Proceedings for the inquiry into Star Entertainment and its suitability to hold licenses for its Brisbane and Gold Coast casinos will officially start Thursday, July 14 in Queensland.
The probe was first ordered by the state’s Attorney General Shannon Fentiman, and will be led by former judge Robert Gotterson. The impetus for the investigation came from allegations of money laundering and fraud that were recently uncovered in a separate inquiry in New South Wales (NSW).
Star will be expected to provide information and evidence regarding its operations in the state, and the points of concern are the same as previous investigations: anti-money laundering and harm minimization compliance or lack thereof; illegal use of China UnionPay bank cards to fund gambling for Chinese tourists, which has already resulted in massive fines for fellow operator Crown Resorts; illicit relationships with VIP bettors; and whether or not Star enticed gamblers who were banned in NSW to come across the border to gamble in Queensland.
Star hasn’t exactly gotten off to the best start, either—interim CEO Geoff Hogg told Queensland officials on July 11 that he wasn’t “aware” of the company paying any fines to state regulators over the last five years, despite the fact that there had been “a number” of breaches during that time period.
Hogg also noted that most of the violations were extremely minor, such as lapses in patron exclusion or “staff errors” on table games.
The inquiry is expected to conclude by the end of September.
