Queensland casino study: what to investigate and what could happen to the stars?

Hearings begin on Star's suitability to retain Brisbane and Gold Coast casino licenses.

Star Entertainment will be questioned at a series of hearings on its suitability to hold a casino license in Queensland amid a series of adverse press reports.

The hearings will begin Tuesday and run through next Monday. Here are some important things to know about these hearings

What will the hearings investigate?

The review will be led by former court judge Robert Gotterson, who will examine the propriety of Star retaining its casino licenses in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast Gotterson is expected to announce his findings by September 30.

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On Monday, Queensland Attorney General Shannon Fentiman said that "allegations involving gambling giants and their associates should be investigated by the inquiry.

We are committed to ensuring that Queensland's casinos operate legally and maintain high standards of integrity and public trust," Fentiman told AAP.

Why did the Queensland government order the investigation?

The investigation was ordered by Fentiman in June.

This was after an investigation by the New South Wales gaming regulator alleged that Star may have committed criminal acts.

The investigation, which is due to report its findings by August 31, is looking into claims that the ASX-listed company enabled allegations of money laundering, organized crime, fraud and foreign influence at The Star Casino in topeirecasinos.com.

Star Entertainment is the ultimate holding company for two existing casinos in Queensland (Treasury Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast) and will operate the Queens Wharf Brisbane casino once the project is completed.

Aren't all the relevant issues already being investigated by the NSW inquiry?

The NSW inquiry is investigating the operation and management of the Sydney casino.

In July, Jonathan Horton QC, a lawyer assisting the Queensland inquiry, said that some evidence from New South Wales "may be helpful" in this investigation.

He said, "The problems that have arisen in New South Wales have arisen across the border because of common governance and practices, or because gamblers excluded in New South Wales were allowed, encouraged, or induced to enter the casinos. The study was conducted by the National Institute of Health and Human Services (NIHHS) in the United States. and Horton said at the study's initial hearing.

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What is the impact of the survey on Queensland casinos?

Even if the review determines that Star is not fit to operate casinos in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Star may not have its license revoked.

Instead, it could be granted a conditional license or senior management could be handed over, as is the case with Crown Casinos in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne.

What will happen to the Queen's Wharf development agreement?

A series of articles by The Australian and ABC focus on how Star was awarded the $3.6 billion Queens Wharf development contract by the Queensland government. Billboard promoting Melbourne's Crown Casino 

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The partially built Queen's Wharf development began in 2015 and occupies a prime location on the north bank of the Brisbane River, occupying almost 10% of the city's CBD.

According to one article, "red flags were raised" during the government's investigative process regarding the deal and Star's Hong Kong-based project partner, Chau Tai Fook.

On Monday, Fentiman said: "If there are any ongoing concerns about Star or its associates, such as Chow Tai Fook, we would encourage them to refer them to the Independent Review Board for consideration.

Star Entertainment has declined to comment on the allegations.

In the context of the hearing that begins this week in relation to the review of The Star's casino operations in Queensland: ...... The Star does not consider it appropriate to comment at this time," the company said in a statement to the ASX.

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Pub: 04 Mar 2024 21:50 UTC
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