The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has advised The Star Entertainment Group that its Sydney casino licence will remain suspended until at least 30 September 2025.
The Star’s casino licence was first suspended in October 2022, in response to the Bell Report, which looked into The Star’s suitability to hold a casino licence and to examine compliance with its legal obligations.
The NICC also appointed Nicholas Weeks as manager until it can determine whether the matters identified during the Bell Review can be rectified and whether the NICC believes it is likely that The Star can achieve suitability.
Weeks’ role was due to expire on 31 March and the NICC sought submissions from both The Star and the Manager in relation to The Star’s suitability to hold a casino license in NSW.
In its submissions The Star accepted that the Manager should remain in place for a further six months while remediation continues, and The Star implements measures to secure its finances.
NICC Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford said that the submissions demonstrated steady improvements in The Star’s remediation but uncertainty around The Star’s financial situation meant that progress was slow, and The Star’s licence suspension should remain in effect.
“We welcome progress in The Star’s remediation efforts and are confident the company is moving in the right direction with its remediation plans,” Crawford said.
“The next six months is a critical phase for The Star as it will need to show further progress with its remediation activities whilst also stabilising its finances.”
The extension of Mr Weeks’ role as Manager will allow The Star to operate gaming facilities while its licence remains suspended.
Steve McCann the Star Entertainment Group’s CEO and Managing Director said: “We appreciate the comments made by the NICC in respect of the Company’s progress in respect of its remediation plan and note the NICC’s decision to continue the licence suspension of The Star Sydney and reassess The Star Sydney’s suitability to regain its casino licence in September 2025.
“The Star recognises the importance of continuing to deliver on its commitments under the remediation plan and returning to suitability.”
