Closing submissions of a review into the suitability of The Star Sydney are scheduled to commence today as public hearings into the casino operator draw to a close.
According to information from the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), Counsel Assisting the review into The Star Sydney will provide their closing submissions over three days from 31 May to 2 June. Responsive submissions from parties with leave to appear will then take place between 14 and 21 June before Counsel Assisting will present their reply submissions on 24 June.
The final report by Adam Bell SC is due to be submitted to ILGA by 31 August 2022.
The review, prompted by allegations aired by local Australian media outlets late last year, has seen a raft of issues raised around Star’s relationship with Asian junket promoters, including liberties granted to then-leading junket Suncity Group in operating its own VIP room at The Star Sydney and the illegal use of China UnionPay cards by Star to disguise gambling transactions.
Similar findings around the use of China UnionPay cards by fellow Australian casino operator Crown Resorts saw Crown whacked with an AU$80 million fine by Victoria’s gaming regulator this week.
Star has already suspended all domestic and international rebate play programs in the wake of issues raised by the review, while a number of directors and senior executives have fallen on their sword – CEO Matt Bekier and Chairman John O’Neill among them.
