Govt looks to modernize casino regulation in NSW

Thursday 17th of August 2017

The Star Casino will be allowed to give credit to international high-rollers in the same way as Crown will under the government’s proposed new set of casino regulations, local media reports.

The NSW government, in a draft response, supported most of the 194 recommendations made under the “casino modernisation review,” which included the cutting of red-tape for "low risk administrative matters.”

The Star, like Crown in Melbourne, will be allowed to issue credit to "international premium-players" but not Australian residents, according to the draft response.

The Star will also be able to have a smoking exemption in its Sovereign Room.

The government however did not agree with the recommendation that casinos should not knowingly let intoxicated persons gamble, as "the current provision [already] provides the necessary protection for patrons".

The government also said it did not support the recommendation to abolish the licensing of casino employees, and the recommendation for casinos to run their own problem gambling services.

“The recommendations from the review would significantly update NSW’s model of casino regulation,” said Gaming Minister Paul Toole, quoted by The Daily Telegraph.

“The review supports changes to the Casino Control Act 1992 that reflect a risk-based approach to regulation, which is consistent between venues.

“With Crown Sydney expected to open in 2021, it is essential a modern regulatory regime is applied consistently to both Crown and The Star,” he added.

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