulatory framework.