The NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) will conduct an inquiry into James Packer's sale of his stake in Crown Resorts to a Hong Kong-based casino operator.
The sale of $1.76 billion in shareholdings from Mr Packer's CPH Crown Holdings to Lawrence Ho's Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited was announced in May this year.
It represents almost half of Mr Packer's stake in the casino giant, leaving CPH with about 26 per cent of Crown.
However, the sale, which is yet to be finalised according to the ILGA, has raised questions given ownership restrictions on Crown's casino project in Barangaroo, Sydney.
Under an agreement with the ILGA, Crown is prevented from any new business activities with 55 companies and five individuals — one being Lawrence Ho's father, Stanley, and any of his associates.
On Thursday, the NSW Legislative Council agreed to release the list of the banned entities on request from independent MP Justin Field.
Mr Field said he welcomed the announcement of an inquiry into the sale of shares by Mr Packer.
The ILGA said the inquiry will ensure the management of the casino remains free from criminal influence or exploitation, that gaming is conducted honestly and harm to the public is minimised.
On announcing the sale, Mr Packer said he was "thrilled" Lawrence Ho and Melco had chosen to invest in Crown.
"I am still vitally interested in Crown's success as a world-class resort and gaming business," he said.
"The sale allows me to continue my long-term involvement with Crown and at the same time to better diversify my investment portfolio."
The inquiry will be conducted by Patricia Bergin SC and will take evidence in public except for when sensitive information is at hand.
