The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has issued Crown Melbourne with a AU$100,000 (US$67,000) fine after an excluded individual entered the casino and gambled for almost 15 hours without being detected by staff or surveillance systems.
According to the VGCCC the breach occurred on the evening of 31 October 2024 when the person, who had been excluded by Crown in August 2024 for welfare-related reasons, accessed the gaming floor and remained there for 14 hours and 40 minutes.
During that time the individual was not approached by a Crown PlaySafe attendant or any other employee.
VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said the incident demonstrates the importance of robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals. She noted that exclusion remains one of the most important harm minimisation tools available to both casinos and regulators.
Neilan said the breach only came to light after a VGCCC inspector alerted Crown staff to the person's presence. She acknowledged the individual had attempted to conceal their identity but stated that the failure to detect them for such an extended period indicates shortcomings in Crown's protective systems.
Crown Melbourne cooperated with the investigation and has introduced further controls over the past year. These include changes to gaming floor entry points, adjustments to the placement of facial recognition cameras and ongoing training for officers stationed at entry locations.
Neilan said the case reinforces the need for constant vigilance. She emphasised that Crown must ensure its procedures are reviewed regularly so that the likelihood of an excluded person entering the casino is as low as possible.
The VGCCC has strengthened its enforcement framework over the past two years with a specific mandate to reduce gambling harm in Victoria
