Ville Casino accused of bringing high-paying gamblers to Townsville

The Ville Casino has commented on allegations made by Fairfax and Nine media on Saturday and Sunday accusing the casino of bringing high-paying gamblers to Townsville from Victoria and NSW. 

It is alleged there was a plan to use an underground high-roller junket to bring these gamblers from Sydney and Melbourne while evading state regulations.

The Ville proclaims there were many ‘factual inaccuracies’ in the reports.

In the report, the casino was accused paying tens of thousands of dollars in gambling credit to a Melbourne restauranteur. The credit was then converted to cash in Townsville

Current regulations state high-roller agents cannot operate without approval from the state government in order to prevent laundering operations as well as other illegal behaviour.

A statement from Ville read: 

“In response to recent reporting in Fairfax and Nine media, The Ville is unable to comment while matters are in the hands of the regulator.” 

“That said, there are a number of factual inaccuracies in the media reports.

“The Ville operates lawfully and takes its obligations seriously and will continue to work with the regulator to ensure it operates within legislated guidelines.”

According to reports, the Melbourne restaurateur also denied doing anything illegal.

He said he only brought “friends” and he was only ever paid as part of a “promotion”.

There is no suggestion that The Ville owner Chris Morris, who took over the business in 2014, was aware of any wrongdoing.

Irit Jackson, 29^th August 2022