In an explosive start to the week, we've found out this morning that Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier will be stepping down from the board and the company after eight years in the executive role, following allegations of money laundering and criminal affiliation misconduct at the casino.

Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier on Monday announced his resignation from the company’s board effective immediately, following allegations of misconduct against the casino company last week. 

Star Entertainment CEO Matt Bekier has denied the VIP division was out of control and defended the company against allegations that a corrupt manager was “shuffled off.”

The Star Group CEO Matt Bekier says that whilst domestic travel may “compensate” Australia’s tourism industry for now, its long term survival relies on the return of Chinese and Southeast Asian visitors.

Star Entertainment CEO Matt Bekier’s testament this week has brought China’s VIP sector back into focus.

The global VIP business was in the spotlight again this week, with former Star Entertainment CEO Matt Bekier describing running the sector as being a “dark art.”

Star Entertainment’s former CEO Matt Bekier said told an inquiry in Sydney that the company was “secretive and not transparent” with New South Wales regulators due to distrust between the two organizations.

Former Star CEO Matt Bekier, along with other key executives of the casino company are due to give testimony at the royal commission style inquiry into the company this week.

Star Entertainment said John O’Neill will take on the role of executive chairman while the company seeks a replacement for CEO Matt Bekier who resigned on March 28. 

Star Entertainment allowed Suncity to continue operating a junket operation from its Sydney casino, even after its CEO Matt Bekier had told the market in 2019 that it was ending the relationship.