Raids bust illegal gambling operations, Crown workers

Three Crown Perth employees had their gaming licences cancelled over an illegal gambling operation. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Three Crown workers have lost their jobs after authorities raided two illegal gambling houses and seized thousands in cash and casino-style gaming chips.

Investigators also found a baccarat table cover and playing cards at a Perth business premise, where several people were allegedly playing and wagering in an unlawful game.

More than $128,000 was seized during the bust in April 2023 and West Australian police charged a 35-year-old man who allegedly organised the game with money laundering. 

The Gaming and Wagering Commission cancelled the licences of three Crown Perth employees, and others allegedly involved in the gambling operation were slapped with fines.

More than $60,000 in cash and gaming chips were seized during a raid in December on home in Perth's east, where 16 people were found.

Investigations continue into the alleged operation, with the possibility of charges under the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries said the organisers of the illegal operations targeted vulnerable problem gamblers banned from casinos and cash-hungry Crown dealers.

Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said the raids had led to two illegal gambling operations being shut down and several people who were employed in the casino industry losing their licences and consequently their jobs.

"At the first raid, three casino employees were found to be working illegally," he said on Wednesday.

“Organisers and participants of unlicensed gaming events are now on notice that their activities will be investigated and action taken." 

Gaming authorities and WA police are working to increase co-operation and enhance intelligence sharing in a bid to shut down illegal gaming operations.

Crown Resorts said it was working with WA's gaming regulator and police to enforce the company's zero-tolerance approach towards unlawful and illegal behaviour. 

"We can confirm the three team members are no longer working at Crown," a spokeswoman said.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store