The Australian land-based gambling company, Star Entertainment Group, has dismissed media reports accusing them of money laundering as inaccurate. However, they have stated they will take appropriate steps to address these claims.
A collaborative investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and the television program 60 Minutes accused Star Entertainment Group of enabling suspected money laundering, organized criminal activity, extensive fraud, and interference within their casinos for an extended period, despite warnings about the inadequacy of their anti-money laundering measures.
The report, published over the weekend, alleged that Star Entertainment Group cultivated high-stakes gamblers with ties to criminal organizations or foreign entities between 2014 and 2021. The media outlets asserted that these accusations were corroborated by various sources within the casino and law enforcement agencies familiar with Star Entertainment Group’s operations.
Among those allegedly permitted to gamble at Star Entertainment Group were a suspected cocaine importer, a restaurant owner accused of drug trafficking and money laundering, and several individuals recognized as some of Australia’s most prominent alleged tax evaders and corporate fraudsters.
Based on reports, internal documents, legal proceedings, and law enforcement intelligence summaries, as well as numerous sources acquainted with The Star’s operations, weaknesses in its security protocols have been uncovered.
The inquiry was initiated after the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority in New South Wales decided last month to examine The Star Sydney Casino, following apprehensions about the casino’s dealings with VIP rooms and its anti-money laundering procedures.
In response to these reports, The Star stated that it was “concerned” by some of the claims in the media, which it considered “misleading,” but also indicated that it would take action to address the accusations.
“The Star is troubled by some of the assertions in the media, which it believes are inaccurate,” The Star stated. “There are limitations on publicly discussing specific individuals.”
“We will take appropriate measures to address all allegations with relevant state and federal regulatory bodies, including Adam Bell SC, who is conducting a routine review of The Star Sydney under the Casino Control Act 1992 (NSW).”
“The Star operates in a highly regulated sector. We are subject to rigorous ongoing regulatory oversight, including compliance checks and assessments of the company’s operations in NSW and Queensland.”
The Starlight Group has voiced its backing for the proposals outlined in the inquiry report examining Crown Resorts. These suggestions, which received the endorsement of the New South Wales government in August, call for the creation of an Independent Casino Commission (ICC). This commission would function as an independent, self-governing entity specifically tasked with regulating casinos. The report also recommends a series of legislative changes designed to curb criminal activity linked to casino operations.
“These recommendations will have a significant impact on the regulation of casinos within New South Wales and are endorsed by Starlight Group,” the company stated.
Crown Resorts was deemed unsuitable to operate its casino in Barangaroo, situated in Sydney’s central business district, following an inquiry that uncovered evidence of its facilities and accounts being used for money laundering. The inquiry also revealed dealings with junket operators allegedly connected to organized criminal activities.
In related news, Starlight Group announced today (October 11) that its Sydney Starlight casino has resumed operations with a number of restrictions in place. The venue had been closed since June 25 due to New South Wales’ local COVID-19 regulations.
The casino is now open to fully vaccinated staff and patrons, but capacity is limited to one person per four square meters indoors and two square meters outdoors. Masks are mandatory, and individuals must be seated while eating or drinking indoors.
The state of New South Wales is slated to remove seating limitations promptly upon reaching an 80% vaccination rate among its adult population. Capacity constraints and mask requirements will also be relaxed beginning in the early days of December.
In the meantime, Star Entertainment Group’s Queensland operations have observed a loosening of restrictions since the 8th of October. Indoor capacity limits have been expanded to one individual for every two square meters, but facial coverings are still obligatory within casino premises.
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