Gaming regulators in Western Australia lack casino training, inquiry reveals.

A royal commission into Crown Perth has revealed that members of Western Australia’s gaming watchdog lack experience in casino regulation.

According to a royal commission into Crown Perth, members of Western Australia’s gaming watchdog lack experience in casino regulation.

The Crown Perth inquiry is currently examining whether the state’s gambling legislation is eligible for the purpose. Also, they need to decide whether Crown Resorts is qualified to continue holding a casino license in the city.

It comes after an investigation found Crown unfit to hold the license for its new Sydney casino. It was due to money laundering and ties to criminal activity through its junket operations earlier this year.

On Monday, the commission called Duncan Ord, the chair of the Gaming and Wagering Commission, as its first witness. Ord, who has an arts background, admitted that he had no formal training in casino regulation before taking the job.

“It was obviously a last-minute decision,” said Ord, who described casino governance as becoming increasingly complex. “When I was first appointed, I did what any new member would do: I took advantage of the department’s expertise.”

An interim report will deliver by 30 June 2021, with a final report with findings and recommendations expected by 14 November 2021.