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The Star Sydney could regain control of its suspended casino license on a conditional basis by the end of September, while remaining subject to continued monitoring and a future suitability assessment.
NSW Independent Casino Commission Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford outlined the proposed arrangement during a state parliamentary budget estimates hearing on August 26, according to an uncorrected transcript published by the New South Wales Parliament.
The casino’s license remains suspended and is currently held by government-appointed manager Nick Weeks, whose term runs until the end of September.
Conditional License Framework
Crawford said the NICC was working with The Star on a framework that would avoid seeking another government appointment of Weeks as manager. Instead, control of the license would revert to the company with additional conditions and regulatory directions attached.
The commissioner said The Star would regain its license, but it would be conditional on compliance with the requirements the regulator would impose. The company’s performance would continue to be monitored before the NICC conducts another suitability assessment under section 31 of the Casino Control Act.
Crawford said the review could take place in 12 or 18 months, although the timing had not been determined. The conditional license would therefore allow The Star to resume control while remaining under regulatory oversight.
Manager Role To Change
Weeks is highly likely to remain involved as a monitor but would no longer manage the casino, Crawford said. He added that The Star, rather than taxpayers, bears the cost of the current manager arrangement.
The change would shift Weeks from a management role to a monitoring function. The NICC’s proposed framework is intended to allow The Star to operate its license while maintaining external oversight through the monitor arrangement.
Management And Financial Position
The commissioner said the casino’s new management and ownership were cooperating with the regulator, although the company’s financial difficulties had not been fully resolved.
Crawford also pointed to the pending Federal Court decision in AUSTRAC’s civil penalty proceedings. The financial-crime regulator is seeking an AU$400 million (US$286 million) penalty from The Star, with Crawford saying a decision was likely around the end of September.
The Star Sydney’s license has been suspended since October 2022 following the first Bell inquiry, which found the operator unsuitable to hold a casino licence.
Suitability Assessment Still Required
The conditional license would not remove the need for a future suitability assessment. The NICC will continue monitoring The Star’s performance before conducting the review under section 31 of the Casino Control Act.
The timing of the assessment remains to be determined, with Crawford indicating it could occur in 12 or 18 months. The process will follow the return of the license to The Star on a conditional basis.
License Suspension History
The Star Sydney’s license suspension began in October 2022 after the first Bell inquiry found the operator unsuitable to hold a casino license. The license has remained suspended while a government-appointed manager oversaw operations.
Next Steps For The Star
The Star Sydney could regain its conditional license by the end of September, subject to the NICC’s framework and regulatory directions. Weeks is highly likely to remain as a monitor, while a suitability assessment under section 31 of the Casino Control Act will follow in due course.
The Federal Court decision in AUSTRAC’s civil penalty proceedings is also expected around the end of September. The Star’s license status, management structure, and financial position will remain under review as the conditional license framework is implemented.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
