The suspension is a significant setback for Star, which has been struggling with a series of scandals and legal challenges in recent years. These challenges have included allegations of money laundering, bribery, and illegal gambling operations. The company has also faced scrutiny over its financial reporting practices.

The NSW government has been actively involved in overseeing Star’s operations, with the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) conducting regular audits and inspections. The ILGA has been particularly focused on ensuring compliance with the Bell 2 report’s recommendations. The Bell 2 report, released in 2023, provided a comprehensive assessment of Star’s operations, highlighting areas of concern and recommending specific actions for improvement. The report identified several key issues, including:

The report found that The Star Sydney had failed to implement adequate anti-money laundering (AML) and social responsibility (CSR) measures, leading to a culture of laxity and a lack of accountability. This failure to address these issues, according to the ICC, has resulted in a significant financial loss for the casino operator. The report also highlighted the casino operator’s failure to adequately address concerns raised in the first Bell Report, which was published in 2019.