The state of New South Wales (NSW) has published an evaluation report analyzing the advancements made by The Star Sydney a year after the suggestions of the Bell report were presented.
The report, made public by the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, almost coincides with the first anniversary of the Bell report.
The report indicates that The Star Sydney has put into practice 22 of the 30 recommendations outlined in the Bell report, with the remaining 8 suggestions currently in progress.
The 30 recommendations encompass a broad range of areas, from The Star Sydney discontinuing the practice of providing complimentary alcoholic beverages to patrons as an incentive to updated anti-money laundering (AML) and social responsibility rules.
The Star Sydney was deemed “inappropriate” to retain a NSW casino license after developing the 30 improvement measures.
The Bell report uncovered widespread misconduct at The Star Sydney, with the most serious violations including shortcomings in risk management and the fabrication of documents.
In the weeks following the publication of the Bell report, the NSW Independent Casino Commission – established after the Bergin inquiry – appointed Nicholas Weeks as casino administrator. Before this, The Star Sydney’s license was indefinitely suspended and a $100 million penalty was imposed.
The Star Sydney has acknowledged the report.
The publication has recognized the report and stated it will collaborate with authorities to create solutions.
The publication particularly emphasized the part of the report focusing on the implementation schedule for suggestions.
The report observed that numerous recommendations necessitate extensive effort, intricate procedures, and will demand additional time for effective execution and oversight.
Moreover, it is anticipated that many of the recommendations will be integrated into the publication’s corrective strategy, which is presently being finalized.
**Unresolved Proposals**
One proposal is for the publication to introduce card-based gaming at its gambling establishment, a step that will take effect in August 2024. The NSW Liquor and Gaming Authority is currently providing the publication with technical guidance on how to implement this step.
Last month, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews declared a similar measure for all electronic gaming machine operators in that state.
Bell also suggested that the publication develop a system to identify whether patrons are NSW residents. The casino has also been requested to update its staff training.
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