Sovereign Gaming is suggesting a “phased launch” for its new Sydney gaming establishment, a time of heightened regulatory examination, as the optimal method to demonstrate its suitability for retaining its permit. This follows a recommendation from the Autonomous Liquor & Gaming Commission (ALGC) to defer the establishment’s inauguration due to ongoing inquiries into the corporation.
The $2.2 billion Barangaroo gaming venue was scheduled to commence operations on December 14th. Nevertheless, ALGC Commissioner Patricia Bergin proposed postponing the debut until after she presents her concluding report in February 2021.
Sovereign Gaming is presently facing scrutiny for purported financial misconduct at its Melbourne and Perth gaming venues, encompassing dubious transactions with high-roller organizers associated with criminal syndicates. These accusations, coupled with the legal repercussions faced by Sovereign personnel in China four years prior for illicit gaming promotion, have tarnished the company’s reputation.
Despite these obstacles, Sovereign’s legal representative, Neil Young QC, contested postponing the opening. He posits that a meticulously supervised operation, with substantial organizational restructuring, cultural transformations, and reinforced anti-money laundering protocols, would showcase the company’s dedication to improvement. He even proposed positioning ALGC overseers within the gaming area and furnishing daily updates to the regulatory body.
Yang stressed that numerous elements requiring evaluation by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau necessitate “practical, operational examination.” For instance, certain issues are optimally addressed within the framework of casino operations, such as via stringent oversight and assessments of casino activities.
