The Ville Resort Casino in Townsville, Australia has been charged with breaking Queensland’s casino laws, following an investigation by the Office of Liquor and Gaming.
The casino, which is owned by billionaire businessman Chris Morris, allegedly breached two sections of the Casino Control Act by paying an illegal junket operator to attract high rollers to the venue. This included paying the operator in cash and loyalty points.
The Ville has said that there were factual inaccuracies in the initial report by Channel Nine program 60 Minutes. The matter is set to be heard at Townsville Magistrates Court in January.
The news of the investigation’s finding comes shortly after the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns was fined AU$10,000 for paying a junket tour operator to bring patrons to the venue.
Casinos Austria International (Cairns) Pty Ltd paid high roller Lawrence Fu a percentage of the casino’s profits from patrons he brought to the venue. However, the agreement did not have written approval from the state gaming minister, leading to the fine.
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation is currently reviewing penalties under the state’s casino legislation. New reforms require casinos to self-report breaches and cooperate with the regulator. These are expected to be brought into effect in the new year.
London based reporter covering all aspects of the global regulated and unregulated land-based and online gambling industry - including business news, sports-betting, casinos, poker & regulation