The government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia indicates that it has agreed to support all 19 recommendations on casino regulations made in the Bergin Inquiry Report, released in February.
The damning report determined that Sydney casino developer Crown Resorts was unsuitable to hold a gaming license due to incidences of money laundering and lax responsible gaming protocols at other Crown casinos in the country. It has prompted the state government to establish an independent casino regulator and explore the legislative reforms recommended by Commissioner Patricia Bergin.
“The NSW government response to the Bergin Inquiry will see a redesigned regulatory structure for casinos in NSW, with a clearer focus on addressing money laundering risks inherently associated with casino activities,” said Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello. “It is critical the management and operation of casinos in NSW are free from criminal influence and exploitation.
“Committing to implement the 19 recommendations from Justice Bergin’s report is an important first step in the process of reforming the casino sector. The new casino regulator will be subject to detailed design work and will be funded via the casino supervisory levy.”
Dominello said the state “will continue to monitor the current casino Royal Commissions in Victoria and Western Australia and consider any proposals for regulatory reform recommended by those inquiries, including stronger gambling harm minimization measures.”
The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority continues to assess the suitability of Crown to hold a NSW restricted gaming license. Until such time, the waterfront casino in Sydney’s Barangaroo district remains closed.
