Star Entertainment fined $260 million over money laundering breaches
Australian casino operator The Star Entertainment Group has been fined $260 million by the Federal Court over widespread failures to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
Justice Cameron Moore handed down the penalty on Wednesday, October 28, following legal proceedings launched by financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC in 2022.
The penalty comprises $195 million relating to Star’s Sydney casino operations and $65 million for its Queensland operations. The company has been given 19 months to pay the fine in four instalments.
The court found Star repeatedly failed to manage money laundering risks associated with high-risk customers and its dealings with Asian junket operator Suncity, despite warnings about suspected criminal connections.
Justice Moore described the breaches as “egregious” and said the operator had prioritised commercial interests over its regulatory obligations.
“In effect, Star put profit ahead of compliance,” he said.
“The contraventions are serious, and a significant penalty is warranted.”
AUSTRAC had sought a $400 million penalty, while Star argued that any fine exceeding $100 million could force the financially troubled operator into liquidation.
Justice Moore acknowledged Star’s precarious financial position and ongoing remediation efforts when determining the penalty.
The decision places renewed financial pressure on the casino group, which avoided administration in April 2025 following a $300 million rescue package backed by Bally’s Corporation and the Mathieson family.
Star operates casinos in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and has faced multiple regulatory investigations, licence suspensions and financial penalties over governance and compliance failures in recent years.
