Legislation
Australia – The Star facing legal action over promotional lottery payouts
By Phil - 1 October 2013
The Star casino is facing legal action from The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing amid claims the casino operator broke laws designed to combat problem gambling.
The investigation into the Sydney casinos follows a promotional lottery to celebrate Chinese New Year, which ran from February 1 to March 13. It was open to VIP customers who gambled over $30,000 or more in the casino’s high rollers room,
Players were given the opportunity to win A$5,000 in preliminary prize draws, with an overall winner given a one-in-50 chance of winning $1m or a consolation prize of $20,000.
The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing said that The Star casino awarded 18 prize payments of $5,000 in cash but that it breached promotional lottery laws prohibiting cash payments between 10pm and 8am.
It also breached requirements for the balance of any prize above $2,000 to be paid either by crossed cheque or electronic funds transfer.
The Star has been hit with 18 court attendance notices for breaches of the Lotteries and Art Unions Act, with a maximum penalty for each offence of $5,500.
