Sydney casino hit with $1.75m fine after teen granted VIP access and free drinks

Crown Sydney has been penalized $1.75 million following

Crown Sydney has been penalized $1.75 million following an investigation that revealed a 16-year-old boy was allowed into its gaming floors on 19 separate occasions. The teenager was not only granted entry but also received a silver membership tier, which typically comes with exclusive perks, and was served complimentary alcohol—a direct violation of licensing laws.

The breaches came to light during a regulatory review, which found that the minor had also accessed The Star Sydney on three additional visits. Both casinos have faced increased scrutiny in recent years over their handling of underage patrons and responsible gambling practices, but this case highlights significant lapses in identity checks and staff training.

Authorities confirmed that the boy was able to move through the venues without proper age verification, and on multiple occasions, staff failed to question his presence or request valid identification. The free alcohol service further compounded the seriousness of the offense, as supplying liquor to anyone under 18 is strictly prohibited under New South Wales law.

Crown Sydney’s fine reflects the gravity of the

Crown Sydney’s fine reflects the gravity of the failures, with regulators emphasizing that such incidents undermine public trust in the industry. A spokesperson for the casino stated that the company has since implemented stricter entry protocols and additional staff education programs to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The case serves as a stark reminder that even high-end establishments must remain vigilant in enforcing age restrictions, particularly when dealing with young individuals who may attempt to gain access through deceptive means. Regulators have vowed to continue monitoring both venues closely to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.