Gamblers in Melbourne's Crown Casino to Take Mandatory Breaks

The Victorian State Government has announced plans to reduce the harm caused by gambling at Melbourne's Crown Casino. Part of the strategy is making 15-minute gaming breaks for customers obligatory. This move follows the Royal Commission's inquiry into Crown Casino's suitability to hold a casino permit.

In the proposed regulations, customers engaging in gambling activities for a non-stop period of three hours will take a 15-minute break. Crown Casino customers would also take a 24-hour break after wagering for more than 12 hours daily. Crown Casino customers can gamble for a maximum of 36 hours weekly.

The new regulations also allow employees like live dealers and pit bosses at Crown Casino to turn away customers who have not fulfilled the mandatory breaks. Note that the new rules don't apply to other land-based venues and regulated online live casinos. 

ABC.net.au quoted Victoria State's Casino and Gaming minister, Melissa Horne, saying that the new measures will tackle problem gambling. Horne commented on the Royal Commission's findings that exposed predatory behavior towards those struggling on the gaming floor and slots.

"Being able to encourage a patron to take a break from the gambling floor and to discuss harm services is another important step in making sure that we've got a casino that has to be a global leader in the reduction of gambling harm," the minister added.

It's worth noting that Crown nearly lost its operating license in Australia after the 2021 Royal Commission report was publicized. The investigation found that the gambling organization evaded paying taxes worth millions of dollars and was associated with criminal gangs. 

The report also accuses Crown Casino of facilitating vast money laundering in the state. Further, the inquiry established that the gaming business could not prevent its personnel from being convicted in China and is notorious for disregarding regulations for responsible gambling.