Proposed merger of Crown and Star to renew scrutiny of Australian casino industry

Recommendations of Bergin gambling inquiry likely to be revisited as Star chief says the junket business is dead'

The potential merger of Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment will put renewed pressure on state governments, casino regulators and casino operators to permanently end the use of junket companies that bring international gamblers to Australia.

The Covid-19 pandemic had already ended the use of junket companies in practice, but the Bergin inquiry in NSW prompted Crown to publicly declare it would no longer partner with junket operators after the report found they raised serious risks of money laundering and involvement by organised crime.