- Perth home raided and 18 people found at illegal makeshift casino
- The licence of a Perth casino dealer has been suspended
- Gaming items and more than $83,000 in cash seized
Authorities have raided a home in Marangaroo where it is alleged an illegal game of Baccarat was underway at a makeshift casino.
There were 18 people present, including a Perth casino employee allegedly acting as a dealer who has since had his licence suspended by the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC). Other people present were allegedly players, organisers and a security guard inside the premises.
The search warrant was executed on 17 April 2025 by the WA Police Forces' Transnational Serious Organised Crime Squad along with investigators from the Racing, Gaming and Liquor division of the former Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC)* acting under the authority of the GWC.
Upon entry, investigators discovered an illegal game of Baccarat in progress at a professional-grade table and an electronic display indicated the results of previous games played. Gaming chips and a card dealing 'shoe' were seized, as well as more than $83,000 in cash.
Charges under theGaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987are being considered against the dealer and organisers of this unlawful event.
This is the fourth bust carried out against illegal common gaming houses in the community since April 2023 resulting in three other casino dealers losing their licences, action taken against organisers and the seizure of cash totalling almost $300,000.
On 9 July 2025, three men were fined a total of $25,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court resulting from a gaming raid on a common gaming house in Mount Lawley in April 2023. Almost $130,000 in cash seized during the raid has been forfeited to the State.
The case of a fourth man charged following the Mount Lawley raid is still before the courts.
Further information on racing, gaming and liquor laws in Western Australia is available via: www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/racing-gaming-and-liquor .
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"We're dismantling illegal gambling networks across Western Australia, and we won't stop
"If you're running or taking part in these illegal makeshift casinos, know that it's only a matter of time before we shut you down.
"People involved risk criminal charges, and licensed dealers will lose both their licence and their job.
"We're not targeting casual poker nights - these are professional setups, often tied to organised crime, which is why we're cracking down."
As stated by Gaming and Wagering Commission Chair Gary Dreibergs:
"The GWC and our allies at WA Police and LGIRS are committed to ensuring that illegal casinos operating in our community are found out and then quickly stamped out to ensure that gaming and wagering in WA operates in a lawful and ethical manner.
"It's well known that these unlawful casinos are used by people betting with money derived from criminal activities and attract players who have been banned from Perth's casino for various reasons.
"Authorities will continue to be vigilant and work cooperatively to disrupt these illegal gambling activities, so we warn potential event organisers and participants to think twice as we could soon be knocking on their door."
As stated by Police Minister Reece Whitby:
"Putting a stop to these illegal gaming events sends a clear message to people who are participating in or considering taking part in unlawful gambling operations.
"The Cook Government is committed to removing these illegal makeshift casinos from the WA community because the consequences are serious.
"Anyone thinking of organising or playing in the unlawful gambling networks should expect the WA Police Forces' Transnational Serious Organised Crime Squad to knock on your door because they're often linked to organised crime."
*NOTE: as part of the WA Government's Public Sector Reform , from 1 July 2025 the functions of Racing, Gaming and Liquor moved from the former Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) to the newly created Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS).
