The Star, a prominent Australian casino enterprise, was imposed with a substantial fine stemming from violations of gambling rules that were traced back to 2017. On Wednesday, the Brisbane Magistrates Court ruled that the corporation must settle a fine summing to AU$140,000 (equivalent to $92,100), in addition to court expenses amounting to AU$3,250 ($2,100). The court proceedings revealed that the enterprise lacked the necessary checks and balances in terms of operating EFTPOS machines. Consequently, patrons were given the option to utilize credit cards for gambling activities, paving the way for potential overspending.
The latest fine follows an in-depth investigation initiated by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), the gambling authority in the state. The investigation uncovered acts of non-compliance by The Star at two of its properties, namely the one situated on the Gold Coast and its Brisbane property. As a result of the exposé, The Star admitted earlier in the year to facilitating the purchase of gambling chips through credit cards. All told, The Star was convicted of 11 infractions across its two properties.
Out of the total charges, seven were associated with accepting credit cards for wagering. These violations reportedly transpired between 2017 and 2022. The remaining four charges were linked to the dissemination of promotional or advertising materials to patrons who were prohibited from or opted out of casino patronage. These latter violations, as reported by the court, took place as recently as February 2022.
The Gambling Authority Continues Its Vigilance
Yvette D’Ath, the serving Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, maintained that the option for casino operators to promote gambling through credit cards is completely intolerable. She further chastised the proliferation of gambling-related promotions targeting individuals who have opted for self-exclusion. D’Ath further clarified that the Palaszczuk Government expects every Queensland casino to operate strictly within legal and ethical confines.
The Justice Minister categorically stated that the privilege of holding a gambling license presupposes that The Star is expected to implement efficient measures against money laundering and harm induced by gambling, and described this as an “uncompromisable minimum”.
“The expectation of the Palaszczuk Government is for all casinos situated in Queensland to function lawfully and ethically. Encouraging credit gambling and distributing promotional materials to excluded persons are not apt methodologies for Queensland casino operations.”
Yvette D’Ath, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
D’Ath conceded that the paramountcy of public trust in the casino sector cannot be understated. Additionally, she affirmed the government’s commitment to uphold gambling laws and simultaneously fortify them. Concluding her remarks, D’Ath indicated that Queensland’s gambling regulator would continue placing all casino license holders under its watchful eyes to warrant compliance with established rules and enact penalties when necessary.
