The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) announced on Wednesday that it has fined Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney a total of AU$2.25 million (US$1.61 million) after a 16-year-old managed to access their gaming floors using fraudulent identification.
From April to August 2025, the minor illegally entered Crown Sydney on 19 occasions, securing silver membership status and being served complimentary alcohol despite being underage. Additionally, the same individual entered The Star Sydney three times during this period.
An investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) determined that both venues failed to detect the counterfeit identification, allowing the minor to access gambling areas without proper checks. The investigation revealed that the underage visitor used a fake driver’s license to bypass identity verification processes at both casinos.
In terms of penalties, Crown Sydney received a fine of AU$1.75 million, while The Star Sydney was fined AU$500,000. NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford termed these breaches as "significant failures" and condemned the serious implications of allowing a child to access gaming venues. He pointed out additional infractions committed by Crown Sydney, including the illegal serving of complimentary alcohol to the minor.
Crawford stressed that effective identity verification is crucial not only for protecting minors but also for detecting fraud and criminal activities within NSW casinos. The NICC stated that the fines aim to serve as both a punitive measure and a cautionary message to the industry about the critical need for adherence to age restrictions and verification protocols.
Dimitri Argeres, the executive director of regulatory operations at L&GNSW, called the incident a significant "breakdown in safeguards," which placed the minor at considerable risk. He assured that L&GNSW would continue monitoring casino compliance with regulations to uphold the integrity of casino operations in New South Wales.
Under the Casino Control Act 1992, the NICC possesses broad powers to impose severe penalties, including fines of up to AU$100 million for major violations. L&GNSW has also issued a five-year ban on the minor from entering either Crown Sydney or The Star Sydney, effective from the individual’s 18th birthday.
This fine follows the recent suspension of The Star Sydney's license due to stringent operational oversight, which the NICC extended after determining the venue was unsuitable for further operation. The casino was found to have inadequately addressed issues raised in an initial investigation.
