NSW Premier says Star casino must comply with Bell inquiry findings or face closure
The Star casino claims it will argue its case after the NSW Premier warned it might have to close in light of “horrendous” findings.
Premier Dominic Perrottet has said Sydney’s Star casino is “likely to close” if it doesn’t abide by a court order to explain its behaviour.
The casino has said it intends to comply and make its case to stay open.
Star was given 14 days to tell authorities why it should not be shut down after an inquiry made a damning finding against it.
Tuesday’s report by Adam Bell SC into the group’s activity was released by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) and aimed blistering criticism at the gambling giant.
NICC chief commissioner Philip Crawford said Star Entertainment had allegedly allowed money laundering, criminals to gamble in its casino and assisted with organised crime.
The inquiry found Star was not fit to hold a licence.
“Star has been absolutely horrendous; they’ve got 14 days to respond to that report and if they don’t comply, they’re likely to close,” Mr Perrottet said on Wednesday.
“There is no place for anybody in any organisation, particularly casinos, to not be complying with the regulations in place.”
A Star spokesman said the casino is preparing a response.
“The Star acknowledges the comments of the NICC Chief Commissioner and by the NSW Premier this morning, following the release of the findings from the Bell Review,” the spokesman said.
“We are preparing a response to the show cause notice issued to The Star by the NICC and are committed to working with our regulators in an open and co-operative manner.”
The casino operator halted trading on the ASX on Monday ahead of the report’s release.
Star admitted it had been unsuitable to hold a licence when the inquiry began. It had since made eight submissions to show why it was now suitable.
“Mr Bell did not agree with any of those eight submissions and found that Star remains unsuitable, ” Mr Crawford said on Tuesday.
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