The NSW Government has appointed experienced public administrator Christine Howlett as a new Commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) for a four-year term following a competitive recruitment process.

Ms Howlett fills the vacancy created by the departure of Craig Sahlin who served as a NICC Commissioner since 2022 and was a Board Member of the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) between 2016 and 2022.

The NICC is the independent statutory regulator of NSW’s two casinos, set up in 2022 to provide increased regulatory oversight of casino operations.

Ms Howlett joins the NICC with substantial executive leadership experience in public administration, corporate governance, regulation and stakeholder engagement.

From 2021 she served as Deputy Special Manager, independently overseeing Crown Melbourne’s remediation program following the findings of the Finkelstein Royal Commission, including reforms to prevent gambling harm and money laundering.

Ms Howlett has also held senior roles with Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission, the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Victoria’s Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants and the National Crime Authority.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “An exhaustive selection process was undertaken to fill the NICC Commissioner role in accordance with legislative requirements, including the establishment of a selection panel and engagement of an independent probity adviser.

“Christine Howlett brings a wide range of skills and expertise to the NICC, with highly relevant experience in independently overseeing Crown Melbourne’s remediation program.

“She joins the NICC at a critical time with the regulator currently monitoring The Star casino’s ongoing remediation work following the Bell Two Inquiry.

“I would like to thank Craig Sahlin for his outstanding contribution to both the NICC and ILGA over the past eight years.

“His demonstrated expertise has significantly contributed to strengthening the government’s regulatory framework and public confidence and trust in the work of both the NICC and ILGA.”

NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said: “The NICC is pleased to welcome Christine Howlett to the role and is looking forward to utilising her experience to advance the NICC’s strategic priorities.

“Christine’s skills will be valuable to help the NICC expand its surveillance and data collection abilities to better monitor financial crime risks and compliance.

“Christine’s expertise in building internal capacity will assist the NICC to maintain effective regulatory supervision past the remediation and suitability phases, and into longer-term sustainability.

“We thank Craig Sahlin for his exceptional work with the NICC and ILGA over the past eight years. His dedication was instrumental in advancing the NICC’s mission and his efforts have contributed to the achievement of significant milestones.”

Minors caught in an adults-only gaming venue can face significant consequences, including fines and bans preventing them from re-entering for an entire year or more once they turn 18.   

L&GNSW A/Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said inspectors and casino security are working together to ensure venues remain off-limits to minors during the Christmas and New Year period.  

“This is a critical time of year when we see an increase in people visiting casinos, and it’s essential that minors are not among them,” Mr Argeres said.   

“Under 18s caught in a casino will forfeit any gambling winnings and may face fines of up to $4,400, along with a ban on entering casinos until they are at least 19.”  

Mr Argeres also reminded casino operators of their obligations to prevent under 18s from entering their premises.  

“This operation focuses on both holding individuals accountable and ensuring casinos meet their legal obligations. Staff training, rigorous ID checks and robust security measures are essential to preventing underage access,” he said.  

“Our goal is not only to catch offenders but also to proactively prevent breaches. We are working closely with casino operators to enhance internal controls and educate staff on the critical role they play in preventing underage access.”  

In NSW, it is illegal for under 18s to enter a casino or use fraudulent identification such as fake IDs. It is also an offence for minors to buy or consume alcohol.  

More severe penalties apply to excluded persons who enter or remain in a casino, including fines of up to $5,500, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.  

The operation follows several high-profile breaches involving minors in NSW casinos in recent years. In one instance, a 17-year-old used a fake ID to enter a casino and spent over an hour gambling. The individual was fined for both entering the casino and using false identification, and the casino operator was issued a pecuniary penalty of $25,00 by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).   

The compliance operation will run throughout the holiday period and into early 2025.  

Gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game announced the latest addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney: “Beyond Compliance – Safer Gambling Training and Building a Culture of Customer Care,” presented by Jay Robinson, Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer at Focal Research Consultants.

With over 20 years of global experience in developing and delivering training programs across jurisdictions—from pubs and clubs to casinos and online operators—Robinson is a leading voice in creating safer gambling environments.

“Robinson’s approach focuses on building a culture of customer care that prioritizes player protection and staff well-being while enhancing the overall gambling experience,” a press release says.

This masterclass will delve into:

• How industry leaders, regulators, and frontline staff can embed a culture of safer gambling.

• The critical role leadership plays in sustaining training initiatives.

• Strategies to extend the reach and effectiveness of safer gambling programs, improve customer experiences, reduce staff burnout, and drive long-term benefits for operators and stakeholders alike.

“Effective gambling staff training must meet the real needs of both staff and customers, ensuring that safer gambling practices become second nature. This masterclass is about empowering organizations to go beyond compliance, fostering a culture of care and leadership that makes a lasting impact,” said Jay Robinson.

According to the announcement, this masterclass is “essential for operational leaders, C-suite executives, regulators, and anyone committed to advancing safer gambling initiatives.” Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to lead cultural change, elevate training outcomes, and strengthen their organization’s reputation.

The Regulating the Game conference seeks to bridge the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. Now entering its fifth year, the conference continues to attract world-class speakers and attendees, driving discussions on policy, regulation, and sector challenges.