Illegal Casino Raid in Perth Catches 18 Baccarat Players

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Earlier this year, authorities in Australia shut down an illegal casino in Perth, where 18 people were caught in the middle of a game of baccarat online. While both online baccarat and land casino baccarat are legal in Australia, this operation was being run out of a private home, which made it illegal and potentially linked to organized crime.

The raid took place on April 17 in Marangaroo, a suburb north of Perth, when police and gaming investigators raided the property and discovered a fully equipped underground casino inside a dining room. Officers found a professional baccarat table, an electronic display showing past results, gaming chips, and a card dealing shoe. More than $83,000 in cash was seized.

Crown Perth Employee License Suspended
Among those caught in the raid was a Crown Perth employee who reportedly served as the dealer for the illegal games. His gaming license has since been suspended by the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC). The group of people inside the property also included a security guard, organizers, and players. Police have confirmed that no charges have yet been filed, but prosecutions under the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 are being considered.

It was the fourth time since April 2023 that authorities in Western Australia have dismantled illegal casinos. Previous raids have led to the suspension of three other casino dealers, action against organizers, and the confiscation of almost $300,000. In one case, three men were fined $25,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court after investigators seized about $130,000 from a Mount Lawley property. Another defendant from that case is still being tried by the courts.

Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said the crackdown is not aimed at casual games between friends but at sophisticated setups designed to profit illegally.

“We’re not targeting casual poker nights — these are professional setups, often tied to organized crime, which is why we’re cracking down. People involved risk criminal charges, and licensed dealers will lose both their licence and their job.”

Gambling with Criminal Gains
Gaming and Wagering Commission chair Gary Dreibergs warned that illegal operations not only undermine the regulated casino industry but also attract people already banned from legal venues.

“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. Authorities will continue to be vigilant and work co-operatively to disrupt these illegal gambling activities, so we warn potential event organizers and participants to think twice, as we could soon be knocking on their door.”

Police Minister Reece Whitby said the government was determined to remove what he described as “makeshift casinos” from communities.

“Putting a stop to these illegal gaming events sends a clear message to people who are participating in or considering taking part in unlawful gambling operations. Anyone thinking of organizing or playing in the unlawful gambling networks should expect the WA Police Forces’ Transnational Serious Organized Crime Squad to knock on your door because they’re often linked to organized crime.”
Crown Perth has distanced itself from the incident, reaffirming its “zero tolerance” for unlawful gambling and confirming its cooperation with the investigation.

The Marangaroo underground casino is an example of how illegal gambling in Australia can imitate the look and feel of legitimate casinos, but without oversight or safeguards. With professional equipment, large amounts of cash involved, and links to organized crime, the operations remain a concern for regulators. However, for those interested in playing baccarat, there are plenty of excellent options in Australia, both online and offline, and they cater to everyone from casual beginners to high-stakes players looking to bet vast sums of money.

Hi, I’m Caroline, an experienced editor with a rich background in journalism. My career began at several Boston-based newspapers, where I specialized in editing and …