Star Sydney casino reopens after three-month closure

The Star Entertainment Group has announced the reopening of its venue in Sydney. Star Queensland restrictions have also been eased.

Australia.- Star Entertainment has confirmed that the Star Sydney has been allowed to reopen for fully vaccinated customers. The venue will operate at a limited capacity of 1 person per 4 square metres indoors and 1 person per 2 square metres outside.

Casino guests will also be ordered to wear masks and to remain seated while eating or drinking. All of Star Sydney’s staff have been fully vaccinated. It is expected restrictions will be eased once New South Wales reaches an 80 per cent vaccination rates.

Meanwhile, Star Queensland has increased its capacity to 1 person per 2 square metres. Patrons no longer have to be seated while eating or drinking. However, the wearing of masks remains mandatory indoors.

Star Entertainment shares fall after money laundering allegations

Australian shares ended lower as Star Entertainment Group‘s share price fell by more than a fifth, following media allegations that it failed to do enough to prevent money laundering and fraud at its resorts.

A joint report by three news outlets (The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes), implicated the firm in suspected money laundering, organised crime and fraud. They say that between 2014 and 2021 the firm wooed high-rolling gamblers who were allegedly linked to criminal or foreign-influenced activities.

Star’s main rival, Crown Resorts, faced similar claims in 2019, which led to a series of investigations and inquiries that are still going on.