Crown Resorts has been approved by the Western Australian Government to maintain its casino licence for its Crown Perth location, bringing an end to a three-year regulatory debacle.
In a release, the Government determined that Crown Perth had been “overhauled” via a fresh corporate and governance structure, enhanced employee screening and training models to promote ethical behaviours and actions to minimise gambling harm.
In addition, the casino had “implemented adequate and legislatively compliant anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing measures to prevent criminal infiltration” such as transaction monitoring and technology.
The final report by the Independent Monitor, Paul Steel, was also informed by the suitability assessment, approval and monitoring of the remediation plan’s implementation proposed by Crown Perth.
“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,” said Racing and Gaming Minister, Paul Papalia.
“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.”
$200m investment
Papalia found Crown Perth suitable to operate off the recommendation of the Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia (GWC), according 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 analyse the Perth Casino licensee for its suitability following the conclusion of the Perth Casino Royal Commission (PCRC) three years ago.
In March 2022, the PCRC stated that the Perth Casino licensee, Burswood Nominees Limited, was not a ‘suitable person’ to continue to hold the casino gaming licence due to failures in gambling harm reduction and preventing criminal activity proliferation.
With the PCRC procuring a suitability pathway to overhaul operations, an Independent Monitor was appointed, with an Office of the Independent Monitor being created to oversee the changes.
Crown Resorts and Crown Perth have welcomed the Government’s decision, stating it is a “testament to Crown’s whole of business transformation”, as well as “ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment” for guests and employees.
The operator noted that approximately $200m has been invested into areas such as harm minimisation, financial crime, governance, compliance and risk, and culture, improving business practices and operations.
“Our extensive business-wide transformation has set new benchmarks for the industry, creating a safer environment for our guests and the community,” stated Crown Resorts CEO, David Tsai.
“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.”
Steel continues overseeing casino operations
Thanking Steel and the GWC for their work, Crown Perth added that it had been “collaborative and transparent” throughout, producing more than 8,300 documents.
The GWC noted that it will keep focusing on the ongoing effectiveness of the measures to mitigate the risk of illegal activity, with Steel being appointed to the Commission from 1 August to oversee casino activities, ensuring lawful and responsible operations.
Crown Perth has also stated that it will introduce carded play on all electronic gaming machines from 1 December, following Crown Melbourne, which implemented the initiative in December 2023.
“Holding a casino licence means holding a social licence – and we have a responsibility to operate with the highest level of integrity every day,” added Brian Pereira, CEO of Crown Perth.
“With our improved culture, processes, and industry-leading standards, we are well-placed to continue delivering a safe and responsible environment for our guests.”
