Casino licensee found suitable by the Racing and Gaming Minister
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 (pictured) 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.