Star Entertainment Formalizes NSW Jobs Guarantee, Cashless Gaming Trial

The Star Entertainment Group announced that it has formalized the previously announced aspects of the arrangements agreed in principle with the NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, securing the company’s jobs commitment and cashless trial.

In line with the initial agreement from August 11, 2023, The Star entered into a Jobs Guarantee Agreement with the state of New South Wales and the United Workers Union. As a result, the casino giant agreed to maintain a minimum headcount and certain ratios of full-time, part-time and casual employees at its The Star Sydney casino.

The job guarantee is valid until June 30, 2030, the company added. It also mentioned that the commitment is still subject to certain permitted adjustments in specific circumstances.

As per the newest additions to the Casino Control Act 1992 (NSW), The Star risks penalties if it fails to comply with the jobs commitment it agreed to.

In the meantime, The Star also officialized a formal trial of cashless and carded play at its The Star Sydney property. This trial comes as New South Wales seeks to modernize its gambling industry and prevent gambling-related fraud.

Cashless gaming and carded play will be trialed at NSW casinos from August 2024, allowing the state to see whether they have the intended effect.

The Star Sydney, for example, seeks to allow its guests to play cashless on 51 poker machines and 8 gaming tables within its Sovereign Room.

The Star Seeks to Regain the Community’s Trust

The Star’s group chief executive officer and managing director, Robbie Cooke, commented on the formalization of the aforementioned agreements labeling the engagement with the NSW Government as very constructive. He added that The Star is happy to have reached these arrangements and be able to provide security to its team in Sydney.

According to Cooke, The Star is bullish on reacquiring NSW’s trust in the wake of the recent regulatory failings.

As we continue to focus on earning back the trust of the Page 2 of 2 community and implementing the reforms required to restore The Star to suitability, we are also committed to the continuation of our role as a valuable contributor to the NSW economy.

Robbie Cooke, group CEO & MD, The Star

Three weeks ago, The Star also introduced new regulations to prevent excessive gambling. Effective as of January 31, the new rules include a mandatory 15-minute break every three hours and a limit of 28 hours of gaming per week. Players will also be unable to play more than 12 hours a day.

The introduction of the new rules followed an AUD 100 million fine in Queensland.