The package of harm minimisation and crime prevention reforms together will be a world first - and the strongest measures in any casino in Australia. To prevent the illegal transfer of funds through and within the casino, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has already directed Crown Melbourne to hold only a single bank account for patrons to deposit funds. In another Australian-first, patrons will also be required to use casino-issued cards and show ID to gamble or receive winnings of more than $1000. To address major risks associated with money laundering, the use of cash at the casino will be limited to $1000 per 24 hours. This means all Australian residents at the casino must fix a maximum limit on how much they are prepared to lose before gambling on pokies – an Australian first. In line with the Royal Commission’s recommendation, the new laws will protect Victorians by allowing patrons to set limits on how much they intend to spend and track the time and money they are spending via mandatory pre-commitment on all electronic gaming machines at the casino. The Andrews Labor Government is introducing major reforms to tackle gambling related harm and address money laundering at Crown Melbourne, with legislation to implement a further twelve recommendations from the Royal Commission introduced to Parliament today.
