The Western Australia Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) has directed Crown Perth to halt its participation in junket activities, essentially prohibiting the casino from attracting high-stakes gamblers from abroad, especially those from Asia.
This order, revealed by Crown Resorts on Wednesday morning, was issued in accordance with the Casino Control Act of 1984 (Western Australia). Consequently, Crown Perth will no longer engage in “gaming activities with customers who are not Australian residents and where Crown Resorts has an arrangement with those customers to provide compensation, or furnish transportation, lodging, meals, drinks, or amusement, based on the customer’s wagering volume or otherwise determined by reference to such gaming.”
This measure by the GWC comes shortly after the Victorian government’s decision to initiate a royal commission into Crown Resorts. This probe will assess Crown’s eligibility to retain a casino license in Melbourne. Retired Federal Court Justice Raymond Finkelstein will preside over this investigation, which will proceed alongside a separate government inquiry already in progress.
Crown Resorts’ Executive Chairman, Helen Coonan, has confirmed the company’s full collaboration with the current investigation. She stressed Crown’s commitment to top-tier governance and regulatory adherence, noting that the Victorian administration’s declaration offers a useful opportunity to outline the comprehensive improvements and cultural adjustments enacted to bring the business in line with public expectations.
