Packer’s Explosive Rant Shakes Up Australia’s Casino Debate
Alright, so let me walk you through what’s been happening around James Packer, because his latest interview has stirred up a pretty serious conversation in Australia’s business and political circles. And honestly, the way he spoke—especially the tone—has really put a spotlight back on the long-running tensions between casino operators, regulators, and former government leaders.
In this wide-ranging interview with his friend Joe Aston, published on Aston’s media site Rampart, Packer didn’t hold back. He came out swinging at former Victorian premier Dan Andrews, accusing him of blindsiding Crown back in 2022 with a surprise tax that reportedly cost the company tens of millions of dollars. According to Packer, this extra tax might even have jeopardised the massive $8.9 billion sale of Crown to Blackstone—a deal that ultimately gave him a clean and profitable exit from the industry.
What stood out most, though, was the extremely harsh language he used toward Andrews. He described the former premier in insulting terms and openly invited legal action, which gives you an idea of how deep the resentment still runs. From Packer’s perspective, Andrews didn’t just harm the state—he almost “ruined his life,” as he put it. Andrews, for his part, was contacted for comment but did not publicly respond.
Also Read:- Australia Delivers Historic 20% Student Debt Wipe
- Fresno State and Utah State Set for a High-Stakes Late-Night Clash
But Andrews wasn’t the only target. Packer also lashed out at the regulators who stripped casino licences from both Crown and its competitor, Star Entertainment. He argued that regulators acted too aggressively and suggested they should have cracked down on Star much earlier. One of his sharpest comments was aimed at Philip Crawford, the chief regulator at the NSW Independent Casino Commission. Packer expressed disbelief that Crawford was still in the role, considering what happened under his watch.
To give this some background, both Crown and Star were hit with major inquiries over money-laundering failures and links to criminal groups. Crown, in particular, was found unfit to run its Melbourne casino after a royal commission uncovered widespread unethical and illegal behaviour. Those findings led to much tighter gaming regulations, including stricter controls on poker machines and cash use—rules that have hit casino revenues hard.
Packer argued in the interview that the two major casino operators had been “hollowed out” by regulators, while pubs and clubs were allowed to keep thriving under more lenient conditions. He said it felt like regulators were trying to bankrupt casinos, even though those businesses were paying huge sums in taxes and licensing fees. One example he brought up was that casinos are no longer allowed to use cash, while pubs and clubs still can.
Despite the anger and criticism, Packer ended on a more personal and positive note. After years dealing with mental health struggles and substance issues, he said he’s in a good place now. He’s working closely with mental-health professionals and gearing up to spend Christmas in Australia with family, describing himself as “one of the luckiest people in the world.”
So, that’s the heart of it: a fiery interview, a lot of pent-up frustration, and a renewed debate over how Australia’s casino industry ended up here—and who’s to blame.
Read More:
0 Comments