NSW: Casino inquiry told many big gamblers are criminals

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2000
NSW: Casino inquiry told many big gamblers are criminals

SYDNEY, Aug 31 AAP - The head of an inquiry into Sydney's casino today proposed bringing
in police permanently to Star City after hearing evidence that many of the casino's biggest
gamblers were convicted or suspected criminals.

In its first public hearing since opening in May, Peter McClellan, QC, said the inquiry
had also heard sworn evidence of prostitution, loan sharking and the sale and use of drugs
at the casino.

"I have received evidence which contains allegations that soliciting for the purpose
of prostitution and the lending of money with the payment of exorbitant interest occurs
in the Endeavour Room of the casino," he said.

"In addition, the information available to the inquiry from various law enforcement
sources is that a significant number of the largest gamblers in the Endeavour Room are
known or suspected criminals, most of whom are likely to be gambling the proceeds of their
crime."

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