A maximum AU$10 betting limit on electronic gaming machines, pre-set weekly time and loss limits, and mandatory carded play on all machines in the Perth casino are among a raft of initiatives the Western Australian government will implement as a result of the recent Royal Commission into Crown Perth.
A year after the Royal Commissioner’s report into the Perth casino license was issued in March 2022, Western Australia’s state government published its response on Thursday, supporting 49 of the Royal Commission’s 59 recommendations with another eight supported in-principle and one supported in-part.
The government also noted that “considerable work has been completed”, including implementation of an independent monitor for two years from September 2022 until September 2024, the banning of junkets and an expanded Gaming and Wagering Commission boasting an independent chair and six new members.
In announcing its response, the government highlighted its EGM reforms, claiming they will “further strengthen WA’s existing tough gaming machine restrictions.”
“The Government has reiterated its policy that poker machines are not allowed and will not be allowed in Western Australia, and electronic gaming machines will not be allowed outside of Burswood Casino. There will be no weakening of this necessary ban,” it said.
Crown and its entities have already been deemed unsuitable to hold its Perth casino license pending a remediation process “to address the issues with Crown’s suitability,” the government explained.
“This is an important milestone in progressing these reforms and holding the state’s only casino to account,” said Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby.
“We will continue to work to ensure the operation of Perth Casino and its governance meets the expectations of the Western Australian community.
“Significant reforms have already been implemented and more are underway. This is the next step in addressing the Royal Commission’s findings and recommendations and it’s crucial we get this right.”
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