The WA gambling regulator has urged the state government to set up an independent inquiry with the powers of a royal commission into Crown’s suitability to hold a casino licence in Perth.
The Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia (GWC) said on Tuesday it was formally recommending an inquiry regarding Crown Perth following a NSW report into the company’s Sydney casino.
In a report to the NSW gaming authority, Independent Commissioner Patricia Bergin concluded Crown – which allegedly facilitated money laundering for at least five years – was not fit to run its Sydney casino.
“The GWC acknowledges the seriousness of the findings and has been working co-operatively with the Bergin Inquiry since it came to light,” the WA regulator said in a statement.
Premier Mark McGowan had earlier said his government would consider following the lead of NSW and pursuing its own judicial inquiry if re-elected at the March 13 poll.
Mr McGowan said he hoped for a cooperative response between the states involved.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said on Tuesday evening that the state government “takes these issues extremely seriously, and will ensure the independent inquiry has the full powers it requires”.