Regulators in New South Wales have confirmed that The Star Sydney’s casino licence will remain suspended until at least March 2026. The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) announced the decision this week, extending a suspension that first came into effect in October 2022.
NICC was set up in 2022, replacing previous overseeing bodies to create a stronger regulator, dedicated to casinos. It now has the power to suspend licences and bring in independent managers when needed. Australia’s casino sector has been under heavy scrutiny in recent years, and the message has been consistent: licences will only be restored when regulators are satisfied that compliance systems are effective and governance structures are sound.
While The Star remains suspended, the rest of the gambling market continues without interruption. Digital platforms like online casinos and pokies remain accessible nationwide. Independent guides to online pokies on international platforms highlight the best features, bonuses, and gameplay options for players, highlighting the resilience of online play while land-based operators face local regulatory burdens.
A licence suspension at a major casino would have usually left a gap in the market. Now the demand moves to digital platforms. Online gambling continues to operate without interruption, and for many players, it has become their first choice rather than just a backup.
The gambling industry is also a key economic driver; casinos and online platforms provide revenue and create jobs. Venues like The Star have traditionally delivered large amounts of tax through gaming, hospitality, and tourism. Yet even when physical casinos are restricted, digital gambling continues to generate revenue. This shows the resilience of online platforms and a big change in consumer behaviour. Industry analysis points to the wider contribution of digital gambling, from tax income and employment to new opportunities created by market expansion.
Australian players can now expect gambling to be more flexible and accessible. Mobile use is the clearest example and continues to grow annually. Games can be played at any time, from almost anywhere, without the limits of travel or opening hours. This convenience has redefined expectations across the market.
Choice is another driver. Online platforms can host hundreds of games in one place, with new titles added regularly. This variety goes far beyond what a casino floor can provide. Meaning players have more control over their experience.
Value now drives much of the competition. Operators fight for attention with loyalty schemes, sign-up deals, and constant promotions, with bonuses to keep players engaged. Even lower stake bets are chances to win, keeping the game alive for longer.
One of the clearest signs of changing habits can be seen among newer players. Audiences that have been raised on mobile gaming and streaming expect entertainment to be instant, interactive, and visually rich. Skill-based features and faster play are now part of these new products, entertaining players for longer. The same shift is seen across industries, with businesses adjusting to shorter attention spans and digital habits. Insights into these changes in the gaming industry suggest that people are turning to gaming not just for fun but for connection and community. These habits shape how they approach digital entertainment as a whole.
Technology can also shape these habits further, with improved graphics, live streaming, and integrated mobile apps. It has now completely changed how games are delivered and played. Real-time tournaments and live dealer tables bring elements of the casino floor into players’ homes. Data and artificial intelligence are then used to personalise the experience for players, recommending games and offers based on their behaviour.
This does not just replicate the in-person experience; in many cases, it extends it. Consumers are now seeing gambling as one part of a broader digital entertainment ecosystem, alongside streaming, social media, and traditional gaming. How the broader sector will grow remains to be seen, but indications are that it will continue to grow.
As for what happens next for The Star, that depends entirely on the regulator’s assessment of its progress. NICC has said that the suspension will remain until the operator can demonstrate suitability. For the wider industry, though, the lesson may be less about a single licence and more about how Australians now choose to gamble. Consumers are shifting towards digital platforms that offer them more flexibility, variety, and constant access.
Physical casinos still play a role, but the way people gamble is being reshaped by digital access, online variety, and new expectations from a digital-first audience. The Star’s suspension has become one part of a bigger story. How demand has moved, and how gambling in Australia is defined by customer need. It shows that the market is less about individual venues and more about the wider shift in how and where people choose to play.
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