Crown Sydney and The Star fined $2.25M over underage gambling

Sydney's Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney have been fined a combined $2.25 million by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) following a major security breach involving a 16-year-old boy.

Using a fraudulent driver’s licence, the teenager visited Crown Sydney 19 times between April and August 2025, gambling over $21,000 and consuming 91 alcoholic beverages, some of which were complimentary. During his visits, he attained silver membership status. He also visited The Star Sydney on three occasions, gambling nearly $400.

The NICC issued a $1.75 million fine to Crown Sydney and a $500,000 fine to The Star Sydney. NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford noted that while both venues accepted responsibility for failures in identity verification and customer onboarding, the ability of a minor to gamble significant sums and consume alcohol is a serious matter.

In response to the investigation, both casinos have reportedly implemented enhanced identity verification processes and additional staff training. The teenager has been issued a five-year ban from both venues, effective once he reaches the age of 18.