Crown Casino Melbourne: Royal Commission and Key Facts

For nearly two decades, Crown Casino Melbourne reigned as Australia’s premier entertainment destination, a sprawling complex that locals drove past without a second thought and tourists flocked to for its sheer scale. Then, in 2021, a royal commission tore through its carefully constructed facade, revealing systemic failures in money laundering controls and organized crime links.

Opened: 1994 ·
Gaming tables: 540 ·
Poker machines: 2,600 ·
Gaming area: 220,000 sq ft ·
Owner: Blackstone (since 2022)

The table below compiles the essential metrics and current status of Crown Melbourne.

What happened to Crown Casino Melbourne?

The short answer: a royal commission found Crown Melbourne unsuitable to hold a casino license in October 2021, triggering a two-year probation, a Blackstone takeover, and a still-unfolding transformation plan. The longer version starts in February 2021, when the Victorian government announced a Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence, appointing Raymond Finkelstein QC as Commissioner (Travel Weekly Australia (travel industry publication)). The trigger was a finding by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority that Crown was unsuitable for a Sydney Barangaroo casino licence.

Royal Commission findings

• The commission delivered its report to the Governor on 15 October 2021 (Royal Commission Official Archive (Victorian government inquiry)).
• Key findings included systemic money laundering failures, inadequate anti-money laundering controls, and links to organized crime.
• Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews stated the commission aimed to ensure “the highest standards of probity” for casino licence holders (Travel Weekly Australia (travel industry publication)).

License conditions and fines

• Following the report, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) placed Crown Melbourne under special manager oversight.
• A two-year probation period ended in March 2024, with the VGCCC deeming Crown suitable to retain its monopoly casino licence (ABC News Australia (national broadcaster)).
• Regulator chair Fran Thorne confirmed Crown addressed the Royal Commission’s failings and met suitability requirements (ABC News Australia (national broadcaster)).

Blackstone acquisition

• In 2022, private equity firm Blackstone acquired Crown Resorts, ending the Packer era that began with the 2007 restructure.
• The takeover occurred amid the fallout from the royal commission and simultaneous scrutiny in Western Australia (Travel Weekly Australia (travel industry publication)).
• Blackstone has since overseen a transformation plan with three public status reports as of 2025 (Crown Resorts Official Site (casino operator)).

Does Crown Casino Melbourne close?

No — Crown Melbourne remains open as of 2025. The casino operates daily except Christmas Day, with its gaming floors, 14 restaurants, and three hotels fully functioning. The question of closure, however, has more nuance than a simple yes or no.

Current operating status

• Crown Melbourne’s casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except Christmas Day.
• The VGCCC confirmed in March 2024 that Crown met all probation conditions, removing the immediate threat of license revocation (ABC News Australia (national broadcaster)).
• A special manager remains in place for continued oversight.

Past temporary closures

• During COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, Crown Melbourne closed for extended periods as mandated by Victorian public health orders.
• These closures were pandemic-related, not tied to regulatory action.

Future uncertainty

• No permanent closure has been announced by Crown Resorts or the Victorian government.
• The 2025 transformation plan stage three focuses on “business strengthening,” not wind-down (Crown Resorts Official Site (casino operator)).

The implication: Crown’s ability to generate revenue is now tied to a costly compliance overhaul that investors will watch closely.

How many Crown casinos are in Melbourne?

There is one Crown casino in Melbourne, located on the Yarra River’s south bank in the Southbank precinct. It is the only casino in Victoria, operating under a monopoly license granted by the state government.

Only one Crown casino in Melbourne

The Crown Melbourne complex includes the main casino floor, three hotels (Crown Towers, Crown Metropol, Crown Promenade), a convention centre, and a retail precinct. No second Crown property exists in Melbourne.

Other Crown properties in Australia

• Crown Perth — operates in Western Australia, also under scrutiny following the NSW inquiry (Travel Weekly Australia (travel industry publication)).
• Crown Sydney — opened at Barangaroo in 2020 under strict conditions; originally the license was denied for gaming, later resolved.

The pattern: Crown’s monopoly in Victoria means any regulatory failure threatens the entire state’s gambling oversight.

Is Crown Melbourne the biggest casino?

Yes — Crown Melbourne is the largest casino in Australia by gaming floor area and one of the largest in the world. Its gaming area spans 220,000 sq ft (20,000 m²), approximately twice the size of the largest casino on the Las Vegas Strip (ABC News Australia (national broadcaster)).

Size compared to other Australian casinos

This comparison shows how Crown Melbourne dwarfs its national competitors.

Gaming floor area and table count

• 540 table games including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variants.
• 2,600 poker machines (slots and electronic table games).
• The complex also houses a VIP gaming area, high-limit salons, and the Mahogany Room for premium players.

What this means: the casino’s grandeur now carries a built-in penalty of higher regulatory costs.

Where did Taylor Swift stay in Melbourne?

During her Eras Tour stop in Melbourne in February 2024, Taylor Swift stayed at the Crown Towers presidential suite, a penthouse on the complex’s 27th floor. The booking made headlines as Swift chose the complex that had survived a royal commission crisis.

Crown Towers penthouse suite

• The presidential suite spans 3,600 sq ft with panoramic views of the Yarra River and city skyline.
• Crown Towers is one of three hotels within the Crown Melbourne complex, rated 5-star by tourism bodies.
• Swift’s stay was widely reported in Australian media as a boost to Crown’s post-scandal image.

Celebrity stays at Crown Melbourne

• Crown Melbourne has hosted numerous celebrities including Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, and various AFL grand final attendees.
• The luxury accommodation and private VIP access make it a preferred choice for high-profile visitors.

The implication: high‑profile bookings signal that the property’s reputation is recovering, at least among entertainers.

What is the dress code at Crown Casino Melbourne?

Crown Melbourne enforces a smart casual dress code across its gaming floors and restaurants. The official policy prohibits thongs (flip-flops), singlets, torn or dirty clothing, and offensive logos. Guests wearing work boots, gym wear, or swimwear may also be refused entry.

What is the minimum age to enter Crown Casino Melbourne?

The minimum age to enter Crown Casino Melbourne is 18 years old. Valid photo identification (Australian driver’s licence, passport, or proof of age card) must be presented upon request. The casino does not admit minors even if accompanied by an adult.

Is there a fee to enter Crown Casino Melbourne?

There is no entry fee for Crown Casino Melbourne. Entry is free for all guests aged 18 and over. Crown Rewards members receive additional benefits including priority entry and complimentary valet parking.

Can I take photographs inside Crown Casino Melbourne?

Photography is strictly prohibited on the gaming floor of Crown Casino Melbourne. This policy protects patron privacy and security. Photos are permitted in non-gaming areas such as hotel lobbies, restaurants, and the convention centre, provided they do not capture gaming equipment or staff.

Does Crown Casino Melbourne have a hotel?

Yes — Crown Melbourne has three hotels on-site: Crown Towers (5-star luxury), Crown Metropol (4.5-star modern), and Crown Promenade (4-star accessible). Combined, they offer over 1,600 rooms, suites, and penthouses, including the presidential suite where Taylor Swift stayed.

How can I get to Crown Casino Melbourne by public transport?

• Tram: Routes 96, 109, and 112 stop at Crown Casino/Batman Avenue.
• Train: Flinders Street Station is a 10-minute walk across the Yarra River via the Sandridge Bridge.
• Bus: Several routes service the Southbank precinct including routes 234, 236, 237.
• Free tram zone: Crown Melbourne is within the free tram zone in the CBD, making access free for city visitors.

What happens if I win a large jackpot at Crown Melbourne?

For jackpot wins over AU$10,000, Crown Melbourne deducts withholding tax at the source. Australian residents do not pay additional tax on gambling winnings — the casino is required to report the win to the Australian Tax Office but the winnings themselves are tax-free under current Australian law (ABC News Australia (national broadcaster)). Non-residents may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on winnings over AU$10,000.

Crown Melbourne timeline

• 1994: Crown Casino opens in Melbourne (Crown Resorts Official Site).
• 2007: Crown Limited restructures; James Packer becomes major shareholder (Crown Resorts Official Site).
• 2016-2020: Reports of money laundering and links to organized crime emerge (ABC News Australia).
• October 2021: Victoria royal commission finds Crown unsuitable to hold a casino license (Royal Commission Official Archive).
• 2022: Blackstone acquires Crown Resorts (Travel Weekly Australia).
• 2022-2024: License conditions enforced; new compliance measures implemented (ABC News Australia).
• March 2024: VGCCC deems Crown suitable; probation ends (ABC News Australia).
• 2025: Third public status report on transformation plan released (Crown Resorts Official Site).

The catch: the timeline shows that Crown has faced continuous regulatory pressure since 2016, with the 2021 royal commission as the inflection point.

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

The pattern: the confirmed facts are well‑sourced, while the unclear items highlight gaps in public reporting and unverifiable operational details.

Quotes from key voices

“The Royal Commission concluded that Crown was not suitable to hold the casino licence. It was a damning indictment of the culture and practices at the highest levels of the company.”

— Commissioner Ray Finkelstein QC, 2021 Royal Commission report

“We have been working tirelessly to address the failings identified by the Royal Commission. The transformation plan is comprehensive and we are committed to earning back the trust of regulators and the community.”

— Steve McCann, Crown Resorts CEO, 2024 (as reported by ABC News Australia (national broadcaster))

For Melbourne visitors and investors, the choice is clear: Crown remains open, but the era of unchecked operations is over. The commission’s legacy is not a closed casino but a constantly monitored one — and that monitoring is the new normal.

Related reading: Fun Things to Do in Melbourne

For a broader overview of the casino’s operations across the country, readers may consult the Crown Casino Australia guide covering all three locations.

Frequently asked questions