The Star Sydney’s casino license will remain suspended for at least the next six months after the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) deemed the suspension should stay in place for the time being.
The term of Nick Weeks, who was first appointed by the NICC in October 2022, as Manager of the casino has also been extended for the same duration.
In a letter sent to The Star, the NICC said it had, prior to the expiry of Weeks’ current term on 30 September 2025, sought submissions from The Star and Weeks in relation to The Star’s suitability to hold a casino licence.
The regulator subsequently received a submission from The Star on 29 August 2025 and a report from Weeks on 3 September 2025 but said, “Having regard to the submissions from both The Star and the Manager, the NICC has determined that The Star’s licence suspension should remain in effect.
“As a result, the NICC has sought approval from the Minister to amend the Casino Control Regulation 2019 (Regulation) to further extend the appointment of Mr Weeks as the Manager of The Star until 31 March 2026, unless terminated earlier by the NICC.”
Star’s casino license was initially suspended following the first Bell Inquiry into its suitability, which uncovered evidence of money laundering and criminal infiltration linked to Asian junkets, internal control failures and misleading financial practices.
A second inquiry conducted last year found that operational and cultural failures had not been addressed, largely due to a lack of leadership across the company and a combative approach adopted by then-management in regard to the NICC.
Former Crown Resorts chief Steve McCann was later brought in by Star as Group CEO and Managing Director to oversee the company’s transformation process.
In a Wednesday filing following confirmation of this latest extension to The Star’s license suspension, McCann said, “We acknowledge that there is more work to do but we remain committed to delivering on our Remediation Plan to support the safe and compliant operation of our business.
“The Star is committed to continuing its transparent and constructive relationship with the Manager, the NICC and the New South Wales Government, and demonstrating to all its stakeholders its suitability as a license holder as soon as possible.”
