VGCCC Introduces New Rules for EGMs at Crown Melbourne

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has changed the rules for electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at the Melbourne casino to help reduce harm.

Key changes are:

• EGM players at the casino will no longer be able to play more than one machine at a time.
• EGM players at the casino cannot use any item to hold down the buttons on unrestricted machines to facilitate continuous play. Continuous play on restricted machines is already prohibited.

The changes mean the rules for EGMs at the casino will better align with the responsible gambling objectives in the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (GR Act) and the Casino Control Act 1991 (CC Act).

The changes also respond to some of the concerns raised by the Victorian Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence (RCCOL) and reflect the VGCCC’s greater oversight in monitoring gambling harm minimisation measures in the casino.

The VGCCC is continuing to consider the Royal Commission’s Report and recommendations and there may be future regulatory action to announce regarding the casino operator.

The VGCCC is able to make rules relating to EGMs at the casino under section 3.5.23(3) of the GR Act.

VGCCC Acting Director Licensing Jason Cremona said the new rules would help reduce the harm from EGMs at the casino.

“Playing more than one machine at a time is not consistent with the responsible gambling objectives contained in the legislation, and nor is playing continuously by using items to hold down an electronic gaming machine button.

“The casino is required to ensure that patrons comply with the rules, and the VGCCC will be monitoring compliance and will take regulatory action should Crown not ensure that the rules are complied with.”

The VGCCC has also made several other technical and administrative rule changes relating to playing on EGMs at the casino.