Delivery report
The NICC's delivery reports provide a snapshot of work completed in alignment with its strategic plan.
Promoting best practice in NSW casinos
The NSW Independent Casino Commission was set up to address gambling harms, money
laundering and other criminal activity at NSW casinos. From its establishment phase, the NICC
has been steadfast in its work implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the State’s two
casinos are safe, compliant and responsible.
Focus area delivery
The NICC’s Strategic Plan established four focus areas. These focus areas represent the
NICC's priorities for 2024-25 and provide a framework for activities that meet its regulatory
objectives. This Delivery Report highlights the NICC’s deliverables against its Strategic Plan
between August 2024 and April 2025.
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Open and |
Clear and |
Appropriate |
Respond appropriately
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Projects and ongoing work include:
- Onboarded experienced public administrator Christine Howlett as a new
Commissioner for a four-year term and welcomed the reappointment of
Commissioner Janine Rolfe for a further four-year term. - Published key governance documents including the NICC Annual Report 2023-
24 and Strategic Plan 2024-25. - Attended The Australian Financial Security Authority’s flagship summit where
Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford delivered the keynote speech. - Continued the development of the Gambling Harm Minimisation Advisory
Committee, which provides advice and recommendations to assist the NICC in
preventing gambling harm at NSW casinos. - Published the outcomes of disciplinary action taken against casino operators
and holders of a Casino Special Employee (CSE) licence.
Maintain the NICC's independence and demonstrate accountability and
transparency in interactions with casinos, stakeholders and the public.
“The NICC was assembled to clean up the casino industry in NSW which had been
plagued by criminal activity and questionable gambling operations. It has since
established itself as a trusted regulator with a reputation for clear and effective
governance and decision-making processes.”
Philip Crawford, NICC Chief Commissioner
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Embed |
Facilitate breach |
Establish compliance |
Standardise |
Projects and ongoing work include:
- Issued The Star a $15 million fine and a suite of directions in response to the
2024 Independent Inquiry into The Star’s suitability to hold a casino licence
(Bell Inquiry Two). - Oversaw and approved The Star’s sale of its Event Centre and associated
spaces, ensuring the casino complied with its regulatory obligations. - Began probity assessments following The Star’s acceptance of a $300 million
investment from Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings for 56.7 per cent
of shares in The Star Entertainment Group, which is subject to regulatory and
shareholder approval. - Approved the completion of all outstanding deliverables under Crown Sydney’s
Agreed Remediation Action Plan. - Initiated an independent review of Crown Sydney’s culture and governance.
- Monitored casino operations through regular engagement with staff and
management to ensure both venues continue to develop a culture of regulatory
compliance and responsible gambling behaviours.
Standardise best-practice internal regulatory controls to prevent and minimise
money laundering and criminal activity and minimise gambling harms in
compliance with the Casino Control Act 1992.
“It's no secret the NICC has set a high bar for regulatory compliance in NSW. The
agency has consistently proven it will take a strong stance against any serious
contraventions of the Act. Both casinos can see this now and have begun to take the
appropriate actions to improve their operations.”
Stephen Parbery, NICC Commissioner
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Expand oversight |
Build resistance |
Mitigate harms |
Technology uptake |
Projects and ongoing work include:
- Ongoing facilitation of supervisory agents at both casinos including The Star
Manager, Kroll Australia and independent compliance auditor Protiviti.
Extension of The Star Manager Nick Weeks for oversight of day-to-day
operations. - Regular engagement with senior management at both The Star and Crown
Sydney. - Regular engagement with Liquor & Gaming NSW on operational compliance and
enforcement. - Completion of comprehensive probity assessments of 26 applications for casino
close associate status, including complex applications involving international
inquiry into individuals and their affiliations. - Took disciplinary action against 17 Casino Special Employee licence and former
licence holders. - Considered six disciplinary complaints against casino operators (in addition to
the Bell Two Inquiry) and determined to take disciplinary action in three of these
matters.
Supervise NSW casinos and strengthen their capability to meet regulatory and
community expectations.
“The NICC has implemented strict new controls at both casinos which aim to eliminate
money laundering and other criminal activities while minimising the risks of gambling
harm. We are pleased to see some improvements in these areas already and will
continue to monitor the casinos to ensure they are moving in the right direction.”
Janine Rolfe, NICC Commissioner
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Invest in |
Secure remedial |
Leverage the |
Better utilise |
Projects and ongoing work include:
- Held regular meetings with State and Commonwealth agencies to take action on
intersecting casino issues. - Hosted a delegation from the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission to discuss
the challenges of remediation and the importance of establishing strong
gambling harm minimisation measures from the outset. - Facilitated two meetings of the Gambling Harm Minimisation Advisory
Committee. - Chaired three meetings and a sub-committee of the Australian Casino and
Gaming Regulators - Casino Stream to share information and intelligence. - Maintained direct points of contact and engagement with AUSTRAC and NSW
Police. - Facilitated the development of a casino operator breach reporting tool.
- Preparation for Liquor & Gaming NSW to adopt independent monitor functions
and expertise to continue casino monitoring requirements into the future.
Identify and respond to emerging risks in modern casino operating environments
and intersecting industries.
“The NICC really values its relationships with stakeholders, who have helped expand
our reach and develop more channels to share information. This has enabled us to
identify the trends and compliance issues which may need a regulatory response.”
Murray Smith, NICC Commissioner
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