Queensland’s upcoming inquiry into Star Entertainment and its casinos in Gold Coast and Brisbane is beginning to take shape—former judge Robert Gotterson AO has been appointed to lead the investigation, according to Queensland Attorney General Shannon Fenitman.
Fentiman told Inside Asian Gaming that Gotterson will have the task of determining whether or not Star’s casinos are being “operated lawfully, ethically and in a way that maintains the highest standards of integrity and public confidence.”
The inquiry is expected to begin this month and conclude by the end of September. Star’s properties in the state, including The Star Gold Coast, Treasury Brisbane and their new multi-billion dollar Queen’s Wharf development, will all be included in proceedings.
According to Fentiman, Gotterson will have the authority to “conduct interviews, and direct questioning of Star employees or other relevant persons should he consider it necessary.”
Queensland officials also provided more information about the areas of concern for Star, of which there are five:
- Compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, including the identification and prevention of potential money laundering activities.
- The use of China UnionPay bank cards to fund gambling by Chinese tourists, which has already been a point of concern for both Star and fellow operator Crown Resorts.
- Relationships with “VIP” patrons, and potential violations of banking and credit regulations related to those relationships.
- Management of patrons who have been excluded or barred from gambling in other states, and whether Star enticed those patrons to cross the border into Queensland.
- Adoption and implementation of responsible gaming and harm minimization regulations, or lack thereof.
Fentiman also noted that the state will allocate an additional $2.75 million for more audit and casino compliance resources over the next four years, which will “complement existing onsite casino inspection resources, providing more comprehensive regulatory oversight.”
Star is still awaiting the final results from its inquiry in New South Wales, which is expected to be announced by the end of August. Multiple officials have already called on the operator to be found unsuitable to run its casino in Sydney, which could result in the revocation of its license in the state.
