Crown Resorts has hit back against Andrew Wilkie with an open letter accusing the federal independent MP of playing political games by alleging misconduct at Crown's Melbourne casino.
Crown has taken out a full-page advertisement in News Corp and Fairfax newspapers around the country to "emphatically reject" allegations by Mr Wilkie, challenging the MP to report any information in his possession to proper authorities.
Executive chairman John Alexander says in the ad he is "angered and disappointed by the outrageous allegations" made by Mr Wilkie, who used parliamentary privilege to allege Crown tampered with gaming machines to increase profits.
The allegations also included claims that Crown allowed the use of illicit drugs at the casino, covered up domestic violence, and had avoided scrutiny by the money movement watchdog AUSTRAC of transactions over $10,000.
"Mr Wilkie has said he does not know if the allegations he has referred to, and repeated, are in fact true," Mr Alexander said in the open letter.
"If he believes he has evidence of wrongdoing, he should stop the political games, step out of the parliament and make his claims without privilege.
"He should also report any information he has in his possession directly to the relevant authorities."
Mr Alexander accused Mr Wilkie of trying to unfairly smear Crown with unfounded allegations, and added that Mr Wilkie's inferences and commentary were deeply offensive to Crown, its directors and staff.
He said Crown operates in a strictly regulated environment, with multiple government agencies and law enforcement bodies supervising the company's operations.
Mr Alexander said Crown has a sophisticated anti-money laundering program, and the company takes AUSTRAC requirements very seriously.
"Further, we do not improperly manipulate our gaming machines," Mr Alexander said.
He said all return-to-player rates are displayed clearly on every poker machine, and any employee found breaching codes and practices would face severe disciplinary consequences.
Shares in Crown gained one per cent to $11.12 on Monday but remain well below the $11.75 they were trading at ahead of Mr Wilkie's allegations on October 18.
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