Evidence presented to the Perth Casino Royal Inquiry disclosed that Western Australia’s gaming authority prioritized Crown Perth’s monetary gains over societal welfare when it permitted the corporation to make its slot-resembling devices even more habit-forming.
Past Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) head Duncan Ord informed the inquiry that Crown Perth was experiencing severe fiscal distress in 2019 when it approached the regulatory body. Crown, he stated, “made it clear that they were incurring losses and there would be repercussions regarding staffing.” While the GWC is legally mandated to reduce gambling detriment, Mr. Ord acknowledged that the authority did not pursue any specialized guidance concerning the effects of permitting Crown to accelerate the pace of its electronic gaming devices. These alterations, said counsel aiding the inquiry Patricia Cahill, would essentially transform them into the type of “gaming machines” (slot machines) that have been prohibited in Western Australia since 1985 due to their highly addictive nature.
“Therefore, there was no equilibrium of interests whatsoever,” Ms. Cahill posed to Mr. Ord. “You merely favored the economic advantages of Crown over the well-being of the citizenry in mitigating harm from EGMs?”
Mr. Ord verified that this was accurate.
Mr. ODea highlighted that the distinction between slot machines and poker machines had become “increasingly ambiguous,” particularly when Crown Perth sought approval from the Gaming Commission to accelerate the pace of electronic game play.
He further justified his faith in the former Chief Casino Officer, Michael Connolly, despite inquiries regarding whether Connolly’s affiliations with Crown Perth executives influenced his objectivity.
“I held the belief, and continue to do so, that Mr. Connolly possesses integrity, and I had confidence in his capacity to differentiate his professional duties from his personal connections,” Mr. ODea stated.
“I observed substantial proof that he approached his obligations as Chief Casino Officer with utmost seriousness.”
The Western Australian government disclosed Mr. O’Dea’s retirement shortly after his initial testimony at the investigation.
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