Andrews rejects criticism the government took too long to fast-track Crown's Melbourne licence review

Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews has rejected criticism the government took too long to fast-track its next major review of Crown Melbourne's casino licence.

A dedicated commissioner is set to be appointed to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) to probe Crown's suitability to hold the state's sole casino licence.

The licence review, which was not expected until 2023, has been brought forward in the wake of a New South Wales inquiry into allegations of the gaming giant's money laundering operations.

Mr Andrews said he did not accept the government's response to bring forward the review was delayed.

The criticisms were raised as the damning findings emerged out of the NSW inquiry a month ago.

"We think given the admissions that have been made through another process and given the significant public concerns about these matters ... we think now is the right time," he said.

"It will be my hope that after that thorough piece of work is concluded that some of the issues that have been raised can be accounted for and that we can have confidence that the biggest single-site employer in the state, Crown Casino, is run to the highest of standards."

The NSW gaming regulator last month formally requested Crown Resorts to delay plans to conduct a "limited opening" of its new $2.2 billion Sydney casino in December.

The ILGA Inquiry is due to hand down its findings in February 2021.

Gaming Minister Melissa Horne today said there was a need for an immediate response in Victoria, given "concerning evidence" revealed throughout the course of the NSW investigation.

"This review is needed given the evidence we've seen come out of the NSW inquiry," she said.

"While we await the findings of that investigation, it's appropriate to bring forward the next review to ensure Crown Melbourne is suitable to hold a licence in Victoria."

The VCGLR is required to review the suitability of Crown's casino licence in intervals that do not exceed five years, under section 25 of the Casino Control Act 1991.

The most recent investigation, the Sixth Casino Review, occurred in 2018.

A commissioner is expected to be appointed shortly and will report its findings to Ms Horne next year.

Ms Horne said the government would take any appropriate and necessary action at the conclusion of the investigation.

"We're making sure Crown Melbourne conducts its business in a transparent and appropriate manner."

In a statement, Crown said it has actively engaged with the VCGLR in relation to matters the subject of the ILGA Inquiry, including on its reform agenda.

"Crown will continue to work cooperatively with the VCGLR to support this review," the statement read.