The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has awarded the NICC winner of Regulatory Innovation 2023.
The prestigious award was presented at the IAGR Gala on Wednesday 18 October. This year the annual conference and awards dinner was held in Gaborone, Botswana. The NICC did not attend, however the Deputy Director General of Queensland’s Office of Liquor and Gaming (OLGR) kindly accepted the award on the NICC’s behalf.
The NICC was in good company with the Norwegian Gambling Authority taking out the regulatory excellence award and fellow Australian regulator, the OLGR, scooping up the best regulatory campaign award.
To win, the NICC had to demonstrate a new or innovative policy and regulatory approach. The NICC’s submission detailed the establishment of the NICC as the only dedicated casino regulator in Australia, free from other liquor and gaming responsibilities, and fully funded by the casinos rather than taxpayers.
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said the creation of an independent new regulator supports a commitment to rebuild public trust in the NSW casino industry and balance the harms associated with gambling.
“The establishment of the NICC showed a high degree of regulatory agility as well as an amazing amount of teamwork. The onus was on maintaining stability while also redesigning and setting up a brand new agency, and administering new elements of legislation,” Mr Crawford said.
“Over the past year the NICC has come together as a streamlined and responsive agency with a focus on autonomous decision-making, collaboration, and problem-centric regulation – the backbone to its ultimate vision of minimising harm and preventing criminal infiltration in NSW casinos.”
“I’m very proud of the team behind the NICC as well as the staff across Hospitality and Racing who have provided their skills and expertise to support the modernisation of regulation.”
IAGR Vice President and Awards Judge Caroline Kongwa said the NICC was honoured for its innovative approach to casino regulation in New South Wales.
“Their agility and effectiveness in responding to emerging challenges in the casino industry make them a standout winner in this category,” Ms Kongwa said.
"The NICC’s rapid response to emerging challenges and focus on harm minimisation shows that regulatory bodies can be both powerful and agile, adapting quickly to protect both the industry and the public.”
This award has put the NICC on the global stage and highlights NSW’s capacity for standard setting regulation. To find out more visit the IAGR website.