The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) has approved a request to extend a review into Star Entertainment Group’s suitability to retain its casino license for The Star Sydney.
The extension follows a series of explosive revelations during public hearings in recent weeks around Star’s relationship with Asian junket operators and the illegal use of China Union Pay credit and debit cards to transfer funds to players for gambling purposes.
According to ILGA, the man in charge of the review, Adam Bell SC, has requested additional time to summons further witnesses and “undertake further lines of inquiry”
ILGA Chairperson Philip Crawford said Bell’s findings, originally due in June, were now due to be handed down by 31 August 2022.
“The Authority is fully supportive of Mr Bell examining additional witnesses and giving further consideration to a number of key issues,” Crawford said.
Bell will this week call Star Entertainment former Group Managing Director and CEO Matt Bekier and Chief Casino Officer Greg Hawkins to appear, among others.