The Star Entertainment's Sydney casino will remain under external management until June 30, 2027, as determined by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
In a decision announced on Friday, the NICC cited ongoing concerns about the company's governance, leadership, and corporate culture as reasons for extending the suspension of its license. This extension allows Nick Weeks to continue managing the casino while it operates under the same restrictions.
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford recognized the progress that has been made, yet he stressed that significant questions about governance and cultural improvements need to be addressed for the casino to regain its license.
Crawford noted, "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. However, 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.
The NICC will be watching carefully to see how The Star and The Star Entertainment Group resolve these issues. Both companies need to demonstrate to the NICC that they have learned from past mistakes and can resolve these cultural issues without the need for further intervention," he stated.
Ultimately, Crawford emphasized that it is The Star's responsibility to prove its commitment to remediation efforts and that specific changes can sustain long-term.
This latest extension comes nearly four years after The Star’s Sydney casino lost its independent operating rights in October 2022, following a report from the Bell inquiry, which resulted in a AU$100 million fine. Since that time, the NICC has consistently extended the suspension and maintained external management led by Weeks.
The Star has been implementing a remediation program that addresses compliance, risk management, ethics, and senior management reforms. In March 2025, Commissioner Crawford acknowledged the ongoing advancements but pointed to "ongoing uncertainty surrounding its finances" as a hindrance to faster progress.
The NICC has also highlighted unresolved issues regarding key leadership roles and the ramifications of active civil proceedings initiated by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) in Federal Court. These proceedings found that two former senior executives from The Star Entertainment Group breached the Corporations Act 2001, relating to failures in managing and reporting risks associated with money laundering and criminal activities.
Crawford emphasized, "These are all issues that need to be resolved before the NICC can lift The Star's licence suspension, which can occur at any time if the casino demonstrates that its remediation efforts have been properly embedded within the business."
The suspension will persist until the NICC is assured that the necessary reforms are thoroughly integrated and sustainable. Meanwhile, Weeks continues to oversee the management of Sydney’s most prominent casino license under regulatory scrutiny. Earlier this year, the NICC revealed that Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney were fined a combined AU$2.25 million due to a 16-year-old gaining access to their gaming floors using fraudulent identification.
