Operator News
Australia – Crown found unsuitable to operate in Perth but given two years to redeem itself
By Phil - 24 March 2022
Crown Resorts has been told by the Perth Casino Royal Commission that it is unsuitable to be a casino operator but has been given a two-year reprieve to show it can become suitable again under the watch of an independent monitor.
It gave 59 recommendations for improvement covering the boardroom set up to better responsible gambling and anti-money laundering practice.
The Commission said: “We determined that in order to become suitable each entity would be required to embark on a pathway to suitability, with their remediation activities overseen by an independent monitor. This pathway would take about two years to travel. At the end of it, the monitor would provide a report to the Gaming and Wagering Commission.”
The Commission wants a firm commitment to pre-set weekly loss and time limits, a $10 maximum bet limit on all EGMs on the main gaming floor and a requirement for players to take a 15-minute break every three hours.
The Commission added: “We have further found that there have been numerous deficiencies in the manner in which the Gaming and Wagering Commission has exercised its power and responsibilities in relation to casinos and casino gaming.”
It blamed the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for some of these failures.
“This regulatory failure has, in turn, contributed to the past and current failure of the Perth Casino licensee and its associates to adequately mitigate those same risks,” it said.
Crown’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Steve McCann confirmed the operator would ‘work cooperatively and constructively’ with the Western Australian Government in relation to the findings and recommendations of the final report.
“Significant progress has been made with Crown’s transformation program, the implementation of company-wide reforms, and establishing the highest standards of governance,” he said. “This includes investment in people, systems, processes, culture and a sharp focus on responsible gaming and the prevention of financial crime. Crown remains committed to continuous improvement across all facets of the business and is prioritising the delivery of safe and responsible gaming across all of our resorts, including Crown Perth.”
