Amidst a recent COVID lockdown in Western Australia, Crown Casino permitted its high-stakes gaming areas to operate for certain guests.
Brian Lee, Crown’s Head of Security and Surveillance, stated before a royal inquiry that the exclusive rooms continued functioning during the late June/early July lockdown as such action “did not violate any government mandates.”
Lee elaborated: “My interpretation at the time of the last lockdown was a 150-person restriction on an establishment, which I had confirmed with officials. Any establishment could operate with 150 individuals, excluding the primary gaming floor. Therefore, my understanding was, within that 150-person capacity, the Pearl Room could function alongside the bars and dining establishments.”
However, prior to the lockdown’s commencement, a Crown Resorts representative indicated the venue would shut down in accordance with state government limitations: “Crown Perth has halted all gaming operations as of 12pm (AWST), Sunday 27 June 2021.”
Lee also addressed Crown’s method for managing grievances and inquiries concerning predatory lenders, stating: “We pinpoint individuals engaged in predatory lending — as evidence substantiates — and they are barred.”
He continued, noting that anyone discovered participating in predatory lending would be prohibited from the property for a minimum of two years before they could formally request reinstatement; Lee characterized predatory lending as intolerable conduct that would not be permitted.
Mr. Li faced inquiries regarding the continued presence of a specific client on the platform, who stood accused of exploitative loaning tactics. He stated that, as an inquiry was in progress, they were obligated to “thoroughly assess the legitimacy of the accusations and determine if any hidden agendas were involved.”
