Star Entertainment gave a high roller banned from its Sydney online casino by police a $50,000 Rolex watch and free accommodation at its Gold Coast venue to entice them to gamble there, an inquiry has heard.
The gambling giant's marketing boss Chris Peasley admits Star allowed the player to circumvent a NSW police ban, at an inquiry into its suitability to hold a casino licence in Queensland.
The high roller was banned by NSW police from The Star, online casino Sydney in 2007 due to their alleged involvement in criminal activities, but was encouraged to continue gambling at The Star Gold Coast.
Senior Online Casino Star managers knew the ban was a potential "red flag", but decided the person deserved the same treatment as its other loyalty program customers, including gifts like the watch and free accommodation.
"The conclusion was, they can go to the property, they can participate in the loyalty program, they can receive those benefits of the loyalty program," Mr Peasley told the inquiry on Wednesday.