An alleged illegal gambling den has been raided in Perth‘s northern suburbs.
Tens of thousands of dollars were seized as authorities crack down on secret casinos in Perth homes.
In a move players weren’t betting on, police snuck through the back door of a Marangaroo home to bust a group of 18 people playing a game of baccarat.
The dining room was allegedly turned into a makeshift casino.
Police Minister Reece Whitby said the crackdown is not for innocent games but secret casinos popping up.
“Having a poker night with your mates, this is not what this is about, this is professional mini casinos being established for profit,” he said.
A haul of gambling items were seized by the Transnational Serious and Organised Crime Squad, along with $83,000 in cash.
Police allege the dealer is a former Crown Perth casino employee.
“You’ll lose your licence, you’ll never be doing it again and you’ll lose your job and you are, in all likelihood, working for organised criminals,” Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said.
While charges are yet to be laid on this raid, Crown says it has zero tolerance for unlawful and illegal gaming behaviour, as it works with authorities to support their investigations.
“Our concern is the infiltration of organised crime into these backyard gambling dens,” Police Commissioner Col Blanch said.
This is the fourth bust carried out in Perth’s suburbs since 2023.
The crackdown has resulted in three other casino dealers losing their license, with a total of $300,000 seized.
There are many different ways to get help and information about gambling. You can visit the National Gambling Helpline or call on 1800 858 858.
