Queensland regulators have served notices to multiple properties of The Star which could result in the ‘potential suspension or cancellation of their casino licenses’.
According to a company release, The Star on Thursday received show cause notices from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation regarding their Treasury Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast properties.
These imply ‘determinations of unsuitability made by the Queensland Attorney-General’, which relate to an independent external review of the ‘the operations of The Star’s casinos in Queensland, […], the findings of the report of Mr. Adam Bell SC in New South Wales and the separate investigation undertaken by OLGR, and the response from the Attorney-General.’
Potential disciplinary actions include a penalty of up to AU$100 million, the cancellation or suspension of the casino license, or the appointment of a special manager.
The company has been given 21 days to respond to the notice.
The Star had previously been subject to an inquiry into suitability over its Sydney casino license, being found unsuitable, with the company acknowledging usage of Chinese pay cards for gambling at The Star Sydney casino. The company also ensured that junket operations would be frozen due to the promotion of illegal gambling.
At the time, the company’s Executive Chairman noted that “We intend to do whatever is necessary […] to restore The Star Sydney to suitability”.
