Crown Sydney, a major casino operator in Australia, has successfully regained its suitability to hold a gaming license after facing scrutiny from the NSW gaming regulator. This decision comes after the Bergin inquiry in February 2021 uncovered allegations of money laundering and questionable relationships with private junket operators facilitating VIP client access.
In response to the inquiry's findings, Crown Sydney took proactive measures to address the concerns raised by cleaning out its board and senior management. The company acknowledged the necessity for a cultural shift and embraced principles of sustainability and responsible gambling to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Philip Crawford, the chief commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission, highlighted the significant changes made by Crown Sydney, emphasizing the company's understanding of its responsibilities in maintaining a casino license. The NICC, established in response to the Bergin inquiry's recommendations, now oversees licensing decisions and disciplinary actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Following the reforms and leadership changes, Crown Sydney has invested heavily in implementing remediation activities and reforms across various areas such as harm minimization, financial crime prevention, governance, compliance, and risk management. With new leadership and ownership after being acquired by Blackstone, Crown Sydney's CEO, Mark McWhinnie, expressed the company's commitment to operating at the highest industry standards and continuing its efforts towards sustainable reforms.