The chair of the NSW gaming industry regulator will helm the state's new independent casino regulator established to oversee casinos with enhanced compliance and enforcement powers.
Hospitality Minister Kevin Anderson announced Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority chair Philip Crawford as the chief commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
"Mr Crawford has a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory issues facing modern casinos and the need to fundamentally reset the way they operate," Mr Anderson said on Tuesday.
"Under his leadership, NSW casinos will be monitored in line with the new laws and face strong disciplinary action for compliance failures, past and present."
The creation of the NICC was a key recommendation of last year's Bergin inquiry into Crown Resorts that found the company was unfit to open its upscale $2 billion Sydney casino.
Gambling operations opened earlier this month at the Barangaroo tower after the company was forced to overhaul its board, management and procedures.
It has a conditional licence to operate until the end of next year.
After the Bergin inquiry's scathing report, Crown was bought out by US private equity giant Blackstone for $8.9 billion in a deal that removed James Packer as a shareholder.
The inquiry made 19 recommendations to improve transparency and accountability for casino operators and clamp down on organised crime and money laundering.
Mr Anderson said the new regulatory body would give people confidence casino operations were free from criminal influence.
Mr Crawford will be supported by four commissioners who will transition from the ILGA.
The NICC formally begins operations next week when its "most pressing task" will be considering the findings of the Star inquiry, which has been looking at whether the rival Sydney casino should keep its licence after media claims of organised crime, fraud and foreign interference.
Lawyers assisting the inquiry argued it was not fit to operate as a casino but the legal team for Star Entertainment, which owns the establishment, contends it is suitable following a clean-out of senior management.
Adam Bell's report is due to be handed to the ILGA on Wednesday.
Mr Anderson said Mr Crawford would work full time as chief commissioner and continue to support ILGA as an ordinary board member.
The NICC will work with ILGA and Hospitality and Racing and as part of a multi-agency co-ordination committee with NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission to guide the regulatory efforts of NICC and ILGA.
