NICC Keeps The Star Sydney License Suspended Over Governance and Culture Shortfalls, Extends Manager Term to June 2027

The NSW Independent Casino Commission has decided against restoring The Star Sydney’s casino license, leaving it suspended. Phil Crawford, chief commissioner of the NICC, cited unresolved questions on governance, leadership and culture despite earlier signals that a return was near.

Crawford pointed to recent media reports of internal communications at The Star expressing frustration with continuing regulatory limits. The NICC simultaneously extended the appointment of external manager Nick Weeks to 30 June 2027 after the Minister for Gaming and Racing amended the Casino Control Regulation 2019. Weeks will retain the license for The Star Pty Limited, allowing gaming operations to continue.

Persistent Questions on Remediation and Group Support

“There is no doubt that The Star has come a long way in addressing the matters which led to the suspension of its casino license in 2022,” Crawford said. “However, recent allegations regarding governance, leadership and culture at the casino are serious and are being treated as such by both the manager and the NICC. 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 the NICC’s intervention,” Crawford said.

The Threshold for License Reinstatement

The regulator also noted looming civil proceedings brought by AML watchdog AUSTRAC against Star in the Federal Court. Uncertainty remains about The Star Entertainment Group’s capacity to support Sydney’s remediation while it fills critical leadership and governance roles. “These are all issues which need to be resolved before the NICC can lift The Star’s license suspension, which can occur at any time if the casino can demonstrate that its remediation efforts have been properly embedded in the business,” Crawford said, as reported by Inside Asian Gaming.

The extension of external management through mid-2027 keeps direct oversight in place while these conditions are addressed.

Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.