The Star Entertainment Group has faced two regulatory setbacks in quick succession, with its Sydney casino licence remaining suspended just one day after authorities extended regulatory oversight of The Star Gold Coast.
The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) confirmed on 25 September that it would not lift The Star Sydney's licence suspension at this stage. Casino manager Nick Weeks' appointment has consequently been extended by nine months to 30 June 2027.
Weeks will continue to hold the casino licence during the suspension, allowing gaming operations at the Sydney property to continue.
The decision follows an announcement from the Queensland Government on 24 September extending the deferral of The Star Gold Coast's 90-day casino licence suspension until 31 March 2027. Weeks' appointment as Special Manager at the property was also extended to the same date.
The NICC said questions continue around governance, leadership and culture, including recent allegations concerning those areas. It also highlighted uncertainty over The Star Entertainment Group's ability to support remediation while critical leadership and governance positions are being filled.
The Star remains awaiting the outcome of AUSTRAC civil proceedings in the Federal Court.
The NICC said the suspension could be lifted before June 2027 if the casino demonstrates that its remediation measures have been properly embedded.
The Sydney decision follows another extension of regulatory oversight for The Star's Queensland operations.
In Queensland, Weeks' latest assessment found progress across several reform initiatives but identified priority remediation matters that remain ongoing. The extended monitoring period will provide additional time for those measures to be implemented.
The two decisions leave The Star's Sydney and Gold Coast properties under continued external oversight as the group works to address remaining regulatory concerns.
The Star Sydney's licence has been suspended since October 2022
