The state of New South Wales (NSW) has published a document evaluating the advancement of the Star Sydney gambling establishment a year after the suggestions of the Bell Report were unveiled. The document discovered that the casino has put into practice 22 of the 30 recommendations detailed in the Bell Report.
The remaining eight suggestions are presently being carried out.
The 30 recommendations encompass a broad range of subjects, from the Star discontinuing the practice of providing complimentary beverages to patrons as an inducement, to modernizing anti-money laundering (AML) and social accountability regulations.
The Star has acknowledged the document.
The 30 enhancements were made subsequent to the Star being deemed “unfit” to possess a NSW casino permit.
The Bell Report uncovered widespread improper conduct at the casino, with the most serious infractions involving shortcomings in risk management and the fabrication of false documents.
In the weeks subsequent to the release of the Bell Report, the NSW Independent Casino Commission (which was established following the Bergin Inquiry) appointed Nicholas Weeks as the casino administrator. Prior to this, the Star’s permit was suspended indefinitely, and it was penalized $100 million.
The publication has acknowledged the report and stated they will continue to work with oversight bodies, “cooperating on their corrective actions.”
The publication emphasized the report’s schedule for putting recommendations into practice.
“… numerous proposals are multifaceted, involving intricate processes, necessitating a longer period for effective implementation and oversight,” the report stated.
“Moreover, many recommendations are expected to be integrated into The Star’s corrective plan, which is currently being finalized.”
One proposal is for The Star to introduce card-swipe gambling at its gaming establishment. This measure is scheduled to take effect in August 2024. At present, the NSW Liquor & Gaming Authority is providing technical guidance on how The Star should execute the measure.
Last month, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a similar measure. The measure applies to all electronic gaming machine operators in the state.
The report also suggested that The Star develop a system to identify customers “who are not permanent residents of NSW.” The casino was also requested to update its training.