CROWN FINED $300K FOR TAMPERING WITH POKIES

Crown Casino has been slapped with a $300,000 fine over charges of tampering with poker machines on its casino floor.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) found Crown guilty of violating the Gambling Regulation Act of 2003 when the casino operator “adjusted” its gaming machines.

The action followed a trial run at the casino for three and a half weeks during March and April 2017, when certain buttons were hidden on 17 gaming machines so that only minimum and maximum betting options were available.

“This is the largest fine the commission has issued to Crown and reflects the seriousness with which it considers the matter,” said a VCGLR spokesperson.

The VCGLR said its probe was initiated on the testimonies of whistle blowers that Australian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie presented to the House of Representatives’ federation chamber in October 2017.

In a statement, Crown Resorts Ltd said the trial did not affect the return-to-player ratio.

“While Crown Melbourne’s position throughout this process was that the gaming machine trial did not require the prior approval of the commission, Crown Melbourne respects the commission’s decision, which brings this process to a close,” it said.

The VCGLR also asked Crown to provide an updated compliance framework within six months and explain how it will prevent a similar matter happening again.

Sources: news.com.au / ABC / calvinayre.com