Crown Casino employee and security guard allegedly busted at a makeshift casino operating out of a suburban Perth home

Eighteen people including a security guard and Crown Casino employee have been busted mid-game at an alleged illegal casino operating out of a suburban home. Authorities burst through the door to find players, organisers and security in the middle of a game of Baccarat inside a Marangaroo home in Perth’s north. Police from the Transnational Serious Organised Crime Squad and investigators from Racing, Gaming and Liquor uncovered the operation in April. Gaming chips, a card dealing shoe and more than $83,000 in cash were seized from the operation. Authorities also found a professional-grade table and an electronic display showing the results from previous games played. A Racing, Gaming and Liquor spokesman said the Crown Perth employee was allegedly acting as a dealer at the illegal casino and his licence has now been suspended by the Gaming and Wagering Commission. A police spokesman said no one has been charged and investigations were ongoing. It is the fourth raid carried out in Perth since 2023, resulting in other casino dealers losing their licence, action being taken against organisers and almost $300,000 seized during the raids. In July, three men were fined $25,000 in the Perth Magistrates Court after a raid at an unlawful gaming house in Mount Lawley seized about $130,000 in cash. Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said authorities would not stop dismantling illegal gambling networks. “We’re not targeting casual poker nights - these are professional setups, often tied to organised crime, which is why we’re cracking down,” he said. “People involved risk criminal charges, and licensed dealers will lose both their licence and their job.” Gaming and Wagering Commission chair Gary Dreibers said they relied on the police and regulator to find illegal gambling houses and stamp them out to ensure that gaming and wagering operated lawfully and ethically. “It’s well known that these unlawful casinos are used by people betting with money derived from criminal activities and attract players who have been banned from Perth’s casino for various reasons,” he said. “Authorities will continue to be vigilant and work co-operatively to disrupt these illegal gambling activities, so we warn potential event organisers and participants to think twice as we could soon be knocking on their door.” Police Minister Reece Whitby said stopping illegal gaming events sent a message to the people who were participating or thinking about participating in unlawful gambling operations “The Cook Government is committed to removing these illegal makeshift casinos from the WA community because the consequences are serious,” he said. “Anyone thinking of organising or playing in the unlawful gambling networks should expect the WA Police Forces’ Transnational Serious Organised Crime Squad to knock on your door because they’re often linked to organised crime.”