Gaming and Regulation Executive Director Jennifer Shelton, pictured above, announced a continuing gambling investigation in Australia. (Image: LinkedIn)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOne person was arrested and the government\u2019s Gaming and Wagering Commission fined those associated with the illegal operation, according to the Australian Associated Press.<\/p>\n
Approximately AU$188K in cash and gaming chips were seized from the two gambling operations located near Perth, the report added.<\/strong><\/p>\nMore than AU$128K was confiscated during an April 2023 raid of a Mount Lawley business. A 35-year-old suspect was charged with money laundering, authorities said. He pleaded guilty to the charge.<\/p>\n
In addition, more than AU$60K in cash and gaming chips were seized in December from another illicit gaming operation hidden in a Cloverdale residence, authorities said. Sixteen people were playing when the raid took place. They had been previously banned from the Crown Perth casino, officials said.<\/p>\n
The two illegal gaming operations were closed after the raids, according to Western Australia Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia.<\/p>\n
At the first raid, three casino employees were found to be working illegally,\u201d<\/strong> Papalia told the Australian AP on Wednesday.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nWhen asked for comment about the one-time Crown workers, a spokesman told the news agency, \u201cWe can confirm the three team members are no longer working at Crown.\u201d<\/p>\n
More inquiries and arrests are possible.<\/p>\n
“Organizers and participants of unlicensed gaming events are now on notice that their activities will be investigated and action taken,\u201d Papalia warned.<\/p>\n
Vulnerable are Targeted<\/h2>\n
The illegal casinos target \u201cvulnerable\u201d players, Western Australia Gaming and Regulation Executive Director Jennifer Shelton revealed to Australia\u2019s 9News.<\/p>\n
These include problem gamblers, players who have excluded themselves from entering casinos, those with ties to organized crime, or those who possess wealth they can\u2019t readily explain, she said.<\/p>\n
These criminal organizations are targeting vulnerable individuals who are then using it for other criminal gains,\u201d<\/strong> Shelton added.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nEven as word of the stepped-up enforcement spreads, illegal operators will \u201clay low for a while. But eventually they’ll pop back up either in the same location or same premises,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Prior Incidents<\/h2>\n
Crown Casino Perth has been the subject of controversy in recent years.<\/p>\n