New South Wales has named the team that will lead the newly formed regulator as the Independent Casino Commission when work begins next week.
Philip Crawford, current Chairman of the Independent Liquor and Gambling Authority (ILGA), has been elected Chief of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
Hospitality and Racing Minister Kevin Anderson has transferred five experienced casino commissioners – Crawford, Janine Rolfe, Murray Smith, Craig Thurlin and Stephen Purbury – from ILGA to new positions on September 5th. Appointed to head the organization that was established.
Mr Anderson said the NICC’s most pressing task is to review the findings of Adam Bell SC’s Star Review and continue its oversight and ongoing suitability assessment of Crown Sydney.
“Mr. Crawford has a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory challenges facing modern casinos and the need to fundamentally reset the way casinos operate,” said Anderson.
“Under his leadership, NSW casinos will be monitored in line with the new legislation and face strong disciplinary action for past and current failures to comply.”
The NICC was established under the Casino Control Act 1992 as a statutory body with a high degree of independence in making decisions on licensing and disciplinary matters. Its creation is his one of 19 recommendations contained in Virgin’s report to Crown Sydney, published in February 2021.
The NICC was established as an independent, independent and professional casino regulatory body in parallel with a series of legislative reforms aimed at preventing criminal activity related to casino operations.
“Mr Crawford will serve full-time as Chief Commissioner and in this role will continue to support ILGA as a regular Board member to ensure consistency of approach,” said Anderson.
“NICC is a consortium, working with ILGA and Hospitality & Racing, as part of a multi-agency coordinating committee with NSW Police and NSW Crime Commission to guide and identify potential regulatory efforts for both NICC and ILGA. cooperation with law enforcement agencies in areas such as money laundering.”
Earlier this month, the NSW government introduced new legislation raising the maximum fine for Australian land-based casino operators to A$100 million (£57.3m/€68.5m/US$69.7m).
The legislation grants additional powers to the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC), allowing it to impose higher fines on casinos.
Other reforms to the law include regular reviews of casino licenses conducted as public inquiries with powers like a Royal Commission, but casino operators are required to comply with full disclosure of requested information. and notify NICC of any violation or potential violation of law. .
