Crown Melbourne has been hit with a substantial fine after failing to prevent an excluded gambler from playing at the casino for almost 15 hours straight.
Key Takeaways
- Crown Melbourne received a $100,000 fine after an excluded gambler played for nearly 15 hours undetected
- William Hill plans to exit 14 countries in December, primarily affecting African markets
- Former lobbyist Jack Abramoff received three years of probation for cryptocurrency fraud
Crown Melbourne’s Costly Oversight
Crown Melbourne has been penalized with a $100,000 fine after a person previously barred from the property managed to gamble for 14 hours and 40 minutes without intervention. The individual had been excluded from the casino in August last year due to welfare concerns, yet was able to return and play continuously just two months later.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing exclusion protocols at major casino properties, an issue that continues to draw regulatory scrutiny across the gambling industry.
Legal Troubles and Criminal Activity
In Arizona, a 35-year-old man faces potential life imprisonment after attempting to sell thousands of fentanyl pills at Isleta Casino. According to the US Attorney’s Office, District of New Mexico, the suspect initiated contact with an undercover agent from the Isleta Police Department on Facebook in September 2025, discussing the sale of thousands of fentanyl pills.
Meanwhile, former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff has received three years of federal probation for his involvement in cryptocurrency fraud. The court determined there was “Very Little Prospect of Reoffending” and ordered Abramoff to pay $2.2 million in restitution. This case was unrelated to his previous scandals involving tribal casinos.
Law enforcement has also uncovered a money laundering operation utilizing high-stakes casino play. A CNN investigation revealed that underground bankers helped wealthy Chinese gamblers move large amounts of cash through Las Vegas casinos, forming part of a wider federal case.
Industry Movements and Responsible Gaming
William Hill, now owned by Evoke, is preparing to exit 13 countries beginning December 2. The withdrawal primarily affects African markets including Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and others, following last month’s announcement of closures for approximately 200 UK shops.
On the responsible gaming front, BET99 has renewed its partnership with UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre for its latest responsible gambling campaign. St-Pierre, who has represented the company’s responsible gaming initiatives since 2022, appears in new TV and digital spots that incorporate elements of his martial arts background.
Casino Property Developments
The Laughlin River Lodge ownership has agreed to a $1.2 million settlement in a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Beyond the financial settlement announced Tuesday, the company must post notices about the case and implement new protective measures.
In Virginia, Henrico County has filed a legal challenge against the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC), claiming the agency exceeded its authority when approving a license for the new Roseshire Gaming Parlor. The November 12 petition describes the VRC’s decision as “unlawful” and argues the commission overstepped its jurisdiction.
Law enforcement in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin is investigating a shooting that occurred during a poker game at an apartment reportedly known for illegal gambling activities. Police responded to the Reserve at Wauwatosa Apartments around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, following reports of gunfire at what appears to have been a targeted incident.
I remember the first time I saw Kai Tak, Hong Kong’s gambling city, I thought I was in a fairy tale. All the lights blinking, the music and the monumental buildings, what 9-year-old wouldn’t think they’ve come to a magical place? It was my father who brought me, dragging me along and when inside I was hit by the smell of frying duck. As soon as I hit 21 I returned to Kai Tak, A bit nervous to see if my mind had embellished the memory, but it hadn’t. Kai Tak was still a magical place. I decided I wanted to spend as much time as I could at this place, so I did.
