Australia
Steve McCann Steps Down as Crown Resorts CEO
Following the $8.9 billion takeover of Crown Resorts by US investment firm Blackstone, the CEO of the Australian casino and hotels giant Steve McCann has announced he will step down.
McCann, who is also the CEO of Crown Melbourne, will be replaced by Wynn Macau Limited chief operating officer Ciarán Carruthers – commencing in September this year.
The outgoing CEO has only been in the top job for just over a year, and was initially appointed to fill the void left by the departure of Ken Barton following the Bergin Inquiry into Crown’s suitability to hold a casino licence.
That review ultimately determined the company was unsuitable to operate a casino at its recently completed Barangaroo tower, but in the months since the company has been granted conditional approval to open gaming operations in Sydney.
Crown says in the 13 months McCann was CEO he oversaw comprehensive cultural change, realised “significant” operational improvements, and achieved approval for Crown Sydney to commence gaming operations.
“We thank Steve for his leadership over the last 13 months, including implementing a strong reform and remediation plan and improving the culture of Crown Resorts. We wish the best for him as he pursues other opportunities,” says Blackstone head of real estate Australia, Christ Tynan.
“Blackstone is committed to investing in Crown, helping it realise its true potential as a world-class leader in travel and leisure. Part of that involves bringing in global expertise to complement the existing skills within the business.
“Ciarán Carruthers is a highly experienced and respected industry veteran who shares our commitment to continuing the transformation at Crown and delivering an exceptional experience for all visitors.”
McCann says he is “incredibly proud” of what he and his team have achieved during his tenure as CEO, which “laid the foundations for Crown’s next chapter”.
“I came into this role at a very challenging time for Crown and I will leave Crown proud that we have made a positive impact on the future of this business,” says McCann.
“I’d like to thank the hardworking board members of Crown who have provided me tremendous support, as well as every member of the team who has contributed their important part.
“Crown is an incredible place – from its properties to its product and its people. It has been an honour to be part of the team and I look forward to seeing Crown’s continued success as part of the Blackstone family and under the stewardship of Ciarán, who have my full support in their vision to help Crown realise its full potential.”
Australia
SkyCity Appoints Jason Walbridge as Chief Executive Officer
SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited has appointed Jason Walbridge as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Jason has more than two decades of senior executive public company experience in the global land-based and online gaming industries. He is currently a Strategic Advisor to global gaming and technology company Aristocrat Leisure Limited on its proposed acquisition of NeoGames S.A, and Executive Chairman of National Entertainment Network LLC, the largest amusement route operator in the US. He has been appointed to the role after an extensive international search.
SkyCity Board Chair Julian Cook said: “The Board is delighted to announce Jason’s appointment as CEO of SkyCity, and we are looking forward to the valuable contribution Jason will make to the business. Jason has extensive global experience in the land-based and online gaming industries, which will position him well to lead SkyCity through its next phases.”
Mr Walbridge said: “It will be a privilege to lead SkyCity, and I am excited to be joining the business at this time as SkyCity looks to pursue the many opportunities ahead of it.”
Mr Walbridge is expected to start in early July 2024, following his move back to New Zealand.
Prior to his current roles, Mr Walbridge held roles with the online gaming supplier NYX Gaming Group Limited and its acquirer Light & Wonder Inc, and before that he spent 18 years with Aristocrat Leisure Limited where he held executive leadership roles in New Zealand and the US. Previously, he held senior roles within consulting, including with Ernst & Young, and was an Officer in the New Zealand Defence Force. Mr Walbridge holds an MBA in International Management from the Auckland Institute of Studies.
Mr Cook confirmed that Callum Mallett will continue as Interim Chief Executive Officer until Mr Walbridge’s commencement date.
“I’d like to thank Callum for his continued leadership and his support during this period,” Mr Cook said.
The post SkyCity Appoints Jason Walbridge as Chief Executive Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
VGCCC Fines BlueBet AU$50,000 for Gambling Advertising Breaches
BlueBet has been fined AU$50,000 by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for breaching gambling advertising regulations.
The company was found guilty of 43 charges related to displaying gambling advertisements on or above public roads, contravening the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.
The charges stemmed from an investigation initiated by VGCCC, following a complaint from a member of the public. The breaches occurred over a two-week period in August and September 2022, with BlueBet’s gambling advertisements appearing on digital billboards at various locations, including Point Cook, Laverton, Rockbank and Ravenhall.
Magistrate Greg Thomas, overseeing the case, expressed scepticism about BlueBet’s defence that it was unaware of the breaches, given the strategic placement of the billboards to target males aged 15-54 years old. While no conviction was recorded, Magistrate Thomas noted the high degree of negligence exhibited by BlueBet.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said: “Gambling advertising has no place on public roads where it is readily visible to children and other vulnerable groups. These places are especially difficult to avoid as part of day-to-day activities. This decision sends a clear message to wagering providers that flout these protections for our community.”
Although Magistrate Thomas considered imposing a higher fine and recording a conviction, he took into account BlueBet’s guilty plea, cooperation with VGCCC and measures taken to prevent future breaches. BlueBet has implemented changes to prevent similar incidents and has cooperated with VGCCC throughout the process.
The post VGCCC Fines BlueBet AU$50,000 for Gambling Advertising Breaches appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
VGCCC Introduces New Rules for Wagering Account Statements
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has introduced new standards for how activity statements should be presented to wagering account holders. The new standards require providers to use plain English and avoid unnecessary vocabulary. The use of colours is limited to black and red to represent losses.
The VGCCC took the measure after finding inconsistencies in the way information was displayed on sample activity statements across different providers. Account holders must be able to see how much of their own money they have lost, with free and bonus bets excluded from the net loss figures. Net wins must be shown with stakes deducted. The gambling harm taglines that appear at the end of wagering ads must be displayed on each statement.
The new standards came into force on April 1. Failure to comply could result in a penalty of 60 penalty units, equivalent to AU$11,538.60 for each non-compliant activity statement issued.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said: “The days of inconsistent player activity statements are over. Wagering account holders will be better informed about their spending – and therefore better equipped to make informed decisions about their gambling – thanks to the clarity and fairness these changes bring.”
The post VGCCC Introduces New Rules for Wagering Account Statements appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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