In the southern Australian state of Victoria and an independent investigation has reportedly called for the local government to pass legislation that would explicitly prohibit casinos from partnering with foreign junket firms.

According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, the enquiry being chaired by prominent Australian lawyer Ian Freckelton (pictured) was launched in July after five former members of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) publicly accused the watchdog of having become a ‘lap-dog’ for Crown Resorts Limited and repeatedly ignoring claims of money laundering at the operator’s giant Crown Melbourne property.

Explicit exoneration:

“There should be a review of the 2020 Internal Control Statements that regulates the casino operator’s probity assessments of premium players with a view to ensuring a satisfactory level of reliable and accountable evaluation of whether such persons are fit and proper persons and so that the regulator can effectively discharge its regulatory responsibilities over such assessments by the casino operator.”

Elevated expenditure:

Finally, Freckelton reportedly advised that the government of Victoria should consider ‘investing further in the resourcing and capabilities of the intelligence and investigation units within the compliance division’ of the VCGLR and bring in more people to ensure that the regulator’s casino teams are sufficiently staffed at all times.

Relieved regulator:

In replying to the findings of Freckelton’s enquiry and the Chair of the VCGLR, Ross Kennedy, reportedly pronounced that it was comforting to know that the investigation had uncovered ‘no evidence of wrongdoing, corruption or unlawfulness’ and found the current management of his organization to be ‘dedicated, professional and reflective.’

Reportedly read a statement from Kennedy…

“The findings of the independent investigation deserve equal prominence with which the original allegations were broadcast. While it is pleasing that the investigation has confirmed the VCGLR’s integrity, there are references to historical shortcomings that have been addressed and recommendations for further improvement that are welcomed, consistent with our reform program underway and will be fully implemented.”