The Queensland government has taken action against Star Entertainment Group, stripping them of their license and imposing a hefty fine of A$100 million. This decision follows a comprehensive investigation that uncovered serious shortcomings in the company’s operations within the state.
The probe, encompassing the Gold Coast Star Casino and Treasury Brisbane, concluded that Star Entertainment Group was not fit to hold a license in Queensland. The review, initiated in June, unearthed a pattern of systemic failures, mirroring those uncovered in Adam Bell SC’s inquiry into the group’s activities in New South Wales, which also deemed them unfit for a license.
Among the key concerns were Star Entertainment Group’s deliberate misrepresentation to banks and regulatory bodies regarding the nature of China UnionPay transactions, a violation of Chinese capital flight regulations. The investigation also revealed connections between Star Entertainment Group and criminal organizations, with the company actively encouraging these groups to gamble, despite explicit warnings from the police commissioner.
Moreover, the organization has significant shortcomings in its social accountability, anti-money laundering, and anti-terrorism financing procedures, and there are serious apprehensions about its past dealings with high-profile operators.
Last month, the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) issued “show cause” notices to Star’s two Queensland gambling establishments. Star was requested to provide evidence by November 25 to prevent the regulatory body from taking further action.
However, Queensland Attorney-General, the Honorable Shannon Fentiman, and the OLGR sent a letter to Star informing the operator that its permit would be suspended and a $100 million penalty would be levied.
The penalty will be paid in three installments, with the first installment of $30 million due on March 31 of next year, the second installment of $30 million due on June 30, 2023, and the final installment of $40 million due on December 31, 2023.
The permit suspension will take effect on December 1, 2023, but will be postponed for 90 days while Nicholas Weeks is appointed as a special administrator to oversee the operation of the two gambling establishments.
Weeks was also appointed as special administrator of Star’s Sydney gambling establishment in October, after Star was also fined $100 million and deemed unfit to hold a permit in New South Wales for a series of similar regulatory violations.
The top legal representative for Queensland stated that the postponed enforcement suspension provided Star Entertainment a valuable opportunity to rectify its administrative and operational practices, allowing them to regain stability before the suspension’s implementation. If Star Entertainment demonstrates satisfactory progress, the Attorney General may choose to defer or completely rescind the license suspension.
Concerning the recent disciplinary measures, Star Entertainment today (December 9) requested the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to promptly halt trading of its common shares.
Star Entertainment asserted that the trading suspension was essential to prevent securities transactions from occurring in the absence of crucial information. The suspension is anticipated to remain in effect until December 13.
Star Entertainment undertook a similar course of action in October when it was levied a A$100 million fine and its license was suspended in New South Wales.
Sign up for the iGaming news newsletter.