The New South Wales (NSW) government is set to submit legislation to parliament that aims to enhance the regulatory framework for casinos in the state. These proposed reforms, which address the recommendations of the Bergin Inquiry and incorporate additional measures from the Victorian Royal Commission into Crown Resorts, seek to grant expanded powers to the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC), introduce stricter compliance requirements, and enhance collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
The legislation also includes provisions for cashless gaming, probity assessments, and continuous access to gaming data. Furthermore, the NSW government has separately proposed betting and racing legislation to restrict certain inducements and promotions associated with gambling. Both Star Entertainment Group and Crown Resorts have expressed support for the proposed reforms.
Strengthening Casino Regulations:
The upcoming legislation aims to empower the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) by granting it the authority to impose larger fines on casinos. This move is part of broader reforms that include the introduction of regular public inquiries with Royal Commission-like powers to review casino licenses. Casino operators will be required to provide full disclosure of requested information and promptly report any breaches or potential breaches of the law to the NICC. Independent compliance auditors will be appointed to assess casino operators’ adherence to regulatory obligations, with continuous access to gaming data for regulatory purposes. The legislation also proposes phasing out cash transactions exceeding $1,000 per patron per day, promoting cashless gaming to enhance player identification and facilitate financial crime monitoring and prevention. Additionally, new requirements for close associates of casinos and extended probity assessments of related entities within the same group are included.
Enhanced Penalties and Collaboration:
To deter serious misconduct, the proposed legislation outlines a significant increase in penalties under the Casino Control Act, with a maximum fine of $100 million for disciplinary action. The NICC, which will be an independent regulator funded by the Casino Supervisory Levy, will have the authority to address such misconduct. The legislation also establishes a multi-agency coordination committee involving the NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission. This committee will facilitate collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the NICC, particularly in areas such as money laundering and other illicit activities. By adopting the recommendations of various inquiries, the NSW government aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure that the NICC has the necessary tools to address misconduct effectively.
Proposed Betting and Racing Legislation:
In addition to the casino reforms, the NSW government has proposed new betting and racing legislation. These measures seek to prohibit gambling advertising that encourages individuals to gamble and classify special odds and welcome offers as banned inducements to gamble. Welcome offers that require users to create an account and present potential gambling-related harm will be prohibited. Similarly, special odds promotions will also be banned to mitigate the risks associated with excessive gambling. The Liquor and Gaming Authority will enforce these regulations, and the proposed legislation aligns with the government’s commitment to responsible gambling practices.
Industry Response:
Star Entertainment Group, a prominent casino operator, has expressed support for the proposed reforms and pledged its cooperation with the government in implementing the increased measures. The company acknowledges the importance of adhering to the recommendations of the Bergin Inquiry and will carefully assess the details of the proposed reforms to understand their implications for its operations.
The introduction of legislation in NSW to strengthen casino regulations and penalties signifies the government’s commitment to ensuring a robust regulatory framework in the industry. By granting additional powers to the NICC, introducing stricter compliance requirements, and promoting collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the reforms aim to enhance oversight and address potential misconduct.
Furthermore, the proposed betting and racing legislation demonstrates the government’s dedication to responsible gambling practices by restricting certain inducements and promotions. The support of industry players like Star Entertainment Group highlights the recognition of the importance of these reforms in promoting a safe and responsible gambling environment.