An independent monitor assigned to oversee the operations of Crown Perth while it embarked on a comprehensive remediation process has presented their findings to the government with a decision on the company’s suitability set to be delivered as early as next month.
A report by the Australian Financial Review confirmed that the two-year tenure of former WA Police assistant commissioner Paul Steel as independent monitor had concluded in April with the government currently reviewing his findings.
Gary Dreibergs, chair of Western Australia’s Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC), told the media outlet, “The GWC is evaluating the [independent monitor’s] findings relative to remediation and considering appropriate recommendations relative to the suitability of the Perth Casino licensee. Recommendations to the minister for racing and gaming will be delivered when appropriate.”
Perth remains the only of Crown’s three Australian resorts yet to return to suitability with Crown Melbourne having won back its casino license in March 2024 and Crown Sydney a month later. All had been deemed unsuitable after separate inquiries found Crown had failed to adequately address money laundering linked to the VIP gaming rooms of some Asian junket partners, among other compliance shortcomings.
Victoria’s gaming regulator, the VGCCC, said upon handing Crown Melbourne its license back last year that it was satisfied the company had “addressed the systemic failings identified by the Royal Commission” and that “the various suitability requirements have been met … we have observed a very different Crown emerging with a clear understanding of the privilege and obligations of holding the licence.”
Crown Perth is home to around 6,000 employees.
