The Andrews Labor Government has asked the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) to bring forward the Seventh Casino Review.
A dedicated commissioner will be appointed to the VCGLR to investigate the suitability of Crown Casino to hold Victoria’s sole casino licence.
Under section 25 of the Casino Control Act 1991, the VCGLR is required to review the suitability of Crown’s casino licence in intervals that do not exceed five years. The most recent investigation, the Sixth Casino Review, occurred in 2018.
In light of recent evidence heard in the ongoing Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) inquiry in New South Wales, the government will bring forward the next review to examine Crown’s licence suitability in Victoria.
The ILGA Inquiry will hand down its findings in February 2021, but there is a need for immediate response in Victoria given concerning evidence presented throughout the course of the NSW investigation.
The sessional commissioner will be appointed soon, and will report its findings to the Minister in 2021. The government will take any appropriate and necessary action at the conclusion of the investigation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne
“We’re making sure Crown Melbourne conducts its business in a transparent and appropriate manner.”
“This review is needed given the evidence we’ve seen come out of the NSW inquiry.”
“While we await the findings of that investigation, it’s appropriate to bring forward the next review to ensure Crown Melbourne is suitable to hold a licence in Victoria.”
Reviewed 16 December 2020