The Townsville-based Ville Casino in Australia finds itself in trouble for allegedly employing unauthorized gambling promoters to draw in patrons.
After a nine-month inquiry by Queensland’s Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), the establishment faces accusations of violating the state’s casino regulations. A representative for the Department of Justice and Attorney-General emphasized the mandate for casinos to possess officially sanctioned contracts or partnerships, encompassing those for junkets.
“Queensland casinos are anticipated to function lawfully and morally, upholding the most stringent standards of probity and public trust,” she stated emphatically.
“The OLGR takes all alleged infractions by casino operators seriously. It is crucial that penalties for transgressions against Queensland’s casino statutes are robust enough to discourage future offenses and unequivocally demonstrate that unlawful and criminal behavior will not be condoned.”
The Ville, slated for a court appearance in January regarding the purported violations, is not alone among Queensland casinos facing difficulties. The Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns has also conceded to breaching the Casino Control Act following a separate investigation, incurring a $10,000 AUD (6,770 USD) penalty for utilizing unlicensed junket services.
“The court’s decision against the Reef Hotel Casino operator illustrates that Queensland casinos can anticipate comparable regulatory measures from the OLGR for neglecting to fulfill their legal obligations,” a statement conveyed.
The Queensland administration recently imposed a substantial $100 million penalty on Star Entertainment Group. This action follows the discovery of significant shortcomings at their gaming establishments, The Star Sydney and The Star Gold Coast. Although the corporation has a twelve-month period to furnish the funds, their gaming permits in Brisbane and the Gold Coast will be temporarily revoked for a period of 90 days. This suspension, however, is deferred until the first of December, 2023.
