Star Casino hit with $100 million fine and license suspension

By ERIN MODARO

The Star Casino has been issued a license suspension by the NSW Independent Casino commission (NICC) this morning, however will not have to cease operations. The Star will also have to cough up a $1 million fine, and has been appointed an independent manager by the NICC so that the casino can continue operations without its license.

The fine is the maximum penalty allowed under news laws introduced in August, and the largest ever to be handed out.

The suspension will begin at 9am on Friday October 21, as announced by NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford.

Crawford said the decision to revoke the casino giant’s license was made as it was “no longer in the public interest” for the Star to hold licensing.

“The Star is not currently suitable to be the holder of the licence” Crawford said.

The penalties come after the commissions findings were collected in a damning report, named the Bell Report, which was released to the NSW government in late August. The Bell report revealed “serious wrongdoing” by the Star Entertainment Group, who own and operate the casino.

Casino co-operates

Crawford said the penalties handed to the Star could have been much worse if the casino wasn’t co-operating with the commission. He said that at current the Star is “willing to cooperate with the regulator”.

“The Star’s public communications to shareholders and its submission to the NICC’s show cause notice have demonstrated genuine contrition and a desire to work openly and transparently with the NICC,” Crawford said.

While the casino’s gambling can continue, operations will bee overseen by the manager appointed by the NICC. Nicholas Weeks from Wexted Advisors will take on the role, however Crawford maintains that the overseeing by a manager “does not mean the NICC believes The Star is suitable to hold a casino licence”.