Queensland gaming regulator investigates Cairns casino

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The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) has confirmed it has been investigating allegations related to the operation The Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns.

In a statement released yesterday, the OLGR said it’s also investigating the operation of The Ville Casino in Townsville.

It said it could not provide further information as the investigations into these matters are ongoing.

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The statement followed reports on the Nine Network TV show, 60 Minutes, and in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers that alleged The Ville paid a businessman to bring Asian high rollers to the property.

Such conduct could be a breach of the Queensland Casino Control Act.

The OLGR statement did not disclose the subject of its investigation, but the TV and newspaper stories sought to link it to the high-roller allegations made in their reports.

The statement said enforcement outcomes are considered as part of OLGR’s investigative process and can include penalties against a casino operator.

The allegations were aired as public hearings at the Queensland Government’s public casino inquiry ended in Brisbane.

That inquiry, led by retired judge, Robert Gotterson, is specifically looking at  Star’s Brisbane and Gold Coast properties.

It does not include The Ville, owned by businessman Chris Morris, or the Reef, owned by hotel giant Accor and Casinos Austria International.

Transparency International chief executive Clancy Moore called on the Queensland Government to broaden the inquiry to include the two northern casinos.

But Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said there were no plans to do so, and that the inquiry would continue to focus on Star and its associates.

The Reef has not commented, and the The Ville issued a statement saying it could not comment while matters are in the hands of the regulator.

“That said, there are a number of factual inaccuracies in the media reports.

“The Ville operates lawfully and takes its obligations seriously and will continue to work with the regulator to ensure it operates within legislated guidelines.”