The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has opted against finding The Star Sydney suitable to regain its casino license, announcing Friday that the license remains suspended while simultaneously extending the term of manager Nick Weeks until 30 June 2027.
Despite having intimated during a recent parliamentary hearing that the operator was likely weeks away from getting its license back, NICC chief commissioner Phil Crawford said questions remain regarding the casino’s progress against its governance, leadership and culture remediation.
Specifically, Crawford referenced recent media reports which cited internal communications at Star that expressed frustration at the ongoing regulatory restrictions that continue to weigh on the company.
“There is no doubt that The Star has come a long way in addressing the matters which led to the suspension of its casino license in 2022,” Crawford said.
“However, recent allegations regarding governance, leadership and culture at the casino are serious and are being treated as such by both the manager and the NICC. It is disappointing that despite the progress made by the Sydney casino, the Group company continues to experience problems that affect each of its properties.
“The NICC will be watching carefully to see how The Star and The Star Entertainment Group resolve these issues. Both companies need to demonstrate to the NICC that they have learned from past mistakes and can resolve these cultural issues without the need for the NICC’s intervention.”
In a Friday statement, the NICC said the Minister for Gaming and Racing has already amended the Casino Control Regulation 2019 to extend the term of Weeks until 30 June 2027. Weeks will continue to hold the casino license for The Star Pty Limited over the next nine-month period, allowing the casino to continue operating gaming facilities while its license remains suspended.
The NICC also referenced the looming outcome of civil proceedings brought against Star by AML watchdog AUSTRAC in the Federal Court, adding that there remains uncertainty about The Star Entertainment Group’s capacity to support The Star Sydney’s remediation while it fills critical leadership and governance roles.
“These are all issues which need to be resolved before the NICC can lift The Star’s license suspension, which can occur at any time if the casino can demonstrate that its remediation efforts have been properly embedded in the business,” Crawford said.
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