A Queensland government inquiry into the business practices of The Star Entertainment Group will examine allegations that as much as AU$55 million (€38.09 million) in gambling funds from Chinese high rollers was disguised as room and entertainment charges.
Star Casinos Disguised AU$55 Million in Gambling Funds as Room Charges, Shannon Fentiman, is currently under way to determine whether or not the Star Group is fit to retain its gambling licenses in Queensland. The group is also under scrutiny for it business practices in New South Wales.The inquiry will look into business dealings at the groups’ Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos and is taking place at in Brisbane Magistrates Court overseen by retired Appeal Court judge Robert Gotterson.
Star Casinos Disguised AU$55 Million in Gambling Funds as Room ChargesHorton explained:
Star Casinos Disguised AU$55 Million in Gambling Funds as Room Charges Star Casinos Disguised AU$55 Million in Gambling Funds as Room Charges Star Casinos Disguised AU$55 Million in Gambling Funds as Room Charges Star Casinos Disguised AU$55 Million in Gambling Funds as Room ChargesQueensland Government endorsed casino stakeholder with Triad links
An investigation carried out by ABC network in Australia has uncovered evidence to suggest that Chow Tai Fook, a company endorsed as a fit and proper partner in Star’s casino development at Queen’s Wharf, has links to organised crime.
Chow Tai Fook is a 25% stakeholder in the new casino and will also own 50% of the development’s surrounding apartment complexes.
However, the ABC investigation has revealed that the company and its associate companies have been linked to Chinese organised crime for decades. According to the report, the government allowed Chow Tai Fook to become a major shareholder despite the very clear indication that the company has continued links with companies or associates that are still currently involved with or are a party to illegal activities. This contravenes Queensland laws that state that any shareholder associated with anyone of ill-repute can become a partner in a local business.
Image credit: John / CC BY-SA 2.0
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.