Crown director bows to pressure to quit after damning inquiry

Crown Resorts director Andrew Demetriou has succumbed to growing pressure and announced his resignation after the gaming giant was found "not suitable" to hold a gaming licence.

However, Crown remains adamant that CEO Ken Barton has not resigned despite media reports claiming he will announce his resignation today.

Mr Demetriou joins fellow directors Guy Jalland and Michael Johnston in quitting amid the Bergin report's bombshell allegations the company was involved in money laundering and had links to organised crime.

READ MORE: Crown 'not suitable' to hold gaming licence at Barangaroo: Bergin report

"Crown and Mr Barton are continuing to consider his position having regard to the recommendations and findings of the Commissioner's report," Crown Resorts said in a statement.

There has been mounting pressure on the pair to resign since the 800-page Bergin report was released by the NSW government on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Crown Resorts chair pledges change after damning report

Yesterday, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation revealed it was writing to Mr Demetriou and Mr Barton to "demand they explain why they remain suitable to be an associate of Crown Melbourne".

"Under the Victorian Casino Control Act, associates of the casino operator must be of good repute, having regard to character, honesty and integrity," the statement from VCGLR read.

What changes does Crown need to make to get a gaming licence for Barangaroo?

According to the Bergin report, six major changes would have to be made for Crown to be assessed as being suitable to hold a gaming licence for its Barangaroo site.

1. The first is a "full and wide-ranging forensic audit" of all accounts to ensure "criminal elements" are not connected in any way.
2. The second requires James Packer to cease "remote manoeuvring", in the report's words. The report alleges Mr Packer had the power to influence company directors despite his absence from the Crown Board. It recommends some form of "mechanism" which sees Mr Packer share confidential information with the board via the NSW Liquor and Gaming Authority.
3. The third is a restructure of the Crown Board.
4. The fourth is a compliance audit to ensure that whatever changes Crown pledges to make are carried through.
5. The fifth is for Crown to cease dealing with junket operators that are unlicensed or unregulated by the Authority.
6. The sixth is to create a better relationship with the Authority, one which is "respectful and co-operative".

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