The Star Entertainment fined $140K for illegal credit card gambling and rule violations
The Star Entertainment Group, one of Australia’s largest casino operators, has been fined for multiple gambling regulation breaches. A court ruling found the company guilty of 11 offences, including allowing credit card gambling and sending promotions to excluded customers. The penalties follow a lengthy investigation by Queensland’s gambling regulator, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR). The OLGR uncovered the breaches at two of The Star’s properties: its Gold Coast and Brisbane casinos. Investigators found that between 2017 and 2022, the company allowed customers to use credit cards for gambling due to weak EFTPOS controls. Seven of the offences involved processing wagers with credit cards during this period. In February 2022, The Star also sent advertising materials to four customers who had self-excluded from gambling. The Brisbane Magistrates Court sentenced the company to pay a fine of AU$140,000 (around $92,100) along with AU$3,250 ($2,100) in court costs. Yvette D’Ath, Queensland’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, criticised The Star’s practices. She stressed that casinos must enforce strict controls to prevent money laundering and gambling-related harm. The Palaszczuk Government has made it clear that all Queensland casinos are expected to operate within the law. The gambling regulator will keep monitoring all casino licensees in Queensland. Further penalties will apply if additional breaches are found. The Star’s case highlights ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with responsible gambling laws.
