Responsibility for organizing illegal gambling

In New South Wales (NSW), organising gambling without an appropriate licence or in breach of licence conditions is considered a serious offence. Regulation is carried out under the Casino Control Act 1992, Gaming Machines Act 2001, Betting and Racing Act 1998, Public Lotteries Act 1996 and the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

1. What counts as an illegal gambling organization

Any gambling (casino, poker, slot machines, sweepstakes, betting) without a license.
Organisation of an online casino aimed at NSW players.
Installation and operation of slot machines without permission.
Conducting private gaming events for commercial purposes without coordination with the regulator.
Violation of geolocation and age restrictions.

2. Compliance authorities

Liquor & Gaming NSW - controlling land-based venues and slot machines.
NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) - oversight of casino operations.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) - the fight against illegal online gambling.
NSW Police - Operational and clamping down on illegal activity.

3. Sanctions for violation

Financial penalties:

• For individuals - up to 165,000 AUD.
• For companies - up to 1.1-1.65 million AUD.
Administrative measures:
• Confiscation of equipment, slot machines, funds.
• Blocking domains and payment channels (for online operators).
Criminal liability:
• Imprisonment for up to 2 years in case of serious or repeated violations.

4. Progress of the investigation

Collection of evidence of violations through test purchases, monitoring of advertising and payment transactions.
Issuance of termination orders.
Suspension of the operation of the establishment or site until the completion of the investigation.
Taking to court to decide on fines and confiscations.

5. Aggravating circumstances

Involvement of minors.
Association with organized crime.
Use of gambling to launder funds.
Reoffending.

Conclusion:
• The organization of illegal gambling in NSW entails serious administrative, financial and criminal liability. Regulators and police actively identify and suppress such violations, and sanctions are aimed at completely excluding shadow gambling from the state economy.