Star Entertainment Criticized Over Lack of Transparency on Remediation Plan

Summary:

• Star Entertainment has been accused of hiding the full details of its remediation plan for its Queensland casinos
• The Queensland government has also been criticized for not being transparent to the public
• An investigation into Crown Resorts CEO confirms he did not violate anything

Star Entertainment Group has been criticized for not releasing the full details of its remediation plan that would pave the way for it to win back its gaming license in Queensland. The state government has also been lambasted after suggesting it could not force the Australian casino operator to unveil the plan in full as that matter is up to the company’s discretion.

Meanwhile, Crown Resorts’ current CEO, Ciaran Carruthers, who was recently probed after allegedly allowing banned patrons to re-enter Crown Melbourne, was cleared of any violations.

Star Accused of Lacking Transparency

The Star was compelled to submit a remediation plan after it was found unsuitable to hold a casino license in Queensland over “major failings”. The remediation plan was approved in November 2023 by Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath, with the license suspensions for The Star’s Queensland casinos – The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane – deferred until May 31, 2024.

Nearly three months since The Star’s remediation plan was approved, the company has apparently held back some information regarding the steps it would take to regain the trust and confidence of regulators, governments, shareholders, customers, and the community.

What is only known to the public is that the plan includes more than 100 initiatives across key areas of casino management and operations. The Star never released the complete details of the plan, which irked gambling reform advocates.

Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, said The Star’s reluctance to release the full plan to the public has caused concerns over their transparency.

Costello also criticized the Queensland government for condoning the lack of transparency, accusing it of giving Star the “kid glove” treatment. Costello’s remarks came after D’Ath stated that it’s up to The Star to decide whether to divulge the full plan as the document is owned by the company, although she also said that the firm had an obligation to observe transparency to rebuild confidence and trust with the public.

Crown CEO Did Not Breach the Law

Crown Resorts president Bill McBeath reportedly told employees in a memo that an investigation into CEO Ciaran Carruthers found that he did not breach any regulations or laws. Crown launched the probe over allegations Carruthers violated the company’s security policies.

In a statement, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control (VGCCC) said it was “satisfied” with the recommendations arising from the Crown investigation.