Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia has found Crown Perth to be a suitable licensee to operate the Perth Casino, with the finding made as recommended by the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) of Western Australia pursuant to section 21Q of the Casino Control Act 1984.
The finding follows a suitability assessment, carried out by the former Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, following the conclusion of the Perth Casino Royal Commission (PCRC) three years ago.
In March 2022, the PCRC concluded that Burswood Nominees Limited, as the Perth Casino licensee, was not a ‘suitable person’ to continue to hold the casino gaming licence for the Perth Casino due to failures in reducing gambling harm and preventing the proliferation of criminal activity.
The PCRC outlined a pathway to ‘suitability’ necessary to overhaul the organisation. As a result, an Independent Monitor (IM) was appointed, and an Office of the IM was established to oversee the changes at Crown Perth.
It has now been determined that Crown Perth has been overhauled through a refreshed corporate and governance structure, enhanced employee screening and training models to promote ethical behaviours as well as actions to minimise gambling harm.
Most importantly, Crown Perth has implemented adequate and legislatively compliant anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing measures to prevent criminal infiltration at the Perth Casino such as transaction monitoring and technology to flag suspicious patrons with cash above certain thresholds. Overall, approximately $200m has been invested in these reforms.
WA’s Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia, said: “Three years ago, the State Government established the Perth Casino Royal Commission due to failures by Crown Perth to meet anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing obligations and prevent criminal activity.
“Today I can confirm we won’t be taking punitive action against Crown Perth, as it is now deemed a suitable entity to continue holding a gaming licence under the Casino Control Act 1984.
“The Gaming and Wagering Commission will make former Independent Monitor Paul Steel a part of the GWC team to continue to monitor remediated activities by the casino and ensure effectiveness.”
Crown Perth, which is Perth’s largest single-site employer, has said as an added safe gaming measure it will introduce carded play on all electronic gaming machines from December 1.
Crown Perth CEO, Brian Pereira said: “Holding a casino licence means holding a social licence – and we have a responsibility to operate with the highest level of integrity every day. With our improved culture, processes, and industry-leading standards, we are well-placed to continue delivering a safe and responsible environment for our guests.”
Crown Resorts CEO, David Tsai added: “Our extensive business-wide transformation has set new benchmarks for the industry, creating a safer environment for our guests and the community. With all three Crown properties now deemed suitable and retaining their casino licences, we are focused on remaining the safest place to game in Australia, while also delivering exciting world-class entertainment experiences for our guests.”
The GWC said itremains focused on the ongoing effectiveness of these measures to mitigate the risk of illegal activity.
To support the ongoing supervision of the Perth Casino, former IM Paul Steel has been appointed to the Gaming and Wagering Commission to continue to oversee casino activities to ensure lawful and responsible operations, and he will commence on 1 August 2025.