Star Entertainment Hit with AU$100 Million Fine — NSW Casino License Suspended

In an announcement issued via the NSW government website, regulators also confirmed that the company’s gambling license has been suspended.

Despite the suspension, the casino will still operate under an independent manager who will be appointed by the commission.

NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said of the penalty and suspension:

The Star’s current board and executive understand the gravity of Bell’s findings. They have publicly apologised and acknowledged the serious wrongdoing that occurred, and they are willing to co-operate with the regulator.

If it were not for The Star’s change in attitude and our belief that it is in the public interest to protect the thousands of jobs at risk, there might have been a different outcome.”

He went on to add:

“The appointment of a manager does not mean the NICC believes The Star is suitable to hold a casino licence.

At this point the NICC believes there is a possibility The Star can undertake the reforms necessary to give the NICC confidence it can start a remediation process with a view to becoming suitable.”

Earlier this year, the commission’s report found that Star Entertainment was unsuitable to continue as a gambling operator in New South Wales. The company is also under investigation in Queensland following allegations that it allowed as much as AU$55 million (€38.09 million) in gambling funds from Chinese high rollers to be disguised as room and entertainment charges.

Image credit: llee_wu / CC BY-ND 2.0

Ciaran McEneaney

Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.