The Star Sydney will be subject to a new inquiry to assess its suitability to hold a license in New South Wales (NSW).
The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) appointed Adam Bell on Monday to carry out a 15-week investigation and deliver the findings by May 31. The NICC isn’t happy about the speed at which the casino operator is making changes to comply with the recommendations of a 2022 inquiry.
The previous probe found that the casino was a hotbed of criminal activity, leading to a suspension of its license and an AU$100m (US$65m) fine. Lawyer Adam Bell also led up that previous inquiry, delivering his damning conclusion in September 2022.
The Star Sydney has had 18 months to demonstrate its progress
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford explained that The Star Sydney has had 18 months to demonstrate its progress and show it is suitable for a license. He noted that the company does not lack the resources and capability to do so.
Speaking about the matter, Crawford said that the NICC was “not satisfied The Star was progressing its remediation in a timely fashion.” Some of the operator has to make include properly funding its remediation program and bolstering its anti-money laundering controls.