- Racing and Gaming Minister decides not to take punitive action against Crown Perth under the Casino Control Act 1984
- Decision follows assessment by the Independent Monitor and the Gaming and Wagering Commission of WA into efforts to tackle criminal activity and gambling harm
- Former Independent Monitor and WA Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Steel to continue to oversee casino activities to ensure lawful and responsible operations
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia has found Crown Perth to be a suitable licensee to operate the Perth Casino.
The finding was made as recommended by the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) of Western Australia pursuant to section 21Q of the Casino Control Act 1984.
The GWC was assisted by the former Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to conduct a suitability assessment of the Perth Casino licensee following the conclusion of the Perth Casino Royal Commission (PCRC) three years ago.
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.
The suitability assessment was informed by the final report of the Independent Monitor (IM) who approved and monitored the implementation of a comprehensive remediation plan put forward by Crown Perth to become a suitable casino gaming licensee and restore public confidence.
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.
The GWC remains 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. Mr Steel will commence on 1 August 2025.
Comments attributed to Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"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."
As stated by Gaming and Wagering Commission Chair Gary Dreibergs:
"The Gaming and Wagering Commission has built capacity and capability since the Royal Commission brought down its findings and, going forward, will focus on developing an assurance plan to monitor the remediated activities by the Perth Casino licensee to ensure it operates responsibly, lawfully and in the best interests of the Western Australian community.
"The Commission emphasises that, while suitability has been demonstrated, sustained cultural change and long-term commitment to reforms are essential. We will continue to monitor Crown Perth's efforts to reduce gambling harm and uphold public trust.
"Crown Perth bears a long-term responsibility to minimise gambling harm and prevent criminal infiltration, while the Commission is responsible for monitoring and regulating Crown Perth to achieve those objectives.
"The Commission finds Crown Perth a suitable entity to continues to hold a casino gaming licence and therefore recommended to the Minister not to exercise powers under s.21B. However, the efforts cannot be diminished now, as public confidence lies in the ability of Perth Casino to maintain its current course."
