Reef Casino fined $10,000 in separate investigation

Gambling laws and regulations, Australia Ville Casino in Townsville, North Queensland, faces a hefty fine from Australia's liquor and gaming regulator, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), for allegedly "using Unapproved junket lures gamblers to tables after nine-month supervision period.

 

investigation:

A joint investigation with law enforcement and regulators in New South Wales and Queensland began in September 2019 and resulted in the suspension of Star Casino's license and a $100 million fine for non-compliance.

 

In addition, if Star fails to improve and reform by December 2023, its two remaining casino licenses will also face a 90-day suspension.

 

OLGR's lawsuit:

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) asserted: “The state’s casino regulations must sanction agreements or arrangements, including junkets. Queensland casinos are expected to operate legally, ethically and in a manner that maintains the highest standards of integrity and public confidence .

 

“OLGR takes non-compliance by casino operators seriously. It is important that breaches of Queensland casino legislation are properly penalized and send a strong message that illegal and criminal conduct will not be tolerated.”

 

Ville Casino officials are expected to appear in federal court in January over the alleged violations.

 

Another Queensland casino charges:

Additionally, following the investigation, another Queensland casino, the Reef Hotel & Casino in Cairns, was formally fined $10,000 after being found guilty of “breaching the Casino Control Act for Unapproved Junkets following a separate investigation”.

 

In this regard, a spokeswoman for Liquor and Gaming regulations said: "The court outcome against the operator of the Reef Hotel Casino demonstrates what Queensland casinos can expect from OLGR if the operator fails to meet its legal requirements."

 

State authorities have elected a special manager to secure reforms to ASX-listed companies in Queensland.