The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has extended the suspension of the Star Sydney’s casino licence and handed the company a AU$15m in response to the Bell Two inquiry.
Rather than have the licence cancelled entirely, Nick Weeks will remain in the role of manager and continue to run the casino operations until March 31, 2025, when The Star’s casino licence will be reassessed.
“Despite more prescriptive supervision that prevented the type of misconduct seen in the first inquiry, numerous shortcomings in governance, regulatory compliance, technology and risk management remain, including in areas that The Star claimed it had remediated,” said NICC chief commissioner Philip Crawford.
“Reform in the systems, policies, processes and culture that support these areas cannot be understated in a business as complex as The Star’s.
“In a casino setting, compliance breaches can have serious consequences for the community, and the Bell Report illustrated how quickly weak controls can lead to criminal infiltration and gambling harm.
“The NICC understands the many challenges The Star is facing and will continue to closely monitor The Star’s progress in proving it is capable of regaining its casino licence.”
In addition to the fine, the NICC has issued directions in respect of various governance and operational matters, and proposed amendments to The Star Sydney’s licence conditions relating to management personnel and the company board.
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