Crown Sydney has been fined $1.75 million and The Star Sydney $500,000 by the NSW Independent Casino Commission following an investigation into security breaches that allowed a 16-year-old to gamble extensively at their venues. The teenager used a fake driver's license to enter Sydney's Crown and Star casinos on 22 separate occasions between April and August 2025.
Crown security permitted the boy's entry 19 times, during which he was served complimentary alcohol and received a silver membership. He spent $21,000 on the gaming floor and consumed 91 drinks. The Star allowed his entry on three occasions, where he gambled an additional $395.
The investigation was prompted by a referral from Liquor and Gaming NSW. Dimitri Argeres, executive operations director for the gaming watchdog, described the security failings as unacceptable, particularly the breakdown in safeguards that led to a vulnerable young person suffering harm.
The commission banned the boy from entering either casino for five years from the date he turns 18. Commission chief Philip Crawford emphasized the importance of identity processing for protecting minors and preventing fraud, acknowledging that both casinos have accepted responsibility for their failures.
A spokesperson for Crown stated that the casino takes its obligations regarding minors and false identification very seriously, noting that the individual used a fake driver's license and was sometimes accompanied by his mother. The casino reported the issue to the regulator after becoming aware the individual was underage and has cooperated with the investigation, while also working to strengthen its processes. The Star has been contacted for comment.