The Star Sydney’s casino license will remain suspended amid unresolved questions over governance, leadership and culture, despite progress in the property’s remediation.
The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) said on September 25th that manager Nick Weeks’ term had been extended by nine months to June 30th, 2027. He will continue to hold the license, allowing the casino to keep operating gaming facilities during the suspension.
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford acknowledged that Star had come a long way in addressing the issues behind its 2022 license suspension.
“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,” he said.
“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 both the Sydney casino operator and its parent, The Star Entertainment Group, needed to demonstrate that they had learned from past mistakes and could resolve the cultural issues without regulatory intervention.
The NICC also pointed to the pending outcome of civil proceedings brought by AUSTRAC in the Federal Court. It said uncertainty remained over the group’s capacity to support the Sydney casino’s remediation while filling critical leadership and governance roles.
The manager’s extension was approved by the state’s Minister for Gaming and Racing at the NICC’s request.
However, the regulator said the license suspension could be lifted at any time if the casino demonstrated that its remediation efforts had been properly embedded in the business. Star Entertainment’s accompanying filing also confirmed that the NICC could end the manager’s appointment before June 2027.
“Ultimately it is The Star’s responsibility to demonstrate that it believes in its remediation efforts and that they can do the work to ensure its remediation sticks long-term,” Crawford said.
