No Reprieve for Star Sydney, as License to Remain Suspended Another 6 Months

The NSW Independent Casino Commission has decided to leave Star Sydney’s license to operate the gaming floor suspended for another six months following another review into its operations.

This compounds the ongoing difficulties for the Star Sydney Casino, which was hoping to renew gaming operations this year. However, the NICC has deemed it necessary for the property to continue complying with the oversight while it continues to take steps towards regaining its operational license.

Star Sydney Will Not Restart Operations Soon

“Having regard to the submissions from both The Star and the Manager, the NICC has determined that The Star’s licence suspension should remain in effect,” the regulator said.

The new suspension should be in place until March 1, 2026, as clarified by the regulator: “As a result, the NICC has sought approval from the Minister to amend the Casino Control Regulation 2019 (Regulation) to further extend the appointment of Mr Weeks as the Manager of The Star until 31 March 2026, unless terminated earlier by the NICC.”

This is only the latest consequence of Star’s troubles with the regulator. The infamous Bell Inquiry unearthed evidence that the property had been used for money laundering and other criminal activities by powerful Asian junkets.

According to the original investigation, Star had failed to introduce procedures and internal processes that could have prevented these offenses. To add insult to injury, a subsequent review in 2024 similarly determined that the property had a long way to go in ensuring that it meets the expectations of the regulator and enacts the necessary reforms and changes.

New Leadership Committed to Making Things Right with Regulator

The regulator also criticized the then leadership of Star Sydney in the second review, arguing that it had assumed a “combative” approach rather than seeking to pass genuine reforms and ensure that the property is back to normal operations.

The new management, however, has understood that to return to normal operations, it would need to show full cooperation. Steve McCann, who previously worked at Crown Resorts, was appointed to restore the Star Sydney back to normal operations and commented on the most recent regulatory decision.

“We acknowledge that there is more work to do, but we remain committed to delivering on our Remediation Plan to support the safe and compliant operation of our business. The Star is committed to continuing its transparent and constructive relationship with the Manager, the NICC and the New South Wales Government, and demonstrating to all its stakeholders its suitability as a license holder as soon as possible,” McCann said, acknowledging the regulator’s final say in the matter and ensuring that then next six months will be spent getting the property ready for relaunch.