Crown Casino accused of fixing poker machines by former staffers
Victoria's gambling watchdog is set to launch an investigation into Crown Casino after the group was hit with stunning allegations of illegal conduct.
Tasmanian MP Andrew Wilkie claimed in parliament Crown staff were fixing poker machines to rip off punters.
Three former staff members have come forward claiming Crown tampered with the memory on the machines so they paid out less and disabled certain buttons.
They also claimed staff gave pokie players plastic picks to jam into the buttons and allow continuous play.
The gambling giant is also accused of helping clients avoid money laundering laws and turning a blind eye to domestic violence and drug use.
"I can't emphasise enough these are very serious allegations, allegations of criminal behaviour," Mr Wilkie said.
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The group has strongly denied the claims.
"Crown Resorts rejects the allegations made today under parliamentary privilege by Mr Andrew Wilkie MP, as reported in the media, concerning the improper manipulation of poker machines and other illegal or improper conduct at Crown Casino in Melbourne," Crown said.
Victoria's gaming minister Marlene Kairouz met with the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation on Wednesday after the allegations were raised and ordered it to conduct a full investigation.
The VCGLR has also issued a statement, saying it would act.
"We take any claims of this type extremely seriously and they will be thoroughly investigated," a spokeswoman said in a statement.
