Australia sets probe on Crown

Crown Resorts operations to be probed by the Australian authorities as new accusations emerge.

Australia.- The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) has warned operators of Crown Resorts over alleged gaming frauds. The company could now be probed to investigate the accusations of “using blanking buttons on a limited number of electronic gaming machines” in Crown Melbourne casino.

“The commission has commenced disciplinary proceedings against the casino operator,” a VCGLR spokeswoman told the Sydney Morning Herald. “These proceedings relate to the use of blanking of buttons on certain electronic gaming machines on the casino floor.”

According to the gaming authority, if the investigation proves that operators have breached the Gambling Regulation Act, disciplinary action against the company “could include the cancellation, suspension or variation of its casino license, the imposition of a fine or a letter of censure” as established by gaming regulations.

Meanwhile, Crown Resorts published a statement answering the allegations: “The Commission’s view is that the trial involved varying a gaming machine type and certain games in a manner that required the Commission’s prior approval. Crown Melbourne’s position is that the trial did not require prior approval, and therefore there has been no contravention of the GRA.”