Crown Perth found fit to retain its casino licence
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.
Crown said: “This outcome is a testament to Crown’s whole of business transformation and the implementation of its industry-leading standards and dedication to guest safety. All three Crown properties have now been deemed suitable by state regulators, with Melbourne and Sydney retaining their licenses in March and April 2024, respectively.”
Crown Perth has implemented significant reforms following a business-wide transformation, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for both guests and team members. Overall, approximately $200 million has been invested in these reforms, with key areas of focus including harm minimisation; financial crime; governance, compliance and risk; and culture.
This work has embedded meaningful change in the culture of the business, improved practices, reporting, monitoring, and accountability across Crown’s diverse operations.
The GWC was assisted by the former Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety 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.
Throughout the monitorship, Crown Perth has been collaborative and transparent, producing more than 8,300 documents.
Crown thanks the Perth Independent Monitor, Mr. Paul Steel, and the Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia for their important work.
In a further demonstration of Crown’s commitment to responsible and safe gaming, Crown Perth will introduce carded play on all electronic gaming machines from December 1. This was implemented at Crown Melbourne in a world-first initiative in December 2023. Since then, over 400,000 guests have registered for carded play.
Crown Perth Board Chair, Mr. John Van Der Wielen said: “Today’s announcement is recognition that we are a changed business. The community, our team members, our suppliers, and our guests were relying on us to get this right – and we have.”
Crown Perth CEO, Mr. 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, Mr David Tsai said: “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.”
