Authorities have warned more properties are in their sites after busting two underground gambling dens allegedly run by Crown Casino workers across Perth suburbs.
Blocks of cash and casino chips seized in the raids will be destroyed as police claim illegal facilities target problem gamblers and Perth’s underbelly.
“These criminal organisations are targeting vulnerable individuals who are then using it for other criminal gains,” Gaming and Regulation executive director Jennifer Shelton told 9News.
“Word got around to lay low for a while but eventually they’ll pop back up either in the same location or same premises.”
Shelton said organisers are targeting Crown Casino staff and recruiting dealers and vulnerable patrons from the venue.
“They are problem gamblers. They’ve self-excluded or they are involved in organised crime or have unexplained wealth,” she said.
In April last year, police struck a Mount Lawley business and seized almost $130,000 from an alleged illegal game.
A former Crown Perth employee allegedly recruited three more Crown dealers to run games allegedly targeting problem gamblers or people involved in organised crime.
The three dealers had their licences cancelled.
Police also seized tens of thousands of dollars worth of casino chips, gaming cards, and a baccarat table cover from the operation.
In December, police allegedly found 16 players already banned from the casino and $60,000 in a raid on a home in Cloverdale suspected of allegedly operating a game without a licence or permit.
A 35-year-old man pleaded guilty to money and property laundering.
Gambling in clubs and charities is allowed in WA with a permit but police allege these operations didn’t have a licence.
Police and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said there would always be the threat of illegal gambling operations.
“The tighter things get with casino monitoring and oversight and prevention of organised crime in the casino, the more likely it is that people will try and get around it,” he said.
