Anti-gambling advocates have expressed their disapproval of Taylor Swift‘s decision to partner with Crown for her upcoming Australian tour. They argue that the collaboration could encourage gambling among the singer’s fan base. The announcement of the Australian leg of Swift’s Eras tour was presented by Crown, although the financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Crown has previously sponsored events such as the Australian Open and the Grand Prix, resulting in sports stars and their teams staying at the resort.
Crown clarified that their agreement with Swift pertains exclusively to the Crown Metropol hotel and not its gaming center. As a presenting partner, Crown has been granted a highly sought-after pre-sale ticket allocation, which allows fans to purchase tickets to Swift’s shows as part of a hotel package. The focus of events surrounding the tour will primarily be on Crown’s retail and food spaces, separate from the gaming center.
Following its acquisition by US firm Blackstone, which owns the Hilton Hotel chain among other assets, Crown aims to enhance its brand positioning in music and the arts. However, the company has faced significant controversy, including paying one of the largest financial penalties in Australian corporate history for money laundering and counter-terrorism failings. It has also been fined millions of dollars for improper tax deductions. Regulators in three states have deemed Crown unfit to hold licenses, but the company continues to operate in those states following management and governance reforms.
Tim Costello, an anti-gambling advocate and former head of World Vision, has raised concerns about the association between Swift and Crown. He questions whether Swift is aware of Crown’s predatory gambling practices and money laundering issues, urging her to consider the implications of aligning herself with the company. Costello advises the singer’s management to conduct due diligence to protect her reputation. However, both Swift’s management and touring company, Frontier, have remained silent on the matter.
Mike Volkert, CEO of Crown Melbourne, defended the partnership, emphasizing that entertainment is central to the organization’s identity. He believes Swift’s tour will have a significant positive impact on the economies of Melbourne and Sydney. According to Bloomberg, Swift is making more than $10 million per show. Her recent performances in Las Vegas following the tour’s launch in Glendale, Arizona, have been celebrated for revitalizing the city in the wake of the pandemic.
In addition to the collaboration with Swift, Crown will host UK musician Sir Bob Geldof for a speaking engagement about his life, work in music, and humanitarian causes. Tickets for this event, which includes a three-course meal and drinks, are priced just under $700.
This announcement comes four years after Swift withdrew from a planned appearance at the Melbourne Cup. Although scheduling conflicts were cited as the official reason, animal rights activists launched a social media campaign and a petition against her performance.
Associate Professor Charles Livingstone from Monash University believes that Crown is eager to align itself with Swift and her massive audience. He argues that the partnership is an attempt to associate the company’s brand with a positive image, normalizing its reputation and appealing to young people and music lovers. However, Livingstone criticizes the move as a marketing ploy to distract from Crown’s involvement in money laundering, criminal activities, and fines for tax evasion.
He points out that some European countries are currently prohibiting sports stars from endorsing gambling companies. Livingstone stresses that young people often idolize these celebrities, and the association with gambling can lead them to believe it is acceptable. However, he notes that the AFL (Australian Football League) allows players to distance themselves from endorsing bookies, indicating a growing awareness among players of the industry’s ethical implications.
In summary, Taylor Swift’s partnership with Crown for her Australian tour has faced criticism from anti-gambling advocates who fear it may promote gambling to her fan base. Crown continues to face scrutiny due to multiple controversies, but the company aims to improve its brand positioning through associations with influential figures like Swift. As the debate surrounding celebrity endorsements and gambling intensifies, it remains to be seen how Swift’s collaboration with Crown will impact her reputation and the wider conversation on responsible gambling.
Credit: smh.com.au
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