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The inquiry is being led by former Appeal Court judge Robert Gotterson. For the moment,it concerns Star’s Gold Coast casino (top) and Star’s Treasury Brisbane (bottom),but not its under-construction Queen’s Wharf casino.Credit:AFR

The inquiry,held in Brisbane Magistrates Court,is being overseen by retired Appeal Court judge Robert Gotterson.

Asimultaneous NSW inquiry has,over eight weeks,heard evidence from senior executives and directors being questioned about alleged misleading conduct,VIP junkets,and failures to manage anti-money-laundering risks.

The two inquiries were prompted by revelations from60 Minutesand Nine newspapers – which owns this masthead – of alleged nefarious activity inside Star’s casinos.

First published in 2021,the reports included claims that Starcultivated high-roller gamblers with alleged criminal or foreign-influence associations between 2014 and 2021.

Among the allegations to be explored by the Queensland inquiry is a claim that Chinese money went through Star casinos via China UnionPay,a Shanghai-based financial provider offering bank cards and major card schemes.

Counsel assisting,Jonathan Horton,told the inquiry Star stood accused of facilitating gambling for Chinese clients,despite Chinese currency restrictions and those put in place by the National Australia Bank,which handles Star’s accounts.

NAB restricted casino gambling terminals accepting China UnionPay cards.

“The Star would suggest a process involving patrons using the terminals to debit funds from their China UnionPay card to credit their hotel account,” Horton alleged.

“The patron would then take a receipt of their hotel credit to the cage,accompanied by a VIP executive host,and exchange it for cash or chips.

“The effect of this was that all charges on the China UnionPay card appeared as hotel and general expenses,when part at least was used,or intended to be used,for gambling.”

In November 2019,NAB asked Star for proof that certain clients were spending these amounts on entertainment and accommodation. It is alleged Star’s response did not indicate any money was used for gambling.

In March 2020,NAB asked for specific information on Chinese-related transactions. Again,it is alleged Star’s responses did not indicate any involvement of funds for gambling.

That month,Star told NAB it would cease accepting China UnionPay cards at NAB terminals in its venues.

However,Horton told the inquiry about $55 million was spent at The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane using the China UnionPay method.

Other areas the inquiry will explore relate to people who were excluded from Star’s NSW venues,by order of NSW police,who were then allegedly offered incentives to go to Star’s Queensland venues instead.

The spotlight will also be shone on VIP junket operators. Following60 Minutes reports concerning alleged links between money laundering and VIP junkets in Melbourne,Queensland’s Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulator investigated junket operators and identified five that were “of concern”.

In May,Star announced to the Australian Stock Exchange that it ended all junkets in October 2020.

Various Star executives are among the witnesses from whom the inquiry will hear.

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