High roller claimed to spend $2.5m in three days at The Star hotel

A Chinese high roller claiming to have spent $2.5 million in three days on hotel expenses at The Star casino did not cause a National Australia Bank executive to consider if the transactions were, in fact, related to gambling.

NAB’s Tanya Arthur on Monday strongly disagreed that by 2020 she knew the casino was disguising VIP gaming charges as hotel expenses, after an inquiry heard $900 million worth of transactions were concealed through the method.

Ms Arthur also denied she was trying to help the casino – her client – “fly under the radar” of a Chinese debit card operator by suggesting a reduced daily transaction limit for high rollers after concerns were raised about so-called accommodation charges.

The inquiry, examining whether The Star is fit to hold its licence, has previously heard China UnionPay (CUP) debit cards were used in terminals inside the hotel, after which funds could be transferred into a patron’s account for gaming.

Former chief risk officer of the casino Paul McWilliams, who also gave evidence, said the practice was only raised with him on one occasion in an informal meeting suggesting the conduct by high rollers was a “once-off”.

Source: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/high-roller-claimed-to-spend-2-5-million-in-three-days-at-the-star-hotel-20220321-p5a6fv.html