Crown Melbourne is one of Australia’s biggest casinos, and the operator has a lot to lose with the introduction of new problem gambling measures in Victoria. As such, the state has offered Crown Melbourne up to $200 million compensation if the new safe gambling protocols interfere with its bottom line.
According to a new report in The Guardian, the controversial deal was passed through the Victorian parliament’s upper house earlier this week. While the aim of the deal is to keep one of the state’s biggest tourist attractions economically, viable, it has attracted a great deal of criticisms. The Greens are particularly incensed.
“They’ve insured against measures that will actually reduce problem gambling,” says Greg Barber, upper house member of the Victoria Greens. “Therefore, they must know that a significant amount of their profits come from gambling-related harm.” It seems to cancel out the state’s recent safe gambling initiatives.
Over the course of the past year, the Victorian government has taken steps towards reducing gambling harm with a wide range of laws that aim to limit gambling spending in the country. However, Crown Casino will still be able to cash in from taxpayers despite the government’s plans to reduce problem gambling and gambling spending.
The deal will also see Crown’s casino licence extended to 2050, and it will allow the company to offer 100 more poker tables. In return, Crown Casino will pay the government $900 million, $250 million of which will be paid within seven days of the deal being finalised. Mr Barber has noted that the deal sets a dangerous precedent across the country.
Now that Crown Melbourne has been awarded potential compensation, other casino operators across the state and around Australia may request similar deals.
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