Amidst the controversy, Star Casino is venturing to unveil a fresh casino complex in Brisbane.
Australian gambling giant Star Entertainment Group unveiled its new playground, Queen's Wharf, yesterday. The 100th-floor gambling den promises players the latest gaming trends and innovations. However, Star Entertainment Group is under fire due to a string of controversies and recently being granted a gambling license.
Around-the-clock fun
Star Entertainment Group launched its latest gambling den in Brisbane, Australia, on August 29. Situated in the newly constructed Queen's Wharf complex, which spans over over 12 hectares beside the water, the complex boasts numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, and observation decks.
The mega-complex cost approximately 3.8 billion AUD (around 2.3 billion EUR) to build.
The new casino, dubbed Star Casino Brisbane, will operate 24/7, with shortened hours only on three public holidays. It promises an endless array of gaming choices for thrill-seekers, including slot machines, table games, and cutting-edge electronic table games.
The casino will also feature events and exclusive promotions, such as a weekly jackpot draw for all Star Casino members. With a membership, players will also gain access to the private Oasis and Sovereign areas, which house premium gaming rooms offering breathtaking views and an attached high-end restaurant.
Unfinished parts of the complex
The Star Casino Brisbane is part of the massive Queen's Wharf complex, built with a permit granted by the Queensland government in 2015. However, several unfinished areas of the facility will be opened progressively.
Queensland's Minister for Development, Grace Grace, stated, "It's an amazing facility, but we want to ensure this opening is done in the right way, and we're confident that will continue to be the case."
As of now, besides the casino, an observation deck, The Star Grand hotel, and an event center have been unveiled. No explicit date has been provided for the opening of other floors.
The CEO of Star Entertainment Group believes Queen's Wharf will revolutionize Brisbane's CBD, potentially revitalizing its entertainment sector and attracting high rollers worldwide.
Doubts over Star Entertainment Group's integrity
Star Entertainment Group has been under scrutiny due to a series of scandals and hefty fines. In August 2023, Star Casino in Brisbane was fined 140,000 AUD (around 86,000 EUR) for aiding patrons in using credit cards for gambling, a practice prohibited in Queensland.
In April 2024, Star Casino Sydney made headlines again. A software glitch led to the incorrect distribution of 1.9 million EUR over nearly two weeks, with 43 patrons illegally withdrawing winnings from the casino's ATMs.
Revoked gambling license
In response to repeated violations of Australian gambling laws, Star Entertainment Group lost its gambling license in 2022. The court determined that the company was not fit to hold a gambling license and imposed a fine of 100 million AUD (around 61.4 million EUR).
An investigation disclosed significant shortcomings in anti-money laundering measures, which continued for several years. A special commissioner was appointed to supervise the company's activities, and they are still in charge today.
Star Entertainment Group subsequently developed an internal corrective plan to address these issues. A decision on whether to renew the gambling license is anticipated in December of this year.
Despite its tarnished reputation, Star Entertainment Group was recently granted a license to open the casino in Brisbane. This license was issued on August 28, one day before the casino's grand opening. It is puzzling that the Queensland government approved another gambling license for the new complex before the December decision.
Despite the controversies and the revocation of its gambling license due to regulatory breaches, Star Entertainment Group was granted a license to operate an online casino in Germany. This new venture aims to provide Germans with an engaging and secure online gaming experience.
While the Queen's Wharf complex continues to face criticisms and scrutiny, the online casino in Germany promises to adhere strictly to German gambling laws and regulations, ensuring a fair and responsible gaming environment for its players.
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