The Sydney lockouts laws prevent patrons from entering venues in Sydney CBD late at night in order to prevent alcohol-fuelled violence. The only venue that is exempt from the laws is The Star Casino, and it seems that crime rates on rise at that particular venue.

Spokespeople for The Star Casino have denied that excluding the venue from Sydney’s lockout laws has had an effect on crime rates at the venue – but the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics (BOCSAR) has published figures that state otherwise. According to the BOCSAR, there has been an increase in the number of non-domestic assaults in Pyrmont where The Star is located.

There are now 13 more assaults every month, as the area becomes a major hub for violence in Sydney. The lockout laws were introduced in 2014, and they prevent patrons from entering nightclubs and casinos in the Central Business District after 1:30. These venues are also prohibited from serving alcohol past 3am.

Over the course of the past two years, the lockout laws have helped to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence in Central Sydney – but, it seems that some of the violent activity has migrated to The Star, and some protestors want to see the lockout extended to the casino.

“It’s not my desire to see the casinos restricted, but the idea of these casinos being the only sanctioned night-life option in Sydney is, quite frankly, an insult,” says Tyson Toh, head of anti-lockout group, Keep Sydney Open. Representatives of the casino state that there has been a 19% decline in the number of incidents over the past year, but BOCSAR reports that 71% of the victims of violence are patrons of The Star.

The organisation also notes that and that there has not been a similar increase in violence in other areas outside of the lockout zone. As such, the issue has become a point of contention for the casino operator. “The Star contends that incidents which have occurred away from the property and have involved persons who have not attended the property have been attributed to the Star,” reads a statement from The Star.

The lockout laws continue to be a major issue for Sydney residents. They have accused the laws of destroying Sydney’s nightlife and causing the closure of many beloved venues while The Star continues to thrive. Protestors have taken to the streets to fight against the laws in hopes of lifting the lockout – but, the government has yet to budget on the issue.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.