The Ville Resort-Casino has pleaded “not guilty” after being charged with breaking Queensland’s casino laws.
Key points:
- The casino operator is charged with three counts of restriction on certain agreements
- A spokesperson said The Ville believed it had followed OLGR procedures
- The matter will return to court in March
The charges by the Office of Liquor and Gambling Regulation (OLGR) were made public in December, months after a report by Channel Nine program 60 Minutes on an alleged illegal junket operation at the Townsville casino.
Breakwater Island Limited, which operates The Ville, was charged with three counts of restriction on certain agreements.
Casino laws in Queensland require approval for certain agreements or arrangements, including junkets.
The group, represented by solicitor Richard Perry KC, entered pleas of not guilty in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Friday morning.
The matter was adjourned and will return to court in March.
The program, which Channel 9 aired in August, claimed that The Ville paid an alleged illegal junket operator “in cash and loyalty points” to bring “high rollers” to the casino.
The Ville has previously said the report contained factual inaccuracies.
A statement released by a spokesperson on Friday said The Ville believed it had followed OLGR procedures.
“It is the Ville’s position that it operates lawfully and continues to take its obligations seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“On 9 December 2022, The Ville received the OLGR’s brief of evidence.
“We are currently reviewing this evidence with our legal representatives.
“The Ville strongly believes that it has followed OLGR-approved procedures in relation to the matters contained in the subject of the summons, therefore, on that basis, it has entered a plea of not guilty to the three charges.”