Crown Perth is celebrating a significant milestone this month, marking 40 years since it first opened its doors and transformed a former rubbish tip and sewage treatment site into Western Australia’s largest entertainment precinct. The anniversary is not just a testament to the venue’s enduring appeal but also a reflection of its remarkable evolution over the decades.
David Littler, the casino manager who began his career as a 22-year-old blackjack dealer on the opening night in 1985, is set to retire 40 years to the day since he first stepped into what was then known as Burswood Island Casino. “I’m awfully proud to stay on for 40 years and grow with the industry,” Littler remarked. “It was a fledgling industry in WA, and to be a part of it all and all of those people over the years is such a privilege.”
The Early Days: A Glamorous Start
Reflecting on the early days, Littler recalls how the casino was perceived as a glamorous night out, with lines stretching as far as the roundabout on Bolton Avenue. “Everyone got really dressed up to come,” he said. “It was a really dressy occasion. It’s far more relaxed now; it’s quite casual.”
Staff were held to strict standards, with a wardrobe manager ensuring that every detail, from nails to shoes, met the casino’s high expectations. “When we walked on the floor, we had to pass the wardrobe manager who’d check your nails and your shoes and to make sure your shirt was tucked in; it was very strict in the early days,” Littler added.
Transformation and Expansion
The transformation of Crown Perth over the past four decades has been dramatic. Littler notes that where The Merrywell restaurant now stands was once a large pond. The original gaming floor offered blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and two-up, with poker arriving a few months later. Over time, the casino has expanded its offerings to include new games, progressive poker jackpots, and cutting-edge technology.
The sports bar, now a highlight of the precinct, boasts multiple huge screens showcasing a wide array of sports, including EPL, AFL, UFC, and NBA, all live. “We used to have a Champions Bar, which was just a bar with a normal-sized telly,” Littler reminisced.
Changes in Leadership and Workforce
Throughout his career, Littler has witnessed numerous changes in leadership and ownership, with around seven CEOs and several ownership transitions. The workforce has also grown significantly from a few hundred employees at its inception to about 5,000 today. Littler acknowledged that “just about every part of the property” has been renovated or altered over the years.
“Standouts over the past four decades for Mr Littler were the events, such as New Year’s Eve and Melbourne Cups, where everyone is dressed up and in a great mood.”
Looking Back and Forward
Among the highlights of Littler’s career are the major events and tournaments he helped organize, such as the commissioning of both the Towers and the ultra-exclusive Sky Salon, Crown’s invitation-only VIP gaming rooms. “That was a real highlight, to be part of creating something so premium,” he said.
Today, Crown Perth is a sprawling precinct that includes three luxury hotels with 1,188 rooms, 33 restaurants and bars, a 2,300-seat theatre, convention and meeting facilities, a resort-style pool, spa, retail outlets, and riverside recreation trails. The old Burswood Dome was demolished in 2013 to make way for a 1,000-bay car park, and development continues to reshape the space.
Regulatory Challenges and Future Prospects
In July, Crown Perth was granted permission to retain its gambling license following Royal Commission findings, which required an independent monitor to oversee remediation activities over a two-year period. This development underscores the ongoing challenges and responsibilities that come with managing such a significant entertainment hub.
As Littler prepares to retire, he reflects on his long career with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. “It was a privilege to work with so many people and their skills and professionalism,” he said. Though he is open to exploring part-time work in the future, for now, he is ready to close the chapter on one of the longest careers in Crown Perth’s history. “I’ll retire on the exact date I started,” he said. “Forty years to the day.”
