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Gaming Regulators To Probe Crown Over Pokie Tampering Claims

Crown has rejected Andrew Wilkie's allegations.
Crown Casino in Melbourne is now under investigation by gaming regulators.
Jason Reed / Reuters
Crown Casino in Melbourne is now under investigation by gaming regulators.

Victoria's gaming regulator will investigate sensational claims Crown Casino tampered with poker machines and engaged in other improper conduct.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie used federal parliamentary privilege on Wednesday to make the allegations about the gaming giant at its Melbourne gaming precinct.

In a statement to the ASX on Wednesday, Crown hit back at the allegations and called upon Mr Wilkie to give authorities all the information he had relating to the matters alleged.

"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.

Mr Wilkie's allegations were from three anonymous whistleblowers who alleged lower betting options were disabled on machines and buttons modified to allow autoplay - which is banned.

Crown shares finished 51 cents, or 4.3 per cent, lower at $11.24 on Wednesday, after slumping to $10.80 during the day.

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