The Bergin Inquiry
The Bergin Inquiry into Crown Sydney was initiated on 21 January 2020.
The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA), then regulator, appointed the Honourable Patricia Bergin SC to preside over the inquiry. ILGA also engaged Norton Rose Fulbright solicitors to assist it to conduct the inquiry.
Part A – Melco Changes
- The share sale agreement between Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited and CPH Crown Holdings Pty Ltd to acquire approximately 19.99% of the shares in Crown Resorts Limited.
Part B – Suitability Review
- The various allegations raised in recent media reports by the Nine Network, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Melbourne Age relating to Crown Resorts Limited and whether the Licensee remains a suitable person to hold a restricted gaming licence for the purposes of the Casino Control Act.
Part C – Regulatory Framework and Settings
- The efficacy of the primary objects of the Casino Control Act and ILGA’s ability to respond to the growing complexity of both extant and emerging risks for gaming and casinos.
Bergin Inquiry terms of reference (PDF, 216.36 KB)
Bergin's findings
On 1 February 2021 Bergin reported her findings to ILGA. Crown was found to be unsuitable to hold its license. Bergin made 19 recommendations to improve the regulatory framework for casinos.
On 15 February 2021 ILGA wrote to Crown, giving notice of an initial determination that Crown Sydney Gaming Pty Ltd was not suitable to give effect to the restricted gaming licence for the Barangaroo facility (that it had held since 2014) and that Crown Resorts Ltd was not presently 'suitable' to be a close associate of the Licensee.
In August 2021 the NSW Government agreed to support all 19 recommendations from the Bergin Inquiry Report including the establishment of an independent casino regulator. In her report, Bergin set out recommendations for a pathway to suitability.
Pathway to suitability
Immediate steps were taken, including a change in leadership of the company’s directors and senior executives. The gaming model for Crown was rebuilt from the ground up along with extensive governance and cultural reforms.
In March 2021, private equity group Blackstone put in a bid for ownership. ILGA conducted a comprehensive probity assessment of its suitability to become a close associate of a casino operator.
On 22 June 2022 Blackstone's acquisition was completed and Crown received conditional approval to open its gaming floor. Crown's license remains conditional to allow the regulator to assess the operating model and whether effective change has occurred. This assessment remains ongoing under the supervision of the NICC.
Read the Bergin Report
Go to The Bell Review of The Star