The Star Entertainment Group is engaging with lender WhiteHawk Capital Partners after a Federal Court penalty triggered a review event under the casino operator's credit facility. Star said it remains confident that the facility will stay available, but its filing did not report a confirmation from WhiteHawk, according to the 29 October ASX announcement.
The Federal Court ordered Star subsidiaries to pay AU$260 million for historical breaches of Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing law. The amount will be paid in four instalments over 19 months. Star said the size and payment terms of the penalty activate the review clause in its WhiteHawk agreement.
The company completed a US$390 million secured refinancing with WhiteHawk in May. The new review event does not by itself mean that funding has been withdrawn. Inside Asian Gaming's report says discussions with the lender are continuing.
Star stated that the court award is materially in line with the provision recorded in its 2026 accounts. It also said paying the penalty under the court's instalment schedule should not affect the group's ability to continue as a going concern. Those statements represent management's assessment rather than a separate assurance from the lender.
AUSTRAC's enforcement release says the case concerned failures to maintain a compliant AML/CTF programme and to monitor high-risk customers. The regulator said the penalty reflects the seriousness of the conduct and adds to sanctions imposed after earlier state casino inquiries.
