The Star Sydney may recover its casino license by the end of September, contingent upon meeting specific conditions and adhering to ongoing regulations. The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has indicated that The Star's challenges will conclude following the term of government-appointed manager Nick Weeks, who is expected to remain active in the recovery process.
Since October 2022, the casino's license has been suspended due to the findings of the Bell Inquiry, which revealed significant shortcomings in the company's anti-money laundering (AML) practices, VIP management, and overall corporate governance. To reclaim its license, The Star must satisfy stringent compliance requirements and maintain adherence to them.
Additionally, the NICC is set to undertake another review of The Star's suitability within a 12 to 18-month timeframe. The company is currently grappling with substantial financial and regulatory issues, exemplified by a projected loss of AU$307 million for FY2026 and an ongoing case with AUSTRAC, which could require The Star to pay approximately AU$400 million for violating AML laws.
In August, The Star faced another penalty, incurring a AU$500,000 fine related to an incident involving underage gambling. Even if it regains operational control, the company will remain under the close watch of regulators. The NICC will conduct a further assessment of The Star's compliance with Section 31 of the Casino Control Act within the next year or so. The Star Sydney therefore continues to navigate a challenging path toward reclaiming its casino license.
