The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of Christopher O’Neill as the new Chairperson of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
O’Neill has served as a Commissioner of the VGCCC since 2022 having worked for 45 years with the Victoria Police, where he held various positions, including Acting Deputy Commissioner in 2016, overseeing Regional Operations, Capability, and Specialist Operations.
He will succeed Fran Thorn, the inaugural Chair, who held the position in the independent statutory authority that regulates Victoria’s gambling industries since January 1st, 2022.
The VGCCC commented that under Thorn it was “re-established as a standalone regulator” and strengthened its oversight of the Melbourne Casino, particularly following the findings of the 2021 Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence.
“Mr. O’Neill […] will bring vital expertise to the position”, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne said in the position announcement.
Horne also acknowledged the significant improvements made to the gambling regulator since its re-establishment in 2022, asserting that O’Neill’s leadership will ensure continuity and the successful implementation of these changes.
“I thank Fran Thorn for her outstanding service to the Commission and her dedication to reducing gambling harm and improving the integrity of the Victorian gambling sector,” she added.
The CEO of the VGCCC, Annette Kimmitt, has also recently announced she is going to be retiring despite having two years left in her term.
