The New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has announced that it will be extending the term of the current manager of The Star Casino in Sydney by an additional six months. The decision comes amidst reports that The Star will once again be found unsuitable to hold a casino license.
The current manager, Matt Bekier, has been leading the operations at The Star since 2014 and was due to step down at the end of this year. However, ILGA has decided to extend his term in order to ensure a smooth transition as the regulatory body continues its investigation into the casino’s suitability.
The Star has come under scrutiny in recent years following allegations of money laundering and links to organized crime. In 2019, ILGA launched an inquiry into the casino’s operations, with the findings expected to be released later this year. If The Star is found to be unsuitable, it could potentially lose its casino license.
ILGA’s decision to extend Bekier’s term has raised eyebrows among industry insiders, with some questioning whether the move is an attempt to delay the release of the inquiry findings. However, ILGA has defended its decision, stating that the extension will ensure stability at the casino during this critical time.
In a statement, ILGA Chair Philip Crawford said, “The extension of Mr. Bekier’s term is in the best interest of the casino and its employees as we continue our investigation into The Star’s operations. We want to ensure that there is no disruption to the casino’s day-to-day activities as we work towards a resolution.”
The announcement comes just days after reports emerged that The Star’s parent company, Crown Resorts, is facing renewed scrutiny over its operations. The company recently appointed a new CEO, Steve McCann, in an effort to restore its tarnished reputation following a damning inquiry in Victoria earlier this year.
The Star Casino is one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, the ongoing investigation into its suitability to hold a casino license has cast a shadow over its future. With the extension of Matt Bekier’s term, it remains to be seen what the future holds for The Star and its parent company, Crown Resorts.
