Australian billionaire James Packer has appeared for his first day of questioning in the independent inquiry into Crown Resorts. At the time of the questioning, Mr Packer revealed some issues caused by his deteriorated mental health state that had impacted his behaviour in the past.
The hearing that took place earlier today, was put on pause because of a legal argument regarding the release of emails that Mr Packer sent in 2015, as his legal representatives have been arguing this information should not be revealed to the wider public.
The hearing resumed after being paused for more than half an hour, with some revelations made that Crown Resorts’ billionaire investor sent threatening messages via email to a businessman, referred to as Mr X in order for his identity to be protected for the purposes of the casino operator’s probe. Mr Packer himself described his behaviour as “disgraceful” and “shameful” after admitting he had sent the messages to Mr X in 2015 at a time when he had been planning to privatise the company.
For the time being, the exact reason for sending the threatening emails has not been officially revealed. Also, at today’s hearing, it became clear that Mr Packer had been taken medication that made him unable to recall information.
Crown Resorts’ Regulatory Authority Puts Barangaroo Casino Licence at Stake
At the time of the questioning, Mr Packer revealed that he was suffering from bipolar disorder and was being treated for it.
The mental health issues experienced by the Australian billionaire have been unveiled in the past, but this is considered the first time he has openly admitted to a certain diagnosis.
Over the past few months, the regulatory inquiry has been checking on a number of probity issues at the Australian casino giant and after the probe comes to an end, the state’s watchdog is expected to make a recommendation to the Government of New South Wales (NSW) on whether Crown Resorts is suitable to keep its licence for its new Barangaroo casino venue in Sydney. The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) is investigating on whether Crown Resorts is fit to hold a casino operating licence in the state of New South Wales for its Barangaroo casino project that has been expected to start operation soon.
James Packer owns 36% in the Australian casino giant and was a chairman of the company for many years. He has not held an official role with Crown Resorts since he left the company in 2018. However, during the inquiry revelations that the billionaire investor has kept his significant influence at the casino group.
As Casino Guardian already reported, there is a lot on stake for both Crown Resorts and James Packer, as the procedure puts the Barangaroo casino licence of the company in danger especially at a time when the gambling operator has been dealing with some financial issues after the coronavirus lockdown.
Apart from that, the NSW gambling regulatory body is investigating accusations that the gambling operator was deliberately ignoring illegal money laundering practices carried out by junket operators that attracted foreign high-roller gamblers to its Australian casinos.
- Author
Olivia Cole
