The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) announced on Wednesday that Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney will pay a total of AU$2.25 million (US$1.61 million) after a 16-year-old accessed their gaming floors using fake identification.
From April to August 2025, the teenager managed to enter Crown Sydney 19 times, achieving silver membership status and receiving complimentary alcohol despite being underage. The same individual accessed The Star Sydney on three occasions.
Investigations showed that both casinos failed to detect the counterfeit identification that allowed the minor entry into restricted areas. Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) investigated the breaches and referred the case to the NICC.
The NICC penalized Crown Sydney AU$1.75 million and issued a AU$500,000 fine to The Star Sydney. NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford described the incidents as "significant failures," stressing the seriousness of allowing a minor into gambling areas. He noted Crown Sydney's additional infractions, which included illegal service of alcohol to the underage patron.
"Maintaining effective identity verification processes is crucial not only for protecting minors but also for preventing fraud and criminal activities within New South Wales casinos," Crawford stated.
The NICC underscored that these penalties are meant to both punish the offenders and warn the industry about adhering strictly to age restrictions and verification measures.
Dimitri Argeres, the executive director of regulatory operations at L&GNSW, described the occurrences as a "critical breakdown in safeguards," which endangered a vulnerable young person.<br>
Argeres confirmed that L&GNSW would continue to monitor casino compliance with internal controls to uphold the integrity of casino operations in New South Wales.
Under the Casino Control Act 1992, the NICC has the authority to impose fines of up to AU$100 million for serious breaches. Additionally, L&GNSW has enforced a five-year ban on the minor from entering either Crown Sydney or The Star Sydney, which will begin when the individual turns 18.
These fines follow the recent suspension of The Star Sydney's license due to intensified scrutiny on its operations. The NICC has extended the suspension, declaring the venue unfit for operation because it failed to adequately address earlier investigation findings.
