Public hearings into the conduct of The Star Sydney will begin from next Thursday 17 March, the NSW gaming regulator has confirmed.
The hearings, which form part of a regular review into the casino and whether it remains suitable to hold a casino licence, follow Australian media reports aired late last year alleging Star had enabled suspected money laundering, organized crime, fraud and foreign interference by cultivating high-roller gamblers with links to organized crime while ignoring red flags over the source of client funds. Star was quick to deny the allegations, describing them as “misleading”.
While the independent review, being conducted by Adam Bell SC, has largely been undertaken in private, the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) revealed on Friday that the time had arrived to initiate public hearings. The hearings will focus on a number of topics where Bell has determined that witnesses should give evidence publicly, it explained.
“Mr Bell’s review will consider how effectively The Star is complying with its statutory obligations and whether it remains suitable to hold a casino licence,” said ILGA chair Philip Crawford.
“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 minimize gaming harms.
“The Star is responsible for ensuring adequate anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems are in place and for thoroughly vetting and managing relationships with close associates, junket partners and high rollers.
“We have every confidence that the review will thoroughly investigate The Star’s current operations, compliance with its statutory obligations, and make appropriate recommendations for remedial action if necessary.
The regular review will conclude upon completion of the hearings, with Bell due to hand down his findings in June.
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