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Bergin Report Finds Crown Unsuitable to Hold Casino License in NSW


Crown Resorts’ new $2.2 billion gambling mecca at Barangaroo may never open its doors after an independent inquiry found that the James Packer-backed group is unfit to hold a casino licence in NSW.
Former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin said in her 750-page final report released on Tuesday afternoon following an 18-month probe into the company that Crown needed a management overhaul if it ever wanted to hold a casino licence, and that the state’s gambling regulator should reconsider Mr Packer’s involvement.
Commissioner Bergin said an examination of a 2019 investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and 60 Minutes into Crown that sparked the inquiry confirmed Crown had “facilitated money laundering” through its bank accounts; “disregarded the welfare” of its staff in China before 19 were arrested there in 2016, and went into business with high-roller junket tour groups linked to Triad and other organised crime groups.
This made Crown unsuitable to hold a casino licence with its core problem being “poor corporate governance, deficient risk management structures and processes and a poor corporate culture.”
“One of the difficulties for Crown was its unjustified belief in itself and its unwillingness to entertain the prospect that there was any force in any of the [allegations raised in the media],” Commissioner Bergin wrote.
The findings will add pressure on governments in Victoria and WA to act on Crown’s casinos in Melbourne and Perth, where the behaviour that rendered it unsuitable occurred. The recommendations are not binding, and the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority will meet later this month to consider which, if any, it should implement.
Commissioner Bergin said it was obvious that Crown’s 36% shareholder James Packer exercised the “real power” at the company which had “disastrous consequences for the company.”
She said ILGA should consider his approval as a “close associate” of Crown in light of the explosive revelation that he sent a threatening email to a Melbourne businessman in 2015. Mr Packer said his behaviour was a result of his bipolar disorder.
Commissioner Bergin recommended NSW put an ownership cap in place so any investor will need the NSW regulator’s approval to buy or own more than 10% of a casino operator, opening up the possibility of it ordering Mr Packer to sell down his stake in the company.
Commissioner Bergin said Crown’s reformation to become suitable would also require a “full and wide-ranging forensic audit of all of their accounts to ensure that the criminal elements that infiltrated [two bank accounts linked to Crown] have not infiltrated any other accounts.”
The report calls on NSW to establish the Independent Casino Commission, a “dedicated, stand-alone, specialist casino regulator with the necessary framework to meet the extant and emerging risks for gaming and casinos.”

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Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify
With the centre-left retaining a narrow majority, Norway’s gambling framework is set to remain largely unchanged in the near term.
Norsk Tipping’s monopoly will continue, and enforcement tools such as payment and DNS blocking of unregulated operators are likely to remain in focus. While a shift to a licensing model appears unlikely this parliamentary term, the Progress Party’s stronger position as the main opposition keeps the reform debate active.
For industry stakeholders, the sensible course is to concentrate on compliant, sustainable strategies and to track policy signals closely as the debate continues.
The post Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Saddle up for big wins under the Bison Moon with the latest slot from Northern Lights Gaming
Provider introduces its newest feature, Power Combo, in an action-packed slot with plenty of wild win potential
Step into the heart of the untamed frontier in Bison Moon – Power Combo, a slot from Northern Lights Gaming that captures the rugged beauty and boundless thrill of the Great Plains with plenty of big wins in store.
This action-packed slot introduces the provider’s latest mechanic, Power Combo, where three unique Scatters unlock incredible bonus features via its proprietary Link&Win feature. Players also get to experience the thrill of Expanding Reels for even more wild slotting action.
Players will feel the rush as Multipliers super-charge their payouts, amping up the excitement each time they hit. They can also seize the moment with Instant Collect, allowing them to claim big rewards as and when they drop.
But with each Scatter triggering a new layer of action, no two spins are ever the same.
Adding to the excitement is the Jackpot feature, which has been embedded within the Link&Win bonus. Players must land Jackpot Moons to trigger either Mini or Major Jackpot wins or fill the reels to unlock the Grand Jackpot and the game’s largest payouts.
For the boldest of adventurers, keep watch for the Scatters that turn into Golden Eagles. Collect five in total, and they can activate the Golden Eagle Pick’Em bonus.
From the serene beauty of the open plains to the heart-pounding moments of chasing down the Jackpots and Golden Eagles, Bison Moon Power Combo provides a slotting experience like no other.
All that players need to do to enjoy it is saddle up, embrace the wild and discover the riches waiting to be uncovered under the vast Western skies.
Chris Loftus, Commercial Director, at Northern Lights Gaming, said: “Bison Moon – Power Combo lets players take a walk on the reel wild side as they come face to face with magnificent beasts, big bonuses and plenty of slot playing action.
“Power Combo is a thrilling bonus that changes the game with every spin, and we really couldn’t think of a better game to introduce it to players. This, combined with Link&Win and plenty of jackpots to trigger, makes Bison Moon a compelling and rewarding slot to play.
“We look forward to seeing it roam into online casino lobbies, and for players to embark on their very own big win adventure under the vast Western skies.”
The post Saddle up for big wins under the Bison Moon with the latest slot from Northern Lights Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Revolutionizing Messaging: Communications Hub at SBC Lisbon 2025
Lisbon, Portugal, 16-18 of September
This September 16-18, SBC Summit in Lisbon will host the official presentation of Communications Hub (CommsHub). The new all-in-one communication management platform helps businesses integrate messaging services 75% faster while ensuring uninterrupted delivery through built-in backup and cascading traffic.
Developed by industry veterans and now operating as a standalone brand in the RedCore business group, Communications Hub is set to change the way high-volume messaging is managed – not only in iGaming and affiliate marketing, but also in fintech, e-commerce and beyond.
A New Era of Smart Messaging
Communications Hub centralizes SMS, flash calls and alpha name registration into one streamlined interface. The platform provides businesses with access to an up-to-date list of verified service providers, flexible routing options and advanced analytics – all designed to reduce costs, save time and increase reliability.
One of the platform’s key innovations is its built-in failover and cascading traffic system, ensuring that no message is lost due to a provider outage or technical disruption.
“We built a Communications Hub to take the uncertainty out of messaging,” said Viktoriia Yefimenko, CEO, Communications Hub. “Our mission is simple: make integration fast, delivery reliable and management effortless.”
75% Faster Integration
The launch announcement comes with a headline figure: Communications Hub reduces the time needed to integrate new providers by 75% – from the industry standard of 35-45 days to just 10 days.
For fast-moving industries, this speed means more than convenience; it can mean seizing market opportunities before competitors do.
Meet the Team at SBC Lisbon
Visitors to SBC Lisbon 2025 will have the opportunity to see Communications Hub at the stand #D181 in action, meet the team behind it and explore how the platform can streamline their communication strategy.
“SBC is the perfect stage for our launch,” added Viktoriia. “It’s where forward-thinking businesses come to explore new technology and we’re ready to show them what’s possible.”
Who Should Visit
Communications Hub is built for any type of messages – from marketing agencies and trading platforms to online retailers and affiliate networks.
The platform’s combination of speed, stability and smart routing makes it particularly valuable for companies where every second and every message matters.
Event Details:
SBC Summit Lisbon 2025
16-18 of September
Visit the Communications Hub at booth #D181
For more information ahead of the event, visit the website.
The post Revolutionizing Messaging: Communications Hub at SBC Lisbon 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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