May 9, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
Following inquiries into its casino operator competition Crown, The Star Sydney is now facing its own investigation, which has prompted three more resignations from its holding company, The Star Entertainment Group – which also holds casinos on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, as well as hotels and event venues in all three cities – following that of Managing Director and CEO Matt Bekier at the end of March.
The Group’s chief financial officer Harry Theodore, chief casino officer for NSW, Greg Hawkins, and the chief legal and risk officer and company secretary Paula Martin have all resigned from the business, The Star Entertainment Group announced on Friday.
The independent review of The Star Sydney by Adam Bell SC, for Liquor and Gaming NSW, which began public hearings in mid-March, has heard evidence supporting allegations of money laundering and criminal associations of those courted by the casino and other questionable activity.
The Group is also facing a class action lawsuit by investors over misleading representations given the allegations that have come to light following initial media investigations in 2021 by media company Nine, and the beginning of the inquiry.
Today, the Star Entertainment Group announced the suspension of its domestic and international rebate programs which act to attract players to the casino by refunding some of the funds they spend on the gambling floors.
The deadline for the report into the current inquiry, which is looking at The Star Sydney’s suitability to hold a casino licence will be delivered by the end of August 2022.
The Star Entertainment Group, which is the holding company for The Star Sydney, is a major player in the accommodation and event venue sector, which significant developments underway on the Gold Coast as part of its masterplan there, and in Brisbane, where the Group is a major partner in the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf development. The Group also manages the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on behalf of the Queensland Government.