Star Entertainment’s Sydney casino licence suspension has been extended until June 2027 by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, citing persistent concerns over governance, leadership and culture.
The NICC pointed to unresolved questions about the operator’s progress with remediation as the key reason for prolonging the suspension beyond its previous deadline.
Star Sydney has operated under a suspended casino licence since October 2022, when the Bell inquiry found the operator unsuitable due to serious money-laundering, governance and compliance failures.
A second inquiry conducted in 2024 concluded that significant shortcomings remained at the casino, reinforcing the regulator’s decision to maintain heightened oversight of the operation.
Nick Weeks, the regulator-appointed manager in place since 2022, will remain in his role until 30 June 2027 following the Minister for Gaming and Racing’s amendment to the Casino Control Regulation 2019.
NICC chief commissioner Philip Crawford acknowledged the progress made by the operator but made clear that serious questions remain about the casino’s remediation trajectory.
“There is no doubt that The Star has come a long way in addressing the matters which led to the suspension of its casino licence in 2022,” said Crawford, before adding a firm caveat.
“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,” Crawford continued.
The NICC flagged uncertainty about Star’s capacity to support remediation at the Sydney casino while it continues to fill critical leadership and governance roles across the business.
Australia’s financial crime watchdog AUSTRAC has alleged serious and systemic breaches of the country’s anti-money-laundering laws, seeking a penalty of AUD 400 million against the operator.
The factual matters in the AUSTRAC case were resolved ahead of a penalty hearing in June 2025, though the Federal Court has yet to hand down its final judgment on the matter.
Crawford also expressed frustration at the lack of progress across Star’s venues in other Australian states, despite improvements recorded at the Sydney property specifically.
“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,” Crawford said bluntly.
Star Gold Coast’s licence suspension was separately deferred this week to 31 March 2027, with Weeks, who also oversees that property, saying the extension would allow more time to implement further improvements.
Shares in Star Entertainment Group closed 10.34 per cent lower at A$0.13 per share in Sydney on Friday, reflecting investor concern about the company’s ongoing regulatory challenges.
