Two new laws passed the NSW Parliament on Thursday which the government says will hold casinos to a higher standard with stringent controls overseen by an independent regulator.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said, “This marks a new era in the way casinos in NSW are allowed to operate, with new comprehensive measures targeting key issues such as money laundering and other criminal activity.
“This essential reset will give the people of NSW confidence that the State’s casino operators will be held to the highest possible standards.”
The Casino Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 was implemented according to the recommendations of the Casino Inquiry Report by Patricia Bergin SC which included establishing the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) as a new independent regulator and extinguishing compensation triggers for casino operators in relation to regulatory action taken by Parliament, the Government and the Commission.
The NICC will have unprecedented powers to monitor casino activities, and take strong disciplinary action against operators and individuals who engage in misconduct.
“The NICC will formally commence operations on 5 September and its first major task will be to consider the findings of the review into The Star casino, with Adam Bell SC due to hand down his report by the end of the month,” Mr Anderson said.
“The regulator will also take over the work of the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority in overseeing Crown Sydney’s conditional opening of its gaming areas.”
Crown Sydney commenced its gaming operations last week, opening to VIP and members only.
The NICC will be led by a Chief Commissioner supported by four Commissioners including one with money laundering experience who is yet to be appointed. The NICC will be funded by the Casino Supervisory Levy paid by Crown and The Star.
The levy will support a significant improvement in casino regulation.
