After operating for only two days, Crown Perth was forced to close again as there have been three reports for new Covid-19 cases, all linked to the hotel sector in Perth. After an official announcement by the Western Australian Government, Crown Resorts reported suspending Crown Perth operations at least until 8 May 2021.
After the interim restrictions were imposed on 2 May, the casino, along with its food and beverage venues, was required to close again. Meanwhile, hotels, restaurants, bars, conference and banqueting facilities are still allowed to operate.
In an official statement, the operator ensured that it will continue following the guidelines and measures imposed by the Western Australia Government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 cases. Unfortunately, this statement came only two days after Crown Perth was allowed to reopen.
Just a few days ago, the Australian casino operator announced it was authorized to reopen on 1 May, after the Covid-19 restrictions in Western Australia were eased. Unfortunately, the next day, there were three new cases of Covid-19, forcing the Government to reimpose some restrictions on the city and nearby areas. Following the reintroduced restrictions, Crown Perth was also required to close its casino and its food and beverage venues yet again until at least 8 May.
Last month, Perth went through a rapid three-day lockdown period after a man who had been staying at a hotel during his quarantine period still tested positive after leaving the hotel. Even after the three-day lockdown, some measures were still in effect for another four days, Unfortunately, as soon as the preventive measures were eased, three new cases of Covid-19 were reported. On Saturday, 1 May, a hotel quarantine security guard along with two of his housemates tested positive for Covid-19.
New Calls For Restrictions on Operating Hours in Crown Perth
Crown Perth is still the subject of a review carried out by a Royal Commission in Western Australia after reported failings in Crown’s operations in New South Wales. Following the Bergin Report findings, Crown was deemed unsuitable to hold an NSW casino license.
In the meantime, there have been calls for a change in Perth casino’s operating hours as a way to combat increasing gambling addiction rates. As reported by ABC News, Michael Sheehan, Executive Director of Relationships Australia, called for warning signs inside casino facilities to inform about the danger of gambling addiction. He also insisted on casinos implementing clocks and natural light that can prevent losing track of time while playing inside the gaming facilities.
In addition to warning signs, Sheehan also requested the ban of free or discounted alcoholic drinks as well as free credits. He also called for a change in Perth casino’s 24/7 operating hours. According to experts, these changes could prevent the increase of gambling addiction rates in the country, helping gamblers be more aware of the harm gambling could cause.
Crown Perth did not comment on Sheehan requests but reminded that it has implemented a code of conduct and a responsible gaming team in its operation to help the prevention of gambling-related harms.
- Author
Olivia Cole
