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ASIC Takes Legal Action Against 11 Current and Former Star Entertainment Directors and Officers
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against 11 current and former directors and officers of The Star Entertainment Group Limited (Star) for alleged breaches of their duties under section 180 of the Corporations Act.
ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said: “ASIC alleges that Star’s board and executives failed to give sufficient focus to the risk of money laundering and criminal associations, which are inherent in the operation of a large casino with an international customer base.”
ASIC’s case includes claims against members of the Star Board between 2017 to 2019, being John O Neill (former Chair), Matthias Bekier (former Managing Director and CEO), Kathleen Lahey, Richard Sheppard, Gerard Bradley, Sally Pitkin, Benjamin Heap and Zlatko Todorcevski.
ASIC alleges the Board members approved the expansion of Star’s relationship with certain individuals with reported criminal links, rather than addressing money laundering risk by inquiring into whether Star should be dealing with them. ASIC also alleges that Board members, when provided with information about money laundering risks affecting Star, did not take steps to make further enquiries of management about those critical risks and that this was a breach of their director duty obligations.
ASIC further alleges that Mr Bekier and Star executives Paula Martin (former Company Secretary and Group General Counsel) and Greg Hawkins (former Chief Casino Officer) breached their duties by:
- not adequately addressing the money laundering risks that arose from dealing with Asian gambling junket Suncity and its funder, as well as continuing to deal with them despite becoming aware of reports of criminal links; and
- not appropriately escalating money laundering issues to the Board.
As to Ms Martin and Harry Theodore (former Chief Financial Officer), ASIC also alleges they knowingly permitted misleading statements being provided to National Australia Bank (NAB) regarding the use of debit cards issued by China Union Pay International Ltd (CUP) at NAB ATMs located on Star’s premises. Those statements disguised the fact that Star was permitting CUP cards to be used for gambling, which was prohibited by CUP. ASIC is aware over $900 million was obtained by Star customers using CUP cards in NAB ATMs from 2013 to 2019. ASIC also alleges that they, and Mr Bekier, failed to report these matters to Star’s Board.
ASIC Chair Joe Longo said the role of directors was critical to a company’s general standing and performance, including how a company deals with significant issues.
“As I’ve said on many occasions, directors and officers are a critical part of the conduct of business in Australia. Their duty is to understand the operations of the company over which they preside, and the particular risks faced by the business. They are required to bring an inquiring mind to business operations. It is not ‘set and forget.’”

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Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify
With the centre-left retaining a narrow majority, Norway’s gambling framework is set to remain largely unchanged in the near term.
Norsk Tipping’s monopoly will continue, and enforcement tools such as payment and DNS blocking of unregulated operators are likely to remain in focus. While a shift to a licensing model appears unlikely this parliamentary term, the Progress Party’s stronger position as the main opposition keeps the reform debate active.
For industry stakeholders, the sensible course is to concentrate on compliant, sustainable strategies and to track policy signals closely as the debate continues.
The post Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Saddle up for big wins under the Bison Moon with the latest slot from Northern Lights Gaming
Provider introduces its newest feature, Power Combo, in an action-packed slot with plenty of wild win potential
Step into the heart of the untamed frontier in Bison Moon – Power Combo, a slot from Northern Lights Gaming that captures the rugged beauty and boundless thrill of the Great Plains with plenty of big wins in store.
This action-packed slot introduces the provider’s latest mechanic, Power Combo, where three unique Scatters unlock incredible bonus features via its proprietary Link&Win feature. Players also get to experience the thrill of Expanding Reels for even more wild slotting action.
Players will feel the rush as Multipliers super-charge their payouts, amping up the excitement each time they hit. They can also seize the moment with Instant Collect, allowing them to claim big rewards as and when they drop.
But with each Scatter triggering a new layer of action, no two spins are ever the same.
Adding to the excitement is the Jackpot feature, which has been embedded within the Link&Win bonus. Players must land Jackpot Moons to trigger either Mini or Major Jackpot wins or fill the reels to unlock the Grand Jackpot and the game’s largest payouts.
For the boldest of adventurers, keep watch for the Scatters that turn into Golden Eagles. Collect five in total, and they can activate the Golden Eagle Pick’Em bonus.
From the serene beauty of the open plains to the heart-pounding moments of chasing down the Jackpots and Golden Eagles, Bison Moon Power Combo provides a slotting experience like no other.
All that players need to do to enjoy it is saddle up, embrace the wild and discover the riches waiting to be uncovered under the vast Western skies.
Chris Loftus, Commercial Director, at Northern Lights Gaming, said: “Bison Moon – Power Combo lets players take a walk on the reel wild side as they come face to face with magnificent beasts, big bonuses and plenty of slot playing action.
“Power Combo is a thrilling bonus that changes the game with every spin, and we really couldn’t think of a better game to introduce it to players. This, combined with Link&Win and plenty of jackpots to trigger, makes Bison Moon a compelling and rewarding slot to play.
“We look forward to seeing it roam into online casino lobbies, and for players to embark on their very own big win adventure under the vast Western skies.”
The post Saddle up for big wins under the Bison Moon with the latest slot from Northern Lights Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Revolutionizing Messaging: Communications Hub at SBC Lisbon 2025
Lisbon, Portugal, 16-18 of September
This September 16-18, SBC Summit in Lisbon will host the official presentation of Communications Hub (CommsHub). The new all-in-one communication management platform helps businesses integrate messaging services 75% faster while ensuring uninterrupted delivery through built-in backup and cascading traffic.
Developed by industry veterans and now operating as a standalone brand in the RedCore business group, Communications Hub is set to change the way high-volume messaging is managed – not only in iGaming and affiliate marketing, but also in fintech, e-commerce and beyond.
A New Era of Smart Messaging
Communications Hub centralizes SMS, flash calls and alpha name registration into one streamlined interface. The platform provides businesses with access to an up-to-date list of verified service providers, flexible routing options and advanced analytics – all designed to reduce costs, save time and increase reliability.
One of the platform’s key innovations is its built-in failover and cascading traffic system, ensuring that no message is lost due to a provider outage or technical disruption.
“We built a Communications Hub to take the uncertainty out of messaging,” said Viktoriia Yefimenko, CEO, Communications Hub. “Our mission is simple: make integration fast, delivery reliable and management effortless.”
75% Faster Integration
The launch announcement comes with a headline figure: Communications Hub reduces the time needed to integrate new providers by 75% – from the industry standard of 35-45 days to just 10 days.
For fast-moving industries, this speed means more than convenience; it can mean seizing market opportunities before competitors do.
Meet the Team at SBC Lisbon
Visitors to SBC Lisbon 2025 will have the opportunity to see Communications Hub at the stand #D181 in action, meet the team behind it and explore how the platform can streamline their communication strategy.
“SBC is the perfect stage for our launch,” added Viktoriia. “It’s where forward-thinking businesses come to explore new technology and we’re ready to show them what’s possible.”
Who Should Visit
Communications Hub is built for any type of messages – from marketing agencies and trading platforms to online retailers and affiliate networks.
The platform’s combination of speed, stability and smart routing makes it particularly valuable for companies where every second and every message matters.
Event Details:
SBC Summit Lisbon 2025
16-18 of September
Visit the Communications Hub at booth #D181
For more information ahead of the event, visit the website.
The post Revolutionizing Messaging: Communications Hub at SBC Lisbon 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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