Star Casino issued 14 day warning from independent commission

By ERIN MODARO

The Star Casino could soon see its license revoked after a commission investigating NSW casinos has said that there are major cultural concerns at the Star Entertainment Group, who own and operate the Star Casino.

The news of the NSW Independent Casino Commission’s findings, and subsequent warning of suspension, comes just a week after the Commission officially announced their investigation into The Star and its operations on September 5.

Warnings from the Commission state the Star’s license could be revoked or suspended within the next 14 days.

A previous report detailing an investigation into the Star Casino, named the Bell Inquiry, was handed over to the NSW government on August 31.

Star halts trading

Star Entertainment released a media statement yesterday stating that The Star has not yet seen the report: “The Star has not received a copy of the report, is unaware of its contents, but understands the report will be released soon.”

Shares from the Star Entertainment Group are currently suspended on the ASX, after the group requested a halt to trading yesterday, in light of the Bell report’s release, which is expected on Wednesday September 14.

“The trading halt is requested following media reports concerning the contents of the final report of the review of The Star Sydney undertaken by Mr Adam Bell SC in accordance with the Casino Control Act 1992 (NSW)” the Star Entertainment group said in a letter to the ASX.

NSW Casino regulator Phillip Crawford told Nine News that potential consequences for the Star not only includes a loss of licensing, but also major fines and a number of other actions.

Crawford said the Star Casino has 14 days to prove that consequential measures should not be carried out by the Commission.

“The NICC was created with extensive regulatory powers, independent of government, and we will be considering the findings and recommendations in the context of how those powers apply” Crawford said in a media statement when the Commission began.

“There is simply no appetite for further misconduct.”