Australia’s gaming regulator for the state of New South Wales recently proclaimed that it would be conducting public hearings to further its investigation into casino operator The Star Entertainment Group Limited.
In an official press release, the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (NSW ILGA) advised that the investigation into the owner of the Star Sydney venue has “so far largely been undertaken in private’ but is to now be moved into the public domain under the leadership of prominent local attorney Adam Bell as ‘witnesses should give evidence publicly.”
Intensified Efforts
The Star Entertainment Group Limited learned in October 2021 that its imminent five-year license review would be broadened to examine allegations that it may have been involved in money laundering activities. This intensified inspection began eight months after Crown Resorts Limited was barred from adding casino gambling to its new Crown Sydney facility due to a slew of proven transgressions.
Adam Bell, prominent equity, commercial and administrative law specialist, assumed control of The Star Entertainment Group Limited investigation following his stint as a senior counsel for the Crown Resorts license suitability enquiry.
Philip Crawford, the Chairman at the NSW ILGA announced in the press release that Bell has been tasked with investigating ‘a number of topics’ and will have all of ‘the powers, authorities, protections and immunities of a Royal Commission’.
Crawford added that this examination seeks to uncover if the Star Entertainment Group Limited has sufficient ‘anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems’ and whether it methodically scrutinizes and manages its relationships ‘with close associates, junket partners and high-rollers.’
“Bell’s review will consider how effectively The Star Sydney is complying with its statutory obligations and whether it remains suitable to hold a casino licence. This includes examining to what extent the casino is free from the infiltration of criminal interests such as money laundering and how well it is administering its obligations to minimise gaming harms,” he added.
Moving Forward
Crawford wrapped up his statement by advising that Bell can be expected to publish his findings by June 2021 and that the upcoming public hearings would be held virtually via video live streams.
“We have every confidence that the review will thoroughly investigate The Star Sydney’s current operations and compliance with its statutory obligations and make appropriate recommendations for remedial action if necessary,” he concluded.
