Casino License Renewal for Crown Perth Granted After Favorable Report in Western Australia
Crown Perth, the largest gaming property in Western Australia, has been given the green light to continue operating its casino by the Western Australian Government, following a comprehensive three-year remediation process [1][2][3][5].
The decision comes after a series of regulatory breaches in 2022, which led to Crown Perth being deemed unfit to hold a casino license due to inadequate anti-money laundering (AML) controls and corporate governance failings [1]. Key factors in Crown Perth regaining suitability include:
- An overhaul of corporate and governance structures to ensure compliance and ethical behavior [1][2].
- Implementation of enhanced employee screening and training focused on promoting ethical conduct and reducing gambling harm [1][2].
- Deployment of robust and legislatively compliant AML and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures, including transaction monitoring and technology to flag suspicious cash transactions over specified thresholds [1][2].
- A significant business-wide transformation involving approximately AUD 200 million in investment towards harm minimisation, governance, compliance, culture improvement, and financial crime prevention [3].
- Active cooperation with an independent monitor, Paul Steel, who oversaw the remediation plan and will continue oversight from August 2025 onward [1][2][3].
- Introduction of carded play on electronic gaming machines to further responsible gambling efforts, following a successful rollout at Crown Melbourne [3].
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia praised Crown Perth's remediation efforts, noting the property's comprehensive changes and commitment to compliance [1][2]. This finding aligns Crown Perth with Crown Resorts' other properties, Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney, which were found suitable in 2024 [1][3].
However, it's important to note that while potential for money laundering and counter-terrorism financing was identified at Crown Perth, no evidence of these crimes was found [4]. Furthermore, Crown Perth was not fined by the Western Australia Royal Commission, unlike Crown Sydney and Crown Melbourne [5].
The Burswood resort casino complex in Perth, Western Australia, has been recommended to retain its gaming license [6]. The recommendations of the Western Australia Gaming and Wagering Commission are subject to approval by the Western Australian government [7].
Crown Resorts, now under the control of US-based private equity giant Blackstone [8], has undergone remedial efforts to come into regulatory compliance [9]. Paul Steel, the independent monitor who has overseen the casino since 2022, will continue to have access to the property "to ensure lawful and responsible operations" [10]. Despite regaining control of the business, Steel's monitoring will continue to ensure compliance [11].
References:
- The West Australian
- ABC News
- The Sydney Morning Herald
- The Age
- The Australian
- The West Australian
- The West Australian
- The Sydney Morning Herald
- The West Australian
- The West Australian
- The West Australian
James Packer, a significant figure in Crown Resorts, may find solace in the news as Crown Perth, the largest gaming property in Western Australia, has been given approval to continue operating its casino by the Western Australian Government. This decision follows a three-year remediation process due to regulatory breaches in 2022.
The remediation process focused on several key areas, such as an overhaul of corporate and governance structures, implementation of enhanced employee screening and training, deployment of AML and CTF measures, significant business transformation, active cooperation with independent monitor Paul Steel, and the introduction of carded play on electronic gaming machines for responsible gambling efforts.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia commended Crown Perth's remediation efforts, noting the property's commitment to compliance. This aligns Crown Perth with Crown Resorts' other properties, Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney, which have also been deemed suitable.
It is worth noting that while potential for money laundering and counter-terrorism financing was identified at Crown Perth, no evidence of these crimes was found. Unlike Crown Sydney and Crown Melbourne, Crown Perth was not fined by the Western Australia Royal Commission.
The Burswood resort casino complex in Perth, Western Australia, has been recommended to retain its gaming license by the Western Australia Gaming and Wagering Commission. However, the final decision lies with the Western Australian government.
Post-remediation, Crown Resorts, now under the control of US-based private equity giant Blackstone, has undergone extensive efforts to come into regulatory compliance. Paul Steel, the independent monitor who has overseen the casino since 2022, will continue his monitoring to ensure the property maintains lawful and responsible operations. Despite regaining control, Steel's monitoring will continue to ensure compliance.
In the realm of general news and politics, this decision marks a significant step for Crown Resorts' properties across Australia. As for entertainment, Mariah Carey could potentially perform at the Crown Perth casino-and-gambling venue in the future, adding to the variety of casino-games and entertainment options available.
