Bell Two: Star Sydney hit with fine but keeps its licence, for now
After months of investigations and public outcry, the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has finally handed down its decision on the case of Bell Two: Star Sydney. The casino giant has been hit with a hefty fine, but has managed to hold onto its operating licence – at least for the time being.
The ILGA has fined Bell Two: Star Sydney a total of $5 million for various breaches of its gaming regulations. This fine is the largest ever handed down by the authority to a single casino operator. The breaches in question include failures to properly monitor and prevent money laundering, as well as failing to adequately address problem gambling within its premises.
In a statement, ILGA chairman Philip Crawford explained that the authority takes these breaches very seriously and that such conduct will not be tolerated in the state’s gambling industry. “The integrity of the casino licensing process is crucial to ensuring the public can have confidence in the way the industry is regulated in NSW,” he said.
Despite the significant fine, Bell Two: Star Sydney has managed to retain its operating licence for the time being. However, the ILGA has placed strict conditions on the casino’s licence moving forward. These conditions include the appointment of a monitor to oversee the casino’s operations and compliance with the authority’s regulations.
The decision to allow Bell Two: Star Sydney to keep its licence has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some have praised the ILGA for holding the casino accountable for its actions and imposing a substantial fine. Others, however, have expressed disappointment that the casino has not faced harsher penalties, such as losing its licence altogether.
Bell Two: Star Sydney has responded to the ruling by stating that it takes its obligations to comply with gaming regulations very seriously and that it is committed to addressing the issues raised by the ILGA. The casino has also pledged to work closely with the monitor appointed by the authority to ensure full compliance moving forward.
As the dust settles on this high-profile case, all eyes will be on Bell Two: Star Sydney to see how it responds to the ILGA’s conditions and whether it can regain the trust of both the public and the authority. The future of the casino hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen whether it can bounce back from this setback and restore its reputation in the gaming industry.