- Raids on underground gambling operations result
in action against those involved
- Close to $190,000 in cash, casino-style gaming
chips and playing cards seized
- Cook Government issues strong warning to participants
and organisers of illegal gaming houses
The warning comes following
two raids by authorities on gaming houses suspected of operating without a
licence or permit.
In April, Department of
Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) investigators, acting
under the authority of the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC), executed a
search warrant alongside WA Police on a business premises in a Perth inner
suburb.
As a result of that bust,
three Crown Perth employees had their casino employee licences cancelled by the
GWC, and infringement notices were issued to several people who were allegedly
playing and/or wagering in an unlawful game.
One of four alleged
organisers/facilitators, a 35-year-old man, has been charged with a money and
property laundering offence by WA Police, with that matter currently before the
Courts.
Cash totalling $128,615,
a baccarat table cover, casino-style gaming chips, playing cards, and other
items were seized during the raid. There are possible charges pending under the
Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987.
A second search warrant
was carried out in December when DLGSC, GWC and WA Police officers raided a
home in Perth's eastern suburbs where 16 people were present. Cash amounting to
$60,720, gaming chips, and documents were seized, and investigations are
continuing.
Minister for Racing and
Gaming Paul Papalia said the actions taken by authorities in these cases send a
strong warning to those involved in, or considering attending, an illegal gaming
house.
Further information on
racing, gaming and wagering laws in Western Australia is available on the DLGSC
website: dlgsc.wa.gov.au/racing-gaming-and-liquor/racing-gaming-and-wagering.
Comments attributed to Police, and Racing and Gaming Minister Paul
Papalia:
"The highly successful
joint operations between the DLGSC, GWC and WA Police have resulted in two unlawful
gambling operations being shut down, and several people who were employed in
the casino industry losing their licences and consequently their jobs.
"Organisers and
participants of unlicensed gaming events are now on notice that their
activities will be investigated, and action taken.
"Gaming and wagering
authorities and WA Police are currently looking at ways to forge closer links
to increase cooperation and intelligence sharing, with the aim of closing down
these illegal gaming operations in the future, and bringing those involved to
justice."
