The Crown Casino was penalized a hefty 20 million Australian dollars for violating Victoria’s tax regulations.
The Australian land-based gambling establishment operator, Crown Resorts, has been instructed to pay a substantial 20 million Australian dollar (10.8 million pounds/12.6 million euros/13.8 million dollars) penalty for breaching Victoria’s tax rules.
The penalty was imposed in response to the findings of an inquiry released in 2021 by the Casino Operator and Liquor Royal Commission (RCCOL).
According to the RCCOL, Crown improperly claimed tax deductions by listing the cost of certain promotional activities as prizes awarded. The operator manages the Crown Melbourne casino in Victoria.
The operator was also discovered to have intentionally concealed the nature of these deductions from the state regulatory body between 2013 and 2021.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation served as the regulatory authority during this period. It was subsequently replaced by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
The VGCCC stated that the true nature of the deductions was only unveiled when the RCCOL noticed a document detailing the amount of casino tax not paid. This was one of many documents Crown had disclosed to the Royal Commission for other purposes.
Crown acknowledged that its reporting of tax deductions was incorrect after the Royal Commission exposed its actions. Crown has since paid approximately 61 million dollars.
The Victorian administration has levied a hefty $57.4 million penalty on Crown Casino, encompassing $37.4 million in unpaid gaming levies and $20 million in fines.
Nevertheless, the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Control Commission (VGCCC) opted to impose an extra $20 million penalty on the operator due to the gravity of the transgressions.
Crown Casino had engaged in serious misrepresentation concerning its tax filings.
Fran Thorn, Chair of the VGCCC, stated: “Crown, and all other gaming licensees, have a responsibility to pay gaming taxes to the state government. Crown not only violated its obligations, claiming tax deductions it was not entitled to, but also participated in extensive concealment.
“The VGCCC will not condone this conduct. We anticipate licensees to fulfill their tax commitments and to interact with us in a transparent and collaborative manner.
“The substantial $20 million penalty we have imposed on Crown today conveys a clear message that this behavior will be severely punished.
“This penalty also transmits an important message to other gaming operators about the significance of fulfilling their obligations to pay gaming taxes and of dealing with the regulator in a truthful and open manner.”
In response, Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Wilcot expressed his acceptance of the decisions and findings of the VGCCC and the Royal Commission.
These past transgressions, choices, and actions have no place within the Crown. With new ownership and leadership, we are dedicated to fostering open, collaborative, and transparent connections with regulatory bodies and interested parties, as well as enhancing internal controls and regulatory reporting standards.
Our future Crown plan is driving change across the organization, and we are focused on constructing a Crown that surpasses the expectations of our stakeholders and communities.
This practice ceased in 2021, and Crown has since paid the necessary sums to fulfill its casino tax responsibilities.
Disciplinary Action
This marks the fourth time the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Commission has utilized its more robust enforcement capabilities to take disciplinary action against Crown, targeting the conduct identified by the Royal Commission. Since acquiring these powers, the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Commission has levied a total of $250 million in penalties on Crown.
Last year, the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Commission imposed a record $120 million fine on the company for a series of shortcomings in the state. The Victorian Gambling and Liquor Commission stated that Crown had failed to meet its responsible gambling commitments for years, neglecting to intervene to prevent gambling-related harm.
Also last year, the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Commission fined Crown $80 million for its UnionPay payment procedures. A Victorian Gambling and Liquor Commission investigation discovered that Crown Melbourne improperly permitted customers to use UnionPay credit or debit cards to withdraw funds for gambling between 2012 and 2016.
In the past month, Crown Melbourne and Perth gambling establishments came to an accord with Australia’s financial agency dedicated to combating organized crime. This agreement entails a hefty $450 million fine for violating anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
This settlement signifies the conclusion of a protracted procedure that commenced over twelve months ago. The company has been subjected to rigorous examination due to its past shortcomings in preventing money laundering activities.