Crown Resorts has maintained its casino licence for Crown Perth in Western Australia, with the government and other investigating authorities saying the company’s practices have been “overhauled.”
The Western Australia government said Crown’s most important remediation work was an “adequate and legislatively compliant” anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing program.
The government added that Crown now has a “refreshed corporate and governance structure,” including enhanced employee screening and training models to promote ethical behaviours as well as actions to minimise gambling harm.
Crown Perth and its licensee, Burswood Nominees, was found in March 2022 by the Perth Casino Royal Commission (PCRC) to be unsuitable to hold a casino licence due to failures in reducing gambling harm and preventing the proliferation of criminal activity.
Three years on, though, the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) of Western Australia and an Independent Monitor (IM) have concluded that Crown has turned its fortunes around.
Crown said it invested around AU$200m into its remediation.
Gaming and Wagering Commission chair, Gary Dreibergs, said “sustained cultural change and long-term commitment to reforms are essential” for Crown Resorts going forward.
“We will continue to monitor Crown Perth's efforts to reduce gambling harm and uphold public trust.
"Crown Perth bears a long-term responsibility to minimise gambling harm and prevent criminal infiltration, while the Commission is responsible for monitoring and regulating Crown Perth to achieve those objectives.
"The Commission finds Crown Perth a suitable entity to continues to hold a casino gaming licence and therefore recommended to the Minister not to exercise powers under s.21B. However, the efforts cannot be diminished now, as public confidence lies in the ability of Perth Casino to maintain its current course."
Crown Resorts CEO 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.”
