Sydney Star Casino: Some believe the crackdown on poker players at Sydney’s Star Casino is linked to allegations of money laundering.
The Star Entertainment Group, operating six major casinos in Australia, reported a staggering $1.26 billion loss in H1 2023. In October 2022, a financial crime was discovered, resulting in an A$100 million fine (about USD 62 million) and a temporary license suspension for the casino. It causes a lot of money trouble.
Alex Lynskey, a famous poker player who finished seventh at the 2018 WSOP Main Event and won $1.5 million, is among those affected by this unusual ban. Despite Lynskey’s success as a poker player, with over $4.4 million in winnings at The Hendon Mob, he has not gained access to the card room since December 2022. He and others are confused about not being picked.
Lynskey suggests these rules apply mainly to frequent high-spenders at The Star Casino. He thinks the casino is trying too hard to catch bad guys, but in doing so, they’ve caught innocent poker players with valid reasons for making these trades.
Craig Abernathy launched a Change.org petition to eliminate these odd bans, and Lynskey has endorsed it. Currently, 447 people have signed the petition. The Star Entertainment Group removed several top Australian poker players using a legal process called “Withdrawal of Licence under Common Law.” They can’t go to or stay at a Star casino again. If they break the rule, the casino or cops may intervene.
Najeem Ajez and Rehman Kassam won over $1 million from The Hendon Mob, putting them in an uncomfortable situation.
Banned players will face additional challenges with the upcoming World Poker Tour (WPT) Main Tour event at The Star Gold Coast from September 1427. Lynskey and others excited for a local poker tournament are disappointed when they can’t participate. They hope the Change.org campaign will quickly lift these bans.
When asked about banned players, casinos, including The Star Casino, don’t say much. The banned poker players were not given reasons for their ban. The casino’s response was brief: they don’t have to disclose the reason for prohibiting the player or the information behind their decision.
With a WOL, an Australian business can legally bar a customer. Based on Common Law. While the law doesn’t mandate casinos to disclose reasons for player bans, it prompts debate in the poker community on the necessity of providing a general explanation.
They said, “It’s our property; we can do whatever we want.” You’re banned; no explanation is needed. Lynskey summed up how most banned players feel.
The Change.org petition aims to seek support from the poker community to reevaluate player bans and provide a comprehensive explanation for each banned player.
Our Reader’s Queries
Does Sydney have two casinos?
Last week, the NSW Government reached a tax agreement with Sydney’s top two casinos. The Star and Crown Sydney have agreed to pay more under the new legislation, which will see table rates increase from 17.91% to 20.25%. This change will be effective from July 1, 2023, and will help to boost the government’s revenue.
Who owns Star casino in Sydney?
The Treasury Casino & Hotel, The Star Gold Coast, and The Star, Sydney are all under the ownership and operation of The Star Entertainment. This group is responsible for three of the five casino operation licenses in Queensland. Additionally, they manage the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on behalf of the Queensland Government.
Is the Star Casino still open?
The Casino never sleeps! It’s open 24/7, so you can indulge in your favorite games anytime you want. With a whopping 70 table games and over 1400 machines, you’ll never run out of options. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie. So come on down and let the good times roll!
What happened with Star casino?
Last year, an independent inquiry uncovered significant anti-money laundering and counterterrorism shortcomings at Star Sydney, resulting in the suspension of their license in October.