Star Entertainment share price halted amid licence probe

The company is rumoured to have been found unfit to run its Sydney casino.

| More on:
Young man sitting at a table in front of a row of pokie machines staring intently at a laptop. looking at the Crown Resorts share price

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The Star share price is halted at $2.66 today as the company prepares to learn of the outcome of a review into its suitability to hold a NSW casino licence 
  • The review has reportedly found the company unfit to operate its Sydney casino but will offer a remediation program similar to that previously undergone by Crown 
  • Star has responded to such media speculation, saying it hasn't received the soon-to-be-released report and will issue a further statement once it does 

The Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) share price has been frozen as the company prepares to receive the findings of a review into its suitability to operate its Sydney casino.

The review, undertaken by Adam Bell SC, is rumoured to have found the company unfit to run the casino.

The company responded to such speculation today, saying it's unaware of any findings thus far.

The stock was put into a trading halt this morning. It's expected to remain frozen until the report is released. It last traded at $2.66.

Let's take a closer look at what's going on with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) casino operator this week.

Star share price frozen ahead of ILGA findings

The Star share price is on ice today as the company, and the market prepares to learn of the fate of its Sydney casino.

The final report on a review conducted by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) is expected to be released tomorrow.

It follows an inquiry that reportedly heard that the casino operator misled regulators, involved itself in suspicious junket dealings, and concealed gambling spending.

The review found the company unfit to hold a casino licence in New South Wales, according to reporting by The Australian.  

However, it's expected to be offered a remediation program similar to that undergone by formerly ASX-listed Crown.

Responding to the publication's claims, the company said it "has not received a copy of the report [and] is unaware of its contents".

It also said the trading halt is "necessary as otherwise trading in securities may take place in an uninformed market".

It will make a further statement following the release.

The company is also facing an inquiry in Queensland regarding the operations of The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Casinos.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A man in his 30s with a clipped beard sits at his laptop on a desk with one finger to the side of his face and his chin resting on his thumb as he looks concerned while staring at his computer screen.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why is the Super Retail share price falling 5% today?

Investors are shying away from the retailer as the company gets ready to go to court.

Read more »

a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

2 ASX betting shares surging on quarterly updates

These shares are having a strong session. Why are investors betting on them today?

Read more »

a young woman sits with her hands holding up her face as she stares unhappily at a laptop computer screen as if she is disappointed with something she is seeing there.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why is the Kogan share price crashing 27%?

Here's how this e-commerce company performed during the third quarter.

Read more »

businessman handing $100 note to another in supermarket aisle representing woolworths share price
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

How much could $5,000 invested in Coles shares be worth in a year?

Bell Potter sees big returns on the cards for owners of this stock.

Read more »

A woman relaxes on a yellow couch with a book and cuppa, and looks pensively away as she contemplates the joy of earning passive income.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

What are brokers saying about A2 Milk shares?

Is it time to snap up this stock or should you keep your infant formula powder dry?

Read more »

A female Woolworths customer leans on her shopping trolley as she rests her chin in her hand thinking about what to buy for dinner while also wondering why the Woolworths share price isn't doing as well as Coles recently
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Should you buy the dip on Woolworths shares?

Is this a good time to look at the supermarket business?

Read more »

Woman in dress sitting in chair looking depressed
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Cettire share price plunges 6% after major investor pulls the plug

A 'red flag' triggered this investment company to sell out completely.

Read more »

A young woman's hands are shown close up with many blingy gold rings on her fingers and two large gold chains around her neck with dollar signs on them.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

ASX experts: Lovisa share price has 28% upside

ASX brokers are still rating Lovisa as a compelling buy today.

Read more »