Final report into The Star’s crimes handed to Attorney-General

The casino group, which owns the Treasury Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast, has found itself in a maelstrom of difficulties since an investigation found it guilty of a litany of crimes: including money laundering, organised crime, foreign interference and fraud.

The initial report by Adam Bell led to The Star being handed a show notice from the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC), with NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford describing the findings as “quite frankly, shocking.”

Following the allegations, Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman ordered an inquiry into the company – the final report of which has now been given to Fentiman. 

Upon getting the report, the Attorney-General said: “Today I have received the final report from the external review of the Queensland operations of The Star Entertainment Group from the Honourable Robert Gotterson KC. The cabinet will now consider the report.”

According to The Canberra Times, the inquiry heard that The Star allowed some banned people into its casinos because of individual connections to organised crime, even allegedly pursuing some by handing down free luxury accommodation, a Rolex watch and free private plane trips.

Meanwhile, The Star staff were also said to have hidden AU$55m (US$35m) in illegal gambling transactions from China’s UnionPay.

The news follows the temporary CEO of Star, Geoff Hogg, resigning from the company this week.

The operator’s board has accepted his resignation. However, a final departure date is yet to be determined. 

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Matthew Nicholson

Gambling Writer

Matthew Nicholson was a contributor to Gambling Insider, where he covered business performance and financial developments within the gambling and iGaming industry. His reporting focused on company results, market trends and commercial activity.

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