Against all odds, Star Entertainment has managed to avoid sliding into administration for now. But its near demise poses bigger problems for a glittering world that risks being consigned to a bygone era. Hong Kong investors Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, which each own 25 per cent of the Brisbane complex, had agreed to buy Star's 50 per cent stake for $53 million. In September last year, Star’s directors started getting advice on "safe harbour" provisions provided by the Corporations Act that would protect them from being personally liable for debts in the event that it cannot stay solvent.
Both groups used a model banned by almost every jurisdiction in the world, apart from Macau. They allowed outsiders to run private gambling operations within the confines of their casinos. That paved the way for organised Chinese crime syndicates to launder money in Australia. On Friday, the shares briefly dropped below 20c, valuing the group at just $1.2 billion. Strip away the huge money-laundering operation from mainland Chinese-based criminal gangs, and the business model upon which Australia's two big king billy casino RNG certification groups has been built suddenly is under threat. That annoying little slogan tacked on to the end of every broadcast gambling advertisement, as a warning to those with an addiction, has come back to bite Crown Casino compliance owners and investors.
If funding isn't secured, Star will face the prospect of entering voluntary administration, which would see independent administrators appointed to manage affairs on behalf of creditors, and attempt to rescue operations. Shares in Star Entertainment have been suspended from trading on the stock exchange after it failed to lodge its financial results. Calix Ltd has seen its shares soar to 60cps on Monday trades after announcing it's teaming up with none other than Rio Tinto. Most Star employees are based in Sydney, and despite recent troubles, its Pyrmont site remains a major tourism destination, with 650 hotel rooms and 36 food and beverage venues. In February, Star said it had received an $650 million offer from US alternative asset manager Oaktree Capital to refinance its debt.
"Star put out a notice to staff on Friday assuring staff that they'll be paid this week, but that's yet to be seen, obviously," Mr Jones told Radio National Breakfast. NSW and Queensland governments said on Friday their main concern was to ensure jobs were protected. The 2022 inquiry determined that The Star Sydney had failed to protect itself from being used by criminal gangs to launder money in private top high roller online casino-roller junket rooms. It has only very recently turned its attention to dealing with challenges that should have been prioritized earlier," NICC chief commissioner Philip Crawford said.
Star Entertainment is negotiating with a property funds management giant that owns a string of major hotels for a $750 million refinancing package that would secure the ailing top Aussie casino progressive jackpots group’s long-term financial future. Chow Tai Fook and Far East, co-investors in Star’s Queen’s Wharf sweeps oasis casino comparison in Brisbane, attempted to buy Star’s share of the asset, and shareholder billionaire Bruce Mathieson has made an offer for Star’s Gold Coast RocketPlay casino safe platform. The majority of Star’s employees are based in Sydney, and despite recent troubles, its Pyrmont site remains a major tourism destination, with 650 hotel rooms and 36 food and beverage venues.
The Australian Financial Review can reveal Bally’s Corporation, which has 19 casinos across 11 American states, sent representatives to Australia to meet Star and visit its casinos last week, and has also met key Star shareholders and lenders. Founded in 1993 by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show and premium investing services. The Motley Fool launched its Australian presence in 2011, and since then has grown to reach over 1 million Australians. A trading update from executive chair Jack Cowin has raised investors' confidence. The parent company's guarantee of Star Entertainment's 50% share of the DBC debt facility remains in place.
