Queensland casino investigated over potential link with junkets
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A casino in Queensland, Australia, is under scrutiny just after Star Entertainment Group was slapped with a record AU$100m ($67m) fine in the state. Local authorities and the attorney general’s office have warned operators last week that failure to comply with gambling laws and prerequisites will have serious consequences for offenders.
Now, the Ville Casino in Townsville stands accused of breaching state regulations by working with clandestine junket operators. The accusations are made public following an extensive nine-month probe conducted by the regulator, the Office of Liquor and Gaming. Ville Casino allegedly did not run its business relationship with junket operators by the state’s regulator, which means that it operated in breach of state laws, Brisbane Times reported.
A spokesperson for the gaming regulator urged operators to stick to existing regulations and operate lawfully and ethically while maintaining the "highest standards of integrity and public confidence." The entire casino industry in Australia has come under tough regulatory scrutiny over the past months as Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment were found mostly unsuitable to hold licenses in several states, including New South Wales and Queensland, but also targeted in Victoria.
The spokesperson confirmed that the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation was determined to address every potential breach of regulation seriously and issue penalties as applicable. The case is not settled, though, as Ville Casino is due to appear in court in January, the media reported. Yet, there is some clarity on what the property can expect.
A similar case involving the Reef Casino in Cairns ended up with a $10,000 fine. The property admitted that it had collaborated with unapproved junket operators and the case was settled fairly quickly and without severe consequences for the property’s operations. However, the regulator has sent a public warning to other operations, urging them to clean up their act or face the regulator’s unfaltering resolve in addressing these underlying issues.
A much worse fate was suffered by Star which was hit with a sizable fine last week. The company will also see its two casinos in the state suspended during a 90-day period in December 2023 unless the group successfully enacts all requested changes so that the measure becomes redundant. Ville Casino will appear before the Townsville Magistrates Court at the beginning of next year and seek to argue its case or accept a quick ruling.
