The effectiveness of the gambling regulator of Western Australia and its relationship with the Crown Resorts’ casino in Perth is set to be placed within the focus of the state’s Royal Commission and its probe into the gambling operator.
Currently, the system of Western Australia’s Gaming and Wagering Commission is being scrutinised after Commissioner Patricia Bergin revealed the results of the investigation in Crown Resorts’ operations in the state of New South Wales in February. The results, however, were found concerning by other Australian states, too, and earlier in March, the Attorney General of Western Australia – John Quigley – revealed the establishment of a Royal Commission that would investigate the allegations.
Earlier today, eleven terms of reference were released, with four of them being associated with the major casino regulatory body in the state – the Gaming and Wagering Commission – and its operations.
Reportedly, the newly-established Royal Commission will report on whether the regulatory framework of Western Australia could address the emerging strategic risks that Ms Bergin’s report identified or any risks that could be uncovered during its own probe. The findings could be associated with money laundering, the use of junket operators, risks of criminals and criminal organisations infiltrating casino operations, as well as electronic and cash transactions.
WA Gaming and Wagering Commission’s Relationship with Crown Resorts to Be Checked
As mentioned above, the Royal Commission will check how the Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia exercised its powers under the existing federal and state legislation and whether the regulatory body was capable and effective in carrying out its duties while supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Last month, Michael Connolly, CCO and deputy director-general of the aforementioned Department, resigned from his position following revelations he had been socially involved with senior executives at Crown Resorts. It was also revealed that Duncan Ord, who is the Gaming and Wagering Commission’s chairman and the director-general of the Department, had known of this personal relationship. No suggestion of any wrongdoings on the part of Crown Resorts’ staff has been made so far.
The newly-created Royal Commission is set to make recommendations about legislative, administrative, policy or structural changes and reforms that could improve the already existing regulatory framework, including the implementation of some extra regulatory controls.
Furthermore, it will check the suitability of Crown Resorts to continue holding its operating licence for its Perth venue. The first seven out of eleven terms related to the suitability of the gambling operator and various associated entities to hold a casino licence. As already mentioned, the Royal Commission is also set to investigate the communication between the state’s gambling regulator and Crown Resorts, including disclosures and responses before and during the inquiry held by Commissioner Bergin.
Western Australia’s Royal Commission has until June 30th to provide an interim report to the state. Its final report on the matter is due to be issued by November 14th.
- Author
Daniel Williams
