The Star Sydney will remain under external management until at least June 2027 after New South Wales regulators declined to restore control of the casino licence to The Star Entertainment Group.
David Harris, NSW Gaming & Racing Minister, has extended the appointment of External Manager, Nick Weeks, until June 30th, 2027, following a request from the NSW Independent Casino Commission. Weeks will continue to hold the casino licence on behalf of The Star for another nine months, allowing gaming operations to continue while the company’s own licence remains suspended.
The NICC acknowledged progress in The Star’s remediation programme but said unresolved concerns remain around governance, leadership and organisational culture.
Philip Crawford, NICC Chief Commissioner, said: “There is no doubt that The Star has come a long way.”
The regulator said recent allegations concerning governance, leadership and culture were being treated seriously and continued problems within The Star Entertainment Group could affect the Sydney property’s ability to demonstrate suitability.
The Star Sydney has operated under external management since October 2022, when its licence was suspended following the first Bell inquiry. The NICC imposed a A$100m (US$66m) fine at the time and appointed Weeks to oversee casino operations. A second Bell inquiry subsequently found continuing shortcomings in the group’s remediation.
The NICC said The Star is also awaiting the outcome of AUSTRAC civil proceedings in the Federal Court, while uncertainty remains over the wider group’s ability to support remediation as senior leadership and governance positions are filled.
Crawford said the licence suspension can still be lifted before June if The Star demonstrates that the required changes have been fully embedded.
The extension means Australia’s largest casino remediation process will continue well into a fifth year, with The Star required to satisfy the regulator that its governance and compliance reforms can operate without direct regulatory intervention.
Tags: NICC,NSW Gaming & Racing,David Harris,Philip Crawford,Star Sydney suspension
