Burswood Casino no longer exists under that name. The venue was rebranded to Crown Perth in 2004 when Crown Limited (then Publishing and Broadcasting Limited) acquired Burswood Limited and its casino licence. Anyone searching for Burswood Casino today is looking for a venue that has operated as Crown Perth for more than two decades.
The name change wasn't just cosmetic. Crown Resorts brought the Perth venue into its national brand alongside Crown Melbourne, undertaking major renovations and expansions that transformed the original Burswood Island Casino into the larger resort complex that stands today on the Burswood Peninsula.
What Happened to Burswood Casino
The original Burswood Island Casino opened in 1985 on a site that was previously landfill on the eastern side of the Swan River. Burswood Limited operated the venue under Western Australia's Casino Control Act 1984, holding the state's exclusive casino licence. The complex included gaming floors, a hotel, and convention facilities, establishing itself as Perth's primary casino destination.
In September 2004, PBL (Publishing and Broadcasting Limited, later Crown Limited) acquired all shares in Burswood Limited. The acquisition transferred control of the casino licence to Crown's ownership structure, though the legal entity holding the licence—Burswood Nominees Pty Ltd—remained the formal licensee under WA regulation.
Crown announced the rebrand to Crown Perth in December 2011, implementing the name change in late 2012 as part of a $750 million expansion. The rebrand aligned the Perth venue with Crown's other Australian properties and coincided with significant facility upgrades including additional gaming space, hotel towers, and dining venues.
| Period | Venue Name | Operator | Regulatory Framework |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–2004 | Burswood Island Casino / Burswood Entertainment Complex | Burswood Limited | Exclusive casino licence under Casino Control Act 1984, regulated by WA Gaming and Wagering Commission |
| 2004–2012 | Burswood Casino (transitional period) | Crown Limited (via Burswood Nominees Pty Ltd) | Same licence held by Burswood Nominees under Crown ownership; regulatory oversight unchanged |
| 2012–present | Crown Perth | Crown Resorts (now owned by Blackstone Group since 2022) | Casino Control Act 1984 licence; subject to enhanced regulatory scrutiny following 2022 Royal Commission, found suitable to retain licence in July 2025 |
The venue remains on the same Burswood Peninsula site. The name Burswood persists in the suburb designation and some local references, but the casino and resort complex itself has operated exclusively as Crown Perth since the 2012 rebrand. Crown Resorts was acquired by US investment firm Blackstone Group in 2022, adding another ownership layer without changing the venue's public-facing name or its licence structure in Western Australia.
Crown Perth: Location, Gaming Floor, and What's Available
Crown Perth sits on the Burswood Peninsula, roughly five minutes east of Perth's CBD across the Swan River. The site is adjacent to Belmont Park Racecourse and near Optus Stadium, making it a central entertainment precinct. The resort complex includes the casino, three hotels (Crown Towers, Crown Promenade, and Crown Metropol), convention and meeting spaces, a theatre, nightclub, day spa, and more than 30 dining and bar venues.
The gaming floor operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Crown Perth holds Western Australia's only land-based casino licence, giving it exclusive access to offer traditional casino gaming in the state. This monopoly position means there are no competing venues for table games or casino-style electronic gaming machines within WA.
Gaming Products and Floor Layout
Crown Perth's gaming floor includes electronic gaming machines, table games, and electronic table games. Western Australia's legal framework distinguishes between authorised electronic gaming machines at the licensed casino and poker machines, which are prohibited outside the casino. The distinction is technical—both use similar technology—but it reflects WA's tighter control over gaming machine proliferation compared to other states where pokies fill pubs and clubs.
- Electronic gaming machines: The main floor holds around 2,000 to 2,500 machines, including popular Aristocrat titles such as Lightning Link, Dragon Link, and 5 Dragons. Machines range from low-denomination penny slots to higher-limit options.
- Table games: Crown Perth offers blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker variants, and other traditional casino games. The table count sits between 200 and 350 depending on how you classify electronic table game terminals versus dealer-operated tables.
- Electronic table games: These terminals let players place bets on roulette, baccarat, and sic bo without a live dealer, using automated systems. They typically have lower minimum bets than the main table game pit.
- VIP gaming: Separate high-limit areas provide private gaming rooms, dedicated hosts, and higher table limits for premium players. Access is restricted and typically requires an invitation or Crown Rewards membership tier.
Electronic gaming machine play at Crown Perth requires a Crown Rewards membership card. You can't walk up and insert cash into a machine without first registering for membership, presenting photo identification, and setting mandatory time and loss limits. This registration process is part of WA's responsible gambling framework and distinguishes Crown Perth's operating conditions from the more casual pokies access available in clubs and pubs in states like New South Wales and Queensland.
Resort Facilities Beyond the Gaming Floor
Crown Perth operates as an integrated resort rather than a standalone casino. The three onsite hotels provide over 1,200 rooms ranging from standard accommodation at Crown Metropol to luxury suites at Crown Towers. The convention centre hosts conferences, exhibitions, and events with multiple ballrooms and meeting spaces.
Dining spans quick-service outlets, casual restaurants, fine dining, and buffet options. Bars and nightlife venues include the Crown Nightclub and various lounges. The Crown Theatre presents musicals, concerts, and live performances. A day spa, swimming pools, and retail outlets round out the resort's non-gaming amenities.
Transport options include taxi and rideshare drop-off points, several public car parks with thousands of spaces, and bus routes connecting the precinct to Perth CBD and surrounding suburbs. The proximity to Optus Stadium means the area sees heavy foot traffic on event days, which can affect parking availability and crowd density inside the resort.
Western Australia's Casino Licensing and How Crown Perth Operates
Western Australia's Gaming and Wagering Commission regulates casino operations under the Casino Control Act 1984. The Act created a single casino licence for the state, and that licence has remained with the Burswood site since the venue opened. Crown Perth—through its corporate structure—holds this exclusive licence, meaning no other land-based casino can legally operate in WA unless the legislation changes.
The Gaming and Wagering Commission oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement. It assesses the suitability of casino operators, employees, and associated entities, monitors gaming operations, and investigates breaches. The Commission can impose conditions, suspend licences, or recommend licence cancellation if an operator fails to meet regulatory standards.
Regulatory Scrutiny and the Royal Commission Findings
Crown Perth came under intense regulatory scrutiny following the 2021 Bergin Inquiry in New South Wales, which found Crown Resorts unsuitable to hold a casino licence due to governance failures, money laundering risks, and ties to junket operators. Western Australia launched its own Perth Casino Royal Commission in 2021, examining whether Crown remained a suitable entity to hold WA's casino licence.
The Royal Commission's 2022 report identified serious compliance deficiencies, corporate governance problems, and inadequate controls over money laundering and responsible gambling obligations. The findings put Crown Perth's licence at risk, triggering a remediation period during which Crown was required to implement reforms, appoint independent monitors, and demonstrate improved compliance culture.
In July 2025, the WA Government and Gaming and Wagering Commission concluded that Crown Perth had made sufficient progress to be deemed a suitable entity to continue holding its casino licence. The decision came without additional penalties or conditions beyond the reforms already implemented. This determination ended three years of heightened regulatory uncertainty, though the Commission retains ongoing oversight and enhanced monitoring powers.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Self-Exclusion
Crown Perth operates under mandatory responsible gambling measures that exceed the baseline requirements in some other jurisdictions. Electronic gaming machine players must register for Crown Rewards membership and set time and loss limits before playing. These limits are enforced through the card-based system—once a player reaches their nominated limit, the system prevents further play until the limit resets or the player adjusts it through a deliberate process involving a cooling-off period.
Voluntary exclusion programs allow individuals to ban themselves from entering the casino. Crown Perth maintains its own exclusion register, and participants who breach their exclusion can be removed and face penalties. Western Australia also participates in the national BetStop self-exclusion register, though BetStop primarily covers online wagering services licensed in Australia rather than land-based casino access.
Crown Perth staff receive training to identify problem gambling behaviour and must intervene when required under the venue's responsible service of gaming obligations. The venue displays responsible gambling information, provides access to Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858), and funds problem gambling support services as part of its licence conditions.
The regulatory environment remains stricter than in states where poker machines operate in hundreds of venues with lighter registration requirements. WA's centralised model concentrates oversight on a single operator, giving the Gaming and Wagering Commission direct line of sight into Crown Perth's gaming operations and compliance performance.
Visiting Crown Perth: Entry Requirements and Membership
Crown Perth enforces an 18+ age restriction across the gaming floor. All visitors must carry valid photo identification—an Australian driver's licence, passport, or proof of age card—and present it on request. Security staff conduct ID checks at entry points, and anyone who cannot prove they are 18 or older will be refused entry.
The main gaming floor is open 24 hours, but access to specific areas depends on membership status and dress code compliance. General admission is free; you don't pay an entry fee to walk onto the gaming floor or visit the restaurants and bars within the public areas of the resort.
Crown Rewards Membership and Registration
Crown Rewards membership is mandatory for electronic gaming machine play. You can sign up at the Crown Rewards desk on the gaming floor by presenting photo identification and completing a registration form. The process includes setting initial time and loss limits, which you must nominate before receiving your membership card.
Membership is free and provides access to a points program. You earn points when playing electronic gaming machines and at participating restaurants, bars, and hotel stays. Points can be redeemed for dining credits, accommodation discounts, and other rewards. Higher membership tiers unlock additional benefits such as priority service, invitations to exclusive events, and access to premium gaming areas.
Table game players do not need a Crown Rewards card to place bets, but signing up is recommended if you plan to play regularly. Table game activity can be tracked for tier progression if you present your card when buying chips.
Dress Code and Venue Etiquette
Crown Perth enforces a smart-casual dress code on the main gaming floor and in most restaurants and bars. This means no thongs, singlets, ripped clothing, or excessively casual beachwear. Enclosed shoes are required in many areas. Higher-end dining venues and VIP gaming rooms have stricter standards, often requiring collared shirts and dress shoes for men and equivalent smart attire for women.
Security staff reserve the right to refuse entry based on dress code violations, intoxication, or disruptive behaviour. Crown Perth operates a barring and exclusion policy that can result in longer-term bans for breaches of venue rules.
Getting There and Parking
Crown Perth is located at Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, roughly 5 kilometres from Perth CBD. The drive takes around 10 minutes in light traffic. Multiple car parks serve the resort, offering thousands of spaces with both complimentary and paid options depending on the time of day and your membership tier. Crown Rewards members may receive parking discounts or validation.
Public transport includes bus routes stopping near the resort and connecting to Perth's train network. Taxis and rideshare services can drop off and pick up from designated zones near the main entrances. On major event days at nearby Optus Stadium, expect parking congestion and longer wait times for rideshare pick-ups.
The proximity to the stadium and racecourse means the Burswood Peninsula sees high visitor volumes during large events. Plan ahead if visiting on event days, as both parking availability and crowd density inside the resort can be affected.
Is Burswood Casino the same as Crown Perth?
Yes. Burswood Casino was rebranded to Crown Perth in 2004 following Crown Limited's acquisition of the venue. The casino operates on the same Burswood Peninsula site but has been known exclusively as Crown Perth since 2012.
Can I play pokies at Crown Perth without a membership card?
No. Electronic gaming machine play at Crown Perth requires a Crown Rewards membership card, which you must obtain by registering with photo ID and setting time and loss limits. This is a WA regulatory requirement and applies to all players.
Is Crown Perth legal and licensed in Western Australia?
Yes. Crown Perth holds Western Australia's exclusive land-based casino licence under the Casino Control Act 1984, regulated by the WA Gaming and Wagering Commission. The venue was found suitable to retain its licence in July 2025 following a regulatory review.
What age do you have to be to enter Crown Perth?
You must be 18 or older to enter the gaming floor at Crown Perth. Valid photo identification is required, and security staff will check ID at entry points.