Clubs and pubs cannot shirk responsibility for security lapses

EditorialEditorialSeptember 1, 2026 — 5:56pmSeptember 1, 2026 — 5:56pmThe revelation that a 16-year-old boy had illegal careers at both casino gaming tables and pubs and clubs poker machines suggests the NSW gambling industry continues to have difficulties cleaning out the stables.Sydney’s Crown and The Star have been fined by the state’s casino regulator a combined $2.25 million for allowing a child to gamble $21,400 using a fake ID. For his part, the teenager will be banned from the casinos for five years – but only when he turns 18.The NSW Independent Casino Commission has fined Crown Sydney and The Star a combined $2.25 million after a 16-year-old was allowed to gamble tens of thousands of dollars using a fake ID.Oscar Colman/Sam MooyHowever, officialdom is hampered in acting against clubs and pubs.Unlike the casinos, the sector is not required to use carded technology, whereby players must show identification documents that set up accounts with their bets traceable by authorities, and it is unclear what, if any, action will be undertaken against pubs and clubs.The Herald’s Harriet Alexander reported the boy used a sophisticated fake driver’s licence to gamble at multiple Sydney venues until The Star detected his presence last year and both casinos self-reported to Liquor and Gaming NSW. Questioned by the agency, he volunteered that he had also gambled at Club Mosman, Chatswood RSL, the Builder’s Club, Monkey Bar, Minskys, Dee Why RSL and The Sands at Narrabeen. He initially played the pokies but later mostly in cash poker tournaments.The Herald asked the clubs about his gambling on their premises. They hedged and referred questions to industry lobby group Clubs NSW.Mosman Club CEO Gerard Boyle said the venue had followed necessary protocols and was worried about the evolving ability of criminals to create fake IDs so realistic they can bypass digital scanners. “We are deeply concerned that criminals are producing fake IDs so sophisticated that they can bypass even the most rigorous identification checks, including verification technology and thorough scrutiny by highly trained staff,” he said.Boyle said his club had banned the 16-year-old indefinitely and lodged complaints with Liquor & Gaming NSW and NSW Police.But he overlooked the help already at hand: mandatory carded play.The system was forced upon the state’s casinos after two inquiries, including the NSW Crime Commission, found evidence that criminal networks were using the gambling palaces to launder money by disguising the proceeds of crime as gambling winnings. Players must show identification documents to set up an account, and authorities can then track amounts wagered back to individuals.Two years ago, the NSW Independent Panel on Gaming Reform report also recommended mandatory cashless gaming and stronger harm minimisation. But the Minns government stopped short of imposing carded play on the state’s clubs and pubs. A gambling reform package unveiled last week includes upgrading the technology to allow for carded play, but it will not be mandatory.Meanwhile, it beggars belief that an industry that spends tens of millions of dollars protecting itself from being ripped off cannot police its own clientele and persists in looking the other way on mandatory carded play, instead of protecting vulnerable people playing games of chance against harm, including problem gamblers and 16-year-olds.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.The Herald's View – Since the Herald was first published in 1831, the editorial team has believed it important to express a considered view on the issues of the day for readers, always putting the public interest first.From our partners