A current investigation in Perth is probing whether Western Australia’s gaming regulatory body prioritized the monetary gains of Crown Perth casino over the welfare of the community. This apprehension emerged when the regulatory body granted Crown’s petition to accelerate the electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at the casino.
Throughout the proceedings, former Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) head Duncan Ord disclosed that Crown Perth was in a dire economic state when it approached the regulatory body in 2019. “Crown was very upfront that they were experiencing financial losses and there would be job cuts,” Mr. Ord stated. Despite the GWC’s legal duty to mitigate gambling detriment, Mr. Ord conceded that the regulatory body did not solicit any specialist counsel on the potential consequences of the machine alterations.
As per Mr. Ord, the casino proprietor desired to elevate the pace of play on its EGMs. Counsel aiding the commission, Patricia Cahill, contended that this would render them more comparable to slot machines and “generate [Crown Perth] greater revenue.” Slot machines have been prohibited in Western Australia since 1985 due to their highly habit-forming character. Ms. Cahill pointedly inquired, “So there was no equilibrium of interests whatsoever. You simply tipped the scales in favor of the fiscal interests of Crown as opposed to the public interest, being the mitigation of harm from EGMs?” Mr. Ord affirmed this to be accurate.
Mr. Ord contended that the distinction between slot machines and poker machines had grown “increasingly hazy,” especially given Crown Perth’s prior request to the Gaming Commission for permission to increase the spin speeds on their electronic gaming devices.
He also vehemently supported the former Chief Casino Officer, Michael Connolly, despite apprehensions regarding Connolly’s professional judgment in light of personal connections with Crown Perth executives.
“I have always maintained, and continue to maintain, that Mr. Connolly is an individual of strong moral character who suitably balanced his professional duties and personal associations,” Mr. Ord stated.
“I have observed ample proof that he treated his obligations as Chief Casino Officer with the utmost seriousness.”
The Western Australian government announced Mr. Ord’s retirement shortly after he delivered this initial testimony.
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