Melbourne’s Crown Casino is stirring up quite the controversy by quietly banning thousands of patrons through a backdoor method that bypasses regulatory oversight. While they claim it’s all about keeping people safe and promoting responsible gambling, both critics and regulators are raising red flags about this shadowy process.
Breaking Down the Ban System
Instead of going through normal channels, Crown has found a clever workaround to exclude people without dealing with the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). This is pretty different from how things usually work. Typically, when someone gets banned, especially through self-exclusion, there’s a whole process with proper oversight to ensure everything’s above board.
By doing things their own way, Crown can kick people out quickly, but there’s a catch, nobody’s really checking if these bans are fair or make sense.
The Watchdog’s Worry
After the Royal Commission put Crown through the wringer, the VGCCC got more muscle to keep the casino in line, including the power to slap them with massive fines. But when Crown uses this unofficial ban system, the watchdog’s basically left in the dark. This is especially concerning given Crown’s track record, they’ve already been hit with a $2 million fine for letting self-excluded gamblers back in.
Crown’s Side of the Story
Crown insists their heart’s in the right place, saying these programs help people take a breather from gambling when they need it. Break the rules, and you’re looking at longer bans, kissing your winnings goodbye, or even paying fines. They say they’re playing by the book and even share their ban lists with other casinos.
What to Do If You’re Affected
If gambling’s becoming a problem for you or someone you care about, here’s what you can do:
Sign up for Crown’s official self-exclusion program
Talk to gambling support services (they’re free and confidential)
Know your rights and get everything in writing
Keep an eye on your Crown Rewards card, it’ll be frozen if you self-exclude
If you think you’ve been banned unfairly, get some legal advice or talk to the VGCCC
The Word on the Street
Local opinions are split, some reckon Crown’s just protecting their bottom line, while others think quick bans make the casino safer for everyone. There’s also the tricky situation where banned people might struggle with their social life or work, which is why we need clear rules and ways to appeal these decisions.
So, do you think quick bans are the right way to promote responsible gambling, or do they need more oversight?
