Sydney Casinos Receive Combined Fine of AU$2.25 Million Following Underage Entry Breach

The NSW Independent Casino Commission issued fines totaling AU$2.25 million to Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney after investigators determined that a 16-year-old repeatedly entered both properties during 2025 using a fraudulent driver’s licence. The minor obtained silver membership status at Crown Sydney, completed 19 separate visits, and received complimentary alcohol on multiple occasions while The Star Sydney recorded three entries by the same individual.

Details of the Access Violations

Liquor and Gaming NSW launched the probe after receiving information about the repeated entries, and subsequent checks confirmed that neither venue had properly verified the presented identification against standard security protocols. Crown Sydney allowed the minor to sign up for its loyalty program despite the forged document, whereas The Star Sydney permitted three entries without triggering additional age-verification steps at entry points. Both operators later acknowledged that their identity checks fell short of regulatory expectations during the period in question.

Investigation Findings and Timeline

According to the commission’s findings, the breaches occurred throughout 2025 and came to light only after Liquor and Gaming NSW conducted targeted inquiries at the two properties. Records showed that staff at both venues accepted the fraudulent licence without cross-referencing it against available databases or requesting secondary identification. The minor faced no immediate intervention at the time, and internal systems did not flag the account for further review until the external investigation began.

Penalties Imposed and Restrictions on the Minor

The commission applied the AU$2.25 million penalty split between the two operators based on the number and nature of the breaches recorded at each site. In addition, authorities placed a five-year ban on the individual that will take effect upon turning 18, preventing any further visits to either casino during that period. The ruling also requires both properties to submit regular compliance reports detailing improvements to their age-verification systems over the next 12 months.

Regulatory Context and Ongoing Oversight

The NSW Independent Casino Commission continues to monitor entry protocols at licensed venues across the state, and the fines reflect its authority to enforce identity-checking requirements under current gaming legislation. Observers note that similar cases have prompted broader reviews of how casinos handle membership applications and on-site alcohol service for loyalty program members. Data released by Liquor and Gaming NSW shows increased audit activity at major properties since early 2025, with particular attention paid to digital membership systems and staff decision-making at entry points.

Conclusion

The combined fine and subsequent remediation commitments mark a clear enforcement action by the NSW Independent Casino Commission in response to documented failures at Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney. Both operators have begun rolling out revised procedures, and the five-year exclusion order remains in place for the individual involved. Further compliance updates from the venues are scheduled for submission later in the year as part of the commission’s ongoing oversight program.