Compliance Updates
VGCCC imposes record fines totalling $120 million on Crown Melbourne for Responsible Service of Gambling breaches
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has taken disciplinary action against Crown Melbourne for failing its Responsible Service of Gambling obligations, imposing two fines totalling $120 million.
The Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence found that Crown:
- breached its code of conduct for the Responsible Service of Gambling over many years by consistently failing to intervene to prevent gambling harm allowing customers to often gamble for long periods without a break, sometimes for more than 24 hours, and
- failed to comply with a statutory direction by the regulator to take all reasonable steps to prevent patrons from using plastic picks and other devices to simulate ‘automatic play’ when gambling on certain electronic gaming machines (or ‘pokies’).
Crown has accepted disciplinary action should be taken and the need for it to continue working on reforms to address these and other Responsible Service of Gambling obligations.
Chairperson Fran Thorn said:
“At the Royal Commission, Crown accepted the Responsible Service of Gambling as both a legal obligation and a condition of its social licence to operate. For a long time, Crown failed in its legal and moral obligation to ensure it provided its gambling products and services in a manner which minimised potential harm to its patrons, their families, friends and communities.
“The record fines totalling $120 million that we have imposed on Crown today will send a powerful message to Crown that the Commission will not tolerate misconduct that exposes our community to increased risks of gambling related harm.
“These were not isolated breaches. They were part of a pattern of extensive, sustained and systemic failures by Crown that spanned roughly 12 years.”
“We urge all gambling licence holders to read this decision. This disciplinary action also sounds a warning to all in the Victorian gambling industry that we expect them to do everything they can to minimise the harmful impacts of gambling. The Commission will be resolute in pursuing our new requirement to regulate for harm minimisation, and the industry can expect further action from the Commission on this matter.”
This is the second time the VGCCC has used its stronger enforcement powers to take disciplinary action against Crown for conduct uncovered by the Royal Commission. In May this year the VGCCC fined Crown $80 million over its China Union Pay process. This latest series of fines brings the total fines imposed on Crown by the VGCCC since receiving its strengthened enforcement powers to $200 million.
The VGCCC is also considering further disciplinary proceedings against Crown related to the other findings of the Royal Commission.
Background
The Royal Commission’s findings on Crown’s Responsible Service of Gambling obligations are set out in Chapter 8 of its final report.
Section 69 of the Casino Control Act 1991 makes it a condition of the casino licence for the casino operator to implement a Responsible Service of Gambling code of conduct that complies with certain regulations and Ministerial directions.
Section 23 of the Act is a provision which provides that the VGCCC may give to a casino operator a written direction that relates to the conduct, supervision or control of operations in the casino, and that the operator must comply with the direction as soon as it takes effect.
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Compliance Updates
Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy
Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.
In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.
“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.
The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.
The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Anne Marie Caulfield
GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is encouraging parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of gambling among young people and to intervene early to prevent gambling harm.
The signs of gambling aren’t always visible, the GRAI in partnership with the Health Service Executive Addiction Services have developed dedicated advice on www.grai.ie to equip families with the knowledge to recognise the signs, advice on how to start the conversation with their children about gambling, and where to seek help if required.
To support the guidance, the GRAI has launched a national public awareness campaign across video on demand, radio, digital audio, and social media platforms, bringing this message directly to families across Ireland.
With the lines between entertainment and gambling increasingly blurred, especially online, what may look like harmless fun can still involve risk, money and chance in ways that affect young developing brains. Research commissioned by the GRAI and conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop a gambling problem as adults.
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI said: “We have launched this campaign to help parents start an important conversation about the risks of underage gambling. Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. Children’s brains are still developing the judgement and impulse-control systems used to weigh up risk, which makes gambling appealing to them.
“With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden. The guidance the GRAI developed with the HSE Addiction Services sets out some of the key behavioural signs to look out for in your child.”
The post GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Australia
NSW: EOI Opens for Candidates to Replace Retiring NICC Chief Commissioner and Commissioner
The NSW Government has announced the opening of an expression of interest process for Chief Commissioner and Commissioner roles on the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
On 20 May 2026 the Governor of NSW, on the recommendation of the Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, re-appointed the NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford, and Commissioner Stephen Parbery for additional six-month terms to 24 November 2026.
The reappointments will ensure stability in the NICC’s leadership in coming months and an orderly transition to new commissioners.
Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery have announced they will retire from public service when their tenures expire in November.
Both were inaugural members of the NICC when it was established in September 2022 in response to the Bergin Inquiry recommendations to strengthen casino regulation and oversight in NSW.
Prior to appointment to the NICC, Mr Crawford served as Chairperson of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), while Mr Parbery served as an ILGA board member.
Both Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery played crucial roles in the NICC’s response to the two Bell inquiries into The Star and have contributed to strengthening oversight and accountability across the casino sector including the transition of Crown Sydney to an unrestricted licence.
The appointment process for the NICC Commissioner vacancies is being undertaken in accordance with requirements under the Casino Control Act 1992.
This includes establishment of a selection panel to prepare a list of recommended candidates for consideration by Minister Harris, as well as the appointment of a probity adviser.
The expression of interest process is open until Monday 3 August.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “I thank Philip Crawford and Stephen Parbery for their service and leadership, particularly during a critical period for casino regulation in NSW.
“As Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford has played a key role in ensuring both casino operators meet strict regulatory requirements, following the various casino inquiries.
“His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing complex probity assessments, remediation programs and contingency planning during a period of significant regulatory reform and scrutiny.
“Stephen Parbery has also made a substantial contribution as Commissioner, bringing considerable expertise and judgement to the Commission’s work.
“Both Commissioners have helped drive important regulatory improvements that have restored public confidence in the integrity of casino regulation in NSW, and I thank them for their dedicated service.”
The post NSW: EOI Opens for Candidates to Replace Retiring NICC Chief Commissioner and Commissioner appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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