The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has extended for a further six months the suspension of the casino license for The Star Sydney and the term of the Manager overseeing the casino’s operations.
However, in a letter sent by the NICC to Star, it acknowledged that Star had previously advised that it did not intent to seek a license determination in March 2026 and had instead submitted its pathway to suitability submission.
Neither Star nor the regulator explained the reasons for this although it is likely linked to the recent change of control that saw US casino operator Bally’s Corp and local partner Investment Holdings Pty Lyd assume a combined 61% stake in the company. The takeover has seen the Board of Directors completely overhauled and extensive cuts to senior staff implemented across the company.
In its letter, the NICC said it had determined as a result of Star’s correspondence that the suspension of the licence should remain in effect and has therefore sought approval from the Minister to amend the Casino Control Regulation 2019 (Regulation), to further extend the appointment of Nicholas Weeks as the Manager of The Star until 30 September 2026, unless terminated earlier by the NICC.
In a filing, Star noted that this also aligns with the current term of the appointments of the Special Manager to The Star Gold Coast and the External Advisor for The Star Brisbane.
Star’s license was first suspended in October 2022 after the first of two inquiries into its operations uncovered serious anti-money laundering, governance and responsible gambling failures.
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