Strong medication to treat "significant health issues" is impairing billionaire James Packer's memory, a casino inquiry has been told.
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The 53-year-old on Tuesday was beamed into the Sydney-based hearing by video-link from his yacht moored in the South Pacific.
Mr Packer appeared under compulsion, and provided a written statement to the inquiry in late September.
"In (the statement) you say that you've suffered from significant health issues for some years, and since 2016 you've been prescribed strong medication which you continue to take, is that correct?" counsel assisting the inquiry Adam Bell SC asked the casino mogul.
"Yes, that's correct," Mr Packer replied.
"You say that you believe that this has impaired your ability to recall past events, including in relation to the period that you were a director of Crown Resorts, is that correct?" Mr Bell continued.
"That's correct," Mr Packer said.
Mr Packer also told the inquiry he resigned as chairman of Crown Resorts in December 2015 because he "wasn't well".
The NSW gaming regulator is holding an inquiry to determine the suitability of Crown to operate a new casino at Sydney's Barangaroo.
Mr Packer resigned as director of the Crown board in December 2015, but remains a majority shareholder. He is expected to face questions about his knowledge of a share sale to casino company Melco Resorts.
The NSW government was concerned that Stanley Ho, a billionaire with alleged links to organised crime, would gain an interest in a casino in the state. Dr Ho's son Lawrence Ho controls Melco Resorts.
The inquiry commissioner, former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin, will make recommendations about whether the sale meant Crown breached its casino licence by allowing unsuitable parties to become close associates of the company.
The inquiry has been told the deal to sell 19.99 per cent of Crown stock from private company CPH Crown Holdings to Melco happened on Mr Packer's urging, despite his earlier resignation from the board.
Crown management continued to provide Mr Packer with daily financial reports even after he left the board under a secret arrangement, the inquiry has been told.
The inquiry has also canvassed Crown's measures to prevent its casinos being used for money laundering and its relationship with Chinese junket operators.
Ms Bergin's report is expected in early 2021.
Australian Associated Press
