Royal Commission: Crown Perth “Unsuitable” for Operation, but Will Keep License

By Ralph Trayfalgar, Updated: MAY 28, 2024

At the end of a years-long probe into the operations of one of Australia’s largest real money casino operations, the Royal Commission has deemed the Perth branch of Crown Casinos unsuitable for operation, but has ruled to not revoke their operator license.

The Royal Commission’s casino review recommended that, instead of an outright termination of the Perth site, the casino will be rehabilitated under the oversight of an independent auditing body.

The investigation into Crown Perth’s dealings were launched by former Supreme Court justices Lindy Jenkins and Neville Own, as well as former WA Auditor General Colin Murphy, which revealed that Crown facilitated money laundering at the casino and failed to put in place systems to detect suspicious transactions.

In addition, the operator enabled junkets that had ties to criminal activity and failed to take steps to reduce gambling-related harm to its customers.

Crown said in a statement sent to the Australian Stock Exchange that it wholly accepts the findings and will work with the government to ensure a swift and thorough rehabilitation of the Perth casino.

“Crown Resorts Limited has today been notified that the Perth Casino Royal Commission Report has been publicly released after being tabled in the Western Australian Parliament. Crown acknowledges the Perth Casino Royal Commission’s findings and recommendations.

“Crown will review the report and will work cooperatively and constructively with the Western Australian Government in relation to the findings and recommendations of the report.”

Steve McCann, CEO and Managing Director of Crown Casinos, added: “Significant progress has been made with Crown’s transformation program, the implementation of company-wide reforms, and establishing the highest standards of governance. This includes investment in people, systems, processes, culture and a sharp focus on responsible live casino gaming and the prevention of financial crime.

“Crown remains committed to continuous improvement across all facets of the business and is prioritising the delivery of safe and responsible gaming across all of our resorts, including Crown Perth.”