A highly anticipated report into alleged questionable practices at The Star casino in Sydney, from money laundering to organised crime, has been delivered to the state’s gaming agency.
The NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority said on Thursday the report, from a months-long review helmed by Adam Bell, SC, into the fitness of The Star to hold a casino licence, has been handed in.
It did not specify when it would be made public.
The gaming regulator said it appointed an independent expert, Wexted Advisors, to act on its behalf to observe and monitor The Star’s operations and internal procedures.
The damning review held 46 days of public hearings into the Sydney casino, with lawyers assisting the inquiry saying the venue was unsuitable to hold a licence.
It was told of the controversial use of Chinese debit cards, links to notorious Macau-based junket operator Suncity, the misleading of banks and an illicit cage that operated in an exclusive high-roller room known as Salon 95.
The legal team for Star Entertainment, which owns the establishment, contended it was a suitable entity after a clean-out of senior management.
Several Star managers resigned during the probe, including chief executive Matt Bekier, chief financial officer Harry Theodore, chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin, and chief casino officer Greg Hawkins.
John O’Neill, who tendered his resignation as chairman in May, admitted during the inquiry the board had failed to encourage a culture of risk management.
The inquiry prompted a shareholder class action against the gambling giant by law firm Slater and Gordon.
It also sparked a similar inquiry into the ASX-listed company’s two Queensland casinos, with that review also told of questionable operational practices.
The NSW inquiry was called after media reports accusing Star Entertainment of enabling suspected money laundering, organised crime, fraud and foreign interference at its gaming facilities, including The Star Sydney.