Skip to main content

Star Entertainment Junket Operators Under Scrutiny

Recent inspections into Star Entertainment junket operators has prompted the CEO to speak out. According to recent reports, Star Entertainment’s junket operators have become the subject of public inquiry. Since Crown Resorts’ own troubles with authorities overseas, the sector has been extremely sensitive to legal backlash. In 2017, Star Entertainment’s rival, Crown Resorts, was involved in legal battles with Chinese authorities.

As later revealed, the Australian company had been advertising illegally to Chinese high rollers. At least 17 employees were charged with “gambling crimes” and served varying prison stints. Three major players in the junket operations were held for up to 18 months. These ramifications also impacted other operators in Australia and legal frameworks were re-examined. However, there are still other concerns for the high roller casino sector. Crown Resorts’ scandal has had a negative impact on all operators.

Star Entertainment Junket Operators Investigation

Star Entertainment Junket Operators ‘Working Legally’ says CEO

Therefore, casino operators like Star Entertainment have outsourced monitoring services to keep above board. Currently, financial intelligence agency, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), is monitoring their practices. According to Matt Bekier, Chief Executive Officer of Star Entertainment, their practices are “in correspondence with the existing regulatory framework”. Mr Bekier also claimed that he couldn’t comment on Crown Resorts.

Still, Crown Resorts’ documents, internal emails, and company sources are being investigated. These enquiries have shown that some junket operators (possibly Star Entertainment) are associated with organised crime. These allegations include a possibility of money laundering, which is illegal in Australia.

VIP Customers Discouraged from Money Laundering

Mr Bekier has issued further statements to explain how regulations are affecting VIP players and junket operators. In recent months, measures to discourage money laundering through junket operations were instituted. Star Entertainment is complying, but are suffering the loss of customers. Currently, high rollers need a visa to enter Australia, which discourages most organised crime syndicates.

Mainly, Star Entertainment junket operators encourage players to declare where their money comes from. In addition, visas are checked for authenticity. Their business strategy also aims to attract wealthy tourists to gamble once on a trip, instead of focusing on gambling only.

For more stories like this, keep visiting New Zealand Casinos!



Related Posts

LeoVegas Launches GoGoCasino Targeting Sweden

LeoVegas introduces GoGoCasino

LeoVegas has introduced GoGoCasino to go live in Sweden. The brand was developed using LeoVegas’ existing resources. The plan for the brand is to increase efficiency by using the company’s existing resources. GoGoCasino features top-notch user friendliness design that is alluring and has the best functions. It also has an innovative product offering the best […]

Christchurch Casino License Review Hearing Underway

Christchurch Casino is the first Kiwi casino up for a license review. While the current Christchurch Casino license is valid until November of 2019, the New Zealand Gambling Commission is now taking submissions from interested parties. These parties include casino representatives, the City Council and the Problem Gambling Foundation. Roughly 70 submissions were filed with […]

Booongo October Fest Tournament Starts 15 October

Booongo October Fest Tournament

We’re happy to announce that the Booongo October Fest Tournament is taking place this week. Oktoberfest celebrations are being kicked off at two of our favourite online casinos this month. Starting on 15 October, Wild Card City and King Johnnie connect you to the Booongo October Fest Tournament. During the tournament, you stand a chance […]

Gold Coast Welcomes Bidders for Second Casino

Gold Coast Renews Interest in Second Integrated Casino Resort

The Gold Coast in Australia has revived plans from 2017 to build a second casino resort. The plan was abandoned two years ago. There are reportedly 12 casino operators that will be submitting bids to win the licence for the second casino. Among the expected bidders include Caesars Entertainment, Hard Rock International, and NagaCorp from […]