Prosecutors allege Anya Phan laundered about AU$800,000 through Sydney’s Star Casino despite telling staff she was unemployed and received an AU$400 weekly disability pension. Star faces a possible AU$400m penalty in a separate case brought by AUSTRAC over alleged anti-money-laundering failures.
The allegations add to regulatory scrutiny of Star’s anti-money-laundering controls.
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New South Wales’ Independent Casino Commission has extended the suspension of Star Entertainment’s Star Sydney casino licence until June 2027, citing continuing concerns about governance, leadership and remediation. The casino can continue operating under the suspension, while regulator-appointed manager Nick Weeks remains responsible for the venue until 30 June 2027.
Reportedly, Queensland’s government again postponed the suspension of The Star Gold Coast’s casino licence. The latest deferral lasts six months.
AUSTRAC closed its enforceable undertaking with Sportsbet after the bookmaker completed the required anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing remediation. The undertaking, accepted in May 2024, covered five areas, and an external auditor’s independent assurance confirmed the required measures were implemented, AUSTRAC said.
South Australia’s Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming and SkyCity Adelaide reached a non-binding agreement intended to resolve regulatory matters arising from a review launched in July 2022. SkyCity will pay A$21 million in three instalments, with the first A$7 million due within 28 days of a binding settlement deed. The proposed terms include board and compliance changes and restrictions on cash transactions of A$5,000 or more.
AUSTRAC has opened an enforcement investigation into Tabcorp over its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, the company disclosed on 7 May. The inquiry will initially examine the operator’s programme, its implementation and customer monitoring; Tabcorp said the investigation is at an early stage and all outcomes remain possible.