The NSW Independent Casino Commission has found Crown Sydney suitable to retain its casino licence after nearly three years of intensive remediation.

Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford, said Crown has come a long way and must now demonstrate its long-term commitment to maintaining suitability.

“The NICC is confident the Crown we deemed suitable today has a strong model to keep operating into the future,” Mr Crawford said.

The NICC’s suitability assessment established that Crown Sydney has fundamentally reformed its business and is operating the casino within the objects of the Act, the requirements of the suitability deed, and in compliance with its regulatory obligations.

In addition to proving it can run the casino lawfully, Crown has remediated its business in other meaningful ways such as building a culture of transparency and accountability across its integrated resort.

“Hard work and transformation aside, the NICC has not forgotten the level of misconduct exposed in 2021 when Crown was found unsuitable,” said Mr Crawford.

“Crown Sydney has ongoing work to reach steady state and it must continue to lift standards and maintain its cultural transformation.

“There is and will always be room for improvement, but Crown is a changed business that is looking toward the future.

“Likewise, the NICC is a changed regulator with enhanced powers, a singular focus on casinos, and a mandate to address the risks of harm.

“This decision is a positive outcome for Crown Sydney, its staff, and the community – who can be sure the NICC will use all of its powers to keep the casino in check.”

In addition to the implementation of hundreds of new internal controls, the Bergin-based reforms have been reflected in a new licence and new regulatory agreement between Crown Sydney, the NSW Government and the NICC.

These agreements include updated settings, such as the removal of fetters to the NICC’s powers, as well as previous compensation trigger clauses that are no longer part of the casino legislation.

Mr Crawford said: “Crown cannot disregard the responsibility and privilege that comes with holding a casino licence. Crown Sydney’s ability to provide a destination hospitality and entertainment venue underpinned by the restricted gaming facility is contingent on its steadfast commitment to continuing suitability, accountability and compliance.”

Playtech has revealed the extension of its partnership with LeoVegas in the Netherlands, marking a significant development in their collaboration.

LeoVegas will now provide Dutch players with access to a diverse selection of Playtech’s acclaimed Casino Slots and Live Casino games. This expansion follows successful integrations in various regions, including the UK, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Ontario, Italy and globally on LeoVegas.com.

Remko de Boer, Netherlands Country Manager at LeoVegas Group, said: “We are excited to bring the Playtech catalogue to the Netherlands! We look forward to providing our Dutch customers with the greatest igaming experience through Playtech’s renowned Casino Slots and Live Casino games.”

Diane Crookes, Senior Commercial Director at Playtech, said: “The partnership between LeoVegas Group and Playtech continues to grow stronger. Our partnership with LeoVegas has been a key part of our growth strategy, and we are delighted to continue this journey as we expand into markets and explore new opportunities.”

Distributor extends 3 Pots series with Asian-themed title

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has launched 3 China Pots: Hold and Win, the first time the company has integrated the popular 3 Pots mechanic within a Far East-themed title.

The latest instalment from 3 Oaks to incorporate the 3 Pots functionality sees players transported to the allure of the Orient, where the Extra, Double and Multi modifiers influence the Bonus Game once activated.

To trigger the Hold and Win round, Bonus symbols depicting the different pots are added to the progress meter within the main game. Enough blue icons open the Extra Feature, where four respins are awarded instead of the standard three. Red symbols unlock the Double Feature, which activates two game boards, while the purple Multi Feature adds multipliers to random cells.

The Extra, Double and Multi Pot features can all be triggered simultaneously, enhancing the win potential to new heights when the modifiers work in combination.

Additionally, the game’s Mini, Minor and Major Jackpots may appear during the Bonus Game and reward the corresponding cash value, with the Grand Jackpot worth 2,000x also awarded when the entire grid is filled within the Hold and Win mode.

Yuriy Muratov, Chief Commercial Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “3 China Pots: Hold and Win takes users on a mystical voyage to an opulent palace, where players can uncover a wealth of riches thanks to the captivating 3 Pots mechanic.

“The 3 Pots mechanic continues to grow in popularity and incorporating it within such a popular slot theme will only broaden its appeal to a wider audience.”