Shocking moment 12-year-old girl goes on a pokies gambling spree at The Star casino
- Star casino has been fined $90,000 for allowing underage gambling/drinking
- Three incidents between March and July 2019 were self-reported to authorities
- One incident involved a 12-year-old girl placing 21 bets on poker machines
- Two other teenagers, 16 and 17, entered the casino with illegitimate licences
The Star casino has been fined $90,000 after a 12-year-old girl went on a massive gambling spree.
She was one of three underage gambling or drinking incidents between March and July 2019 that the Sydney casino self-reported to NSW Liquor and Gaming.
The 12-year-old girl spent at least 17 minutes on the gaming floor with her parents and placed 21 bets on multiple poker machines.
The Star casino (pictured) in Sydney has been fined $90,000 after three incidents between between March and July 2019 saw underage patrons drink and gamble in the venue
A 12-year-old girl snuck into the casino through an exit door and spent 17 minutes on the gaming floor with her parents (pictured) placing at least 21 bets on poker machines
The primary school student managed to sneak into the casino and past security after her mother held open an exit door as patrons came out.
They met up with her father for the gambling spree and were only intercepted by security when they tried to leave the casino.
It is understood the family were visiting from China on tourist visas.
NSW Independent Liquor & Authority Chair, Philip Crawford, condemned the incident as a serious breach.
‘It’s quite staggering that the young girl’s parents facilitated her entry in such a deceptive manner, let alone allowed their daughter to gamble,’ Mr Crawford said.
A second incident saw a 16-year-old girl enter the casino’s VIP checkpoint, without being asked for ID, alongside a middle aged male ‘platinum’ member.
Her fake leaner driver’s licence was accepted at the main gaming floor and she was able to freely move about and order a vodka Red Bull at the bar.
The 16-year-old’s fake ID was finally identified when she tried to enter a nightclub in the casino.
The family (pictured) were only intercepted by security when they tried to leave the casino
The third incident was a 17-year-old boy who was allowed to enter the casino with his own provisional licence and gamble for 3.5 hours.
He managed to purchase vodka Red Bull, play 42 rounds of roulette, 22 hands of poker and was eventually escorted out by security.
‘We appreciate The Star’s cooperation in coming forward each time they detect a minor, however we do take these cases seriously,’ Mr Crawford said.
The casino received two $15,000 fines relating to the 16 and 17-year olds and one $60,000 fine over the incident involving the 12-year-old.
‘The penalty indicates that every breach requires a regulatory response befitting the risk of harm to young people and the community,’ Mr Crawford explained.
At least 32 minors gained access to restricted areas of the casino in 2019 and The Star also reported 35 instances in 2018.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted The Star for comment.
The Star also received two fines in relation to a 16-year-old girl and 17-year old boy who entered the casino on separate occasions