The operators of illegal gaming houses in Cloverdale, Wangara and Mt Lawley have been fined by the Perth Magistrates Court for breaching the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act after a series of raids.
The operators of illegal gaming houses in Cloverdale, Wangara and Mt Lawley have been fined by the Perth Magistrates Court for breaching the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act after a series of raids.
The convictions follow joint raids by authorised officers from the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS), acting on behalf of the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC), operating alongside WA Police Force officers.
In the most recent prosecution on 13 April 2026, Qiaojun HUANG was fined $20,000 and ordered to pay court costs of $814 for operating an illegal gaming event at his Cloverdale home.
The Cloverdale raid carried out in December 2023 found a game of baccarat underway with Mr Huang acting as both the dealer and the bank. Six players were actively participating, and a total of 16 people were present at Mr Huang’s home having been invited to attend the premises.
Another attendee was convicted and fined for participating as a baccarat player (his second offence) and was granted a spent conviction.
Mr Huang was previously fined $10,000 in July 2025 following a similar raid on a Mt Lawley business premises in April 2023.
Organisers of the Mt Lawley operation, Stephen WONG and Chun Hei Keven CHEUNG, were both fined $10,000 each in July 2025. Participant Shuo GAO was fined $4,000 plus $4,389 in prosecution costs in February 2026. Mr Cheung and two others involved had their dealer’s licences cancelled by the GWC.
The third raid on a Wangara business premises in April 2024 resulted in the organiser Steven Mark BURGESS being convicted and fined $5,200 in November 2025. Also convicted were Scott Aaron WILKINSON who was fined $3,700 and Hsin Feng HSIEH who was fined $3,000.
Mr Burgess, Mr Wilkinson, Mr Hsieh and two other people involved in the operation all had their gaming certificates revoked by the GWC.
Gaming function permits are made available to not-for-profit community groups, charities, sporting clubs and other bodies seeking to run gaming-style fundraising activities for genuine community benefit.
Suppliers of equipment and services for permitted gaming functions must obtain a certificate from the GWC and comply with strict conditions. Involvement in gambling offences is grounds for cancellation.
Across the three raids, more than $190,000 in cash was seized and forfeited to the State – $60,720 at Cloverdale, $128,615 at Mt Lawley, and $2,800 at Wangara.
Casino-style chips, playing cards, a poker table, a baccarat table cover and other gaming equipment were also ordered to be destroyed.
These successful prosecutions, along with dozens of infringements issued over the past three years demonstrate the Government’s commitment to tackling illegal gambling in Western Australia.
Further information on gaming and wagering laws in Western Australia is available on the
LGIRS website .
As stated by Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) Director General Lanie Chopping:
“These successful prosecution outcomes are the result of the diligent work being carried out by LGIRS investigators, working closely with the Gaming and Wagering Commission and WA Police Force, in our efforts to stamp out illegal gaming in Western Australia.
“A strong warning to those involved in organising or participating in illegal gambling events – continue these activities and eventually you will be caught to face the consequences.
“Apart from being fined and having a criminal record, those convicted of illegal gaming can lose their money seized during these raids and the amounts can be significant. Licences can also be cancelled affecting careers and livelihoods.
“Our enforcement and prosecution actions reflect our continued commitment to disrupt illegal gambling activity across Western Australia.”
As stated by Gaming and Wagering Commission Chair Gary Dreibergs:
“The successful prosecutions following raids on two business premises and a home being operated as illegal common gaming houses are a clear demonstration of the GWC’s commitment to bring an end to illegal gambling in the community and make sure those involved are brought before the Courts.
“We will continue to take a robust enforcement approach against unlawful gambling activity, which potentially attracts money launderers and organised criminals.
“The outcomes highlight the effectiveness of our collaborative enforcement approach, working closely with LGIRS and WA Police Force officers, which involves intelligence sharing, evidence gathering, and coordinated operational activities.
“The GWC will continue to use its resources to regulate gaming and wagering in WA so that it operates in a lawful and ethical way. This is essential for the community to have confidence in the industry, and to minimise gambling-related harm.”
