The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) announced on Wednesday that Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney have been fined a total of AU$2.25 million (approximately US$1.61 million) after a minor, aged just 16, gained repeated access to their gaming floors using fake identification.
Between April and August 2025, this teenager managed to enter Crown Sydney on 19 occasions, even attaining silver membership status and receiving complimentary alcoholic beverages despite being underage. The same individual accessed The Star Sydney three times during this period.
An inquiry revealed both casinos failed to identify the fraudulent documents, allowing the teenager illegal entry to gambling areas. Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) investigated the matter and subsequently referred it to the NICC. The findings confirmed that the minor utilized a counterfeit driver's license to evade identity checks at both establishments.
In terms of penalties, Crown Sydney faced a fine of AU$1.75 million, while The Star Sydney's penalty was AU$500,000. NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford described these lapses as “significant failures,” underscoring the serious implications of permitting a minor to enter gaming environments. Crawford also pointed out that Crown Sydney had further violations, notably the illegal service and consumption of complimentary alcohol by the minor.
He stressed the importance of effective identity verification measures, which are crucial for protecting minors as well as for identifying fraud and criminal activities within NSW casinos. The NICC noted that these fines act as both punishment and caution for the broader industry regarding strict compliance with age eligibility and verification standards.
Dimitri Argeres, the executive director of regulatory operations at L&GNSW, commented on the situation, labeling it a severe “breakdown in safeguards,” which put the young individual at considerable risk of harm. He assured that L&GNSW would continue to oversee casino adherence to compliance and integrity protocol.
Under the Casino Control Act 1992, the NICC possesses significant disciplinary power, able to impose fines of up to AU$100 million for serious offenses.
Additionally, the minor involved has been banned from attending either Crown Sydney or The Star Sydney for five years, effective from the date of their 18th birthday. This penalty follows a recent suspension of The Star Sydney's license, which was extended after inquiries found the venue unsuitable for continued operation, particularly due to inadequate remediation from previous investigations.
