Canberra Casino bus campaign game comes to an end

THE ACT gaming and racing commission has been urged to take strong action against Casino Canberra for "predatory behaviour" over its Cabramatta-to-Canberra bus.

Fairfield councillor Thang Ngo wrote to the commission last week and the commission has since asked the casino to explain its actions.

Canberra Casino originally advertised the courtesy bus in the local Vietnamese press.

After weeks of complaints reported by the Champion - and subsequently in the national media - the advertisements have now been withdrawn. But not the bus itself.

Casino spokesman Peter Cursley said yesterday it had stopped advertising in the local Vietnamese press because the campaign had "run its course".

The package offers meals, bus to and from Canberra, one night's twin share accommodation and a tour of the national capital.

The price was $60 but there is a condition that patrons must "buy in" to the casino for a minimum $1000.

"There is a voluntary code of conduct in the ACT and the casino doesn't believe they have breached this," Des McKee, the commission's manager of casino interactive gaming regulation, said.

Fairfield Champion 18, Sept 2002