A new independent commissioner is to be established to monitor casino activities and take action against operators who engage in misconduct.
Welcoming the passage of the Casino Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 through Parliament, Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson said the new laws would ensure the State’s two casinos complied with stringent controls, under the supervision of an independent regulator.
“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,” Mr Anderson said.
He said the centrepiece of the Bill was the creation of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC), which is to 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,” he said.
“The NICC will be led by a Chief Commissioner supported by four Commissioners including one with money laundering experience, to be appointed soon.”
Mr Anderson said the NICC would be funded by the Casino Supervisory Levy paid by both casinos.
“The levy will support a significant improvement in casino regulation,” the Minister said.
