The Townsville-based gaming establishment, The Ville, is under fire for allegedly employing illicit gaming marketers, commonly referred to as junket organizers, to entice patrons.
After a nine-month inquiry by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), the venue stands accused of infringing upon the state’s gaming regulations. A representative for the Department of Justice and Attorney-General stressed that casinos must secure authorization for contracts or arrangements, encompassing those involving junkets.
“Queensland gaming venues should function lawfully and morally, upholding the utmost benchmarks of probity and public confidence,” the representative declared.
“The OLGR regards any purported transgressions by casino proprietors with utmost seriousness. It is imperative that sanctions for violations of Queensland’s casino statutes are fitting and convey a resolute message that unlawful and illicit conduct will not be condoned.”
The Ville, slated for a court appearance in January to contest the allegations, is not the sole Queensland casino facing scrutiny. The Cairns-based Reef Hotel Casino has already conceded to breaching the Casino Control Act concerning these unsanctioned gaming promoters and incurred a penalty of $10,000 AUD ($6,770 USD) subsequent to a separate inquiry.
“The legal outcome against the Reef Hotel Casino proprietor illustrates that Queensland casinos may encounter comparable regulatory measures from the OLGR should proprietors neglect to fulfill their obligations under the law,” a proclamation conveyed.
The Queensland government has slapped Star Entertainment Group with a massive $1 billion penalty following the discovery of serious wrongdoing at their gaming establishments. This latest blow exacerbates the mounting difficulties plaguing the company, mirroring the predicament previously encountered by Crown Resorts and their casino operations. Although Star has been granted a year to settle the substantial fine, their gaming permits for Brisbane’s Treasury Casino and The Star Gold Coast will be temporarily revoked for 90 days. A minor postponement has been granted, with the suspension’s implementation deferred until December 1, 2023.
admin