Bally’s Corp Cleared to Take Control of The Star Entertainment Group After Regulatory Sign-Off

In a significant milestone for the Australian gaming sector, Bally’s Corporation has secured full regulatory clearance to assume control of The Star Entertainment Group. Approvals from New South Wales’ NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) and Queensland’s Office of Liquor & Gaming Regulation (OLGR) were confirmed on 21 November 2025, following a detailed probity assessment of Bally’s and its key associates.

This approval follows an earlier rescue agreement in April 2025, when The Star accepted a A$300 million (approximately US$193.5 million) strategic investment from Bally’s and Australian investor Investment Holdings Pty Ltd, enabling Bally’s to eventually acquire control of around 56 % of the Australian operator on a fully-diluted basis. 

Under the terms of the regulatory clearance, Bally’s will convert its convertible notes into equity and take the right to appoint nominee directors to The Star’s board. The NICC stressed that Bally’s submitted a dedicated turnaround plan focused on improving The Star’s financial performance, which it must report on periodically as part of its operating conditions. 

The move signals a pivotal moment in The Star’s efforts to restore suitability and compliance after a period of regulatory scrutiny, licence suspension and financial stress. By passing the probity test, Bally’s gains operational leeway to begin execution of its “Bally’s 2.0” growth strategy, which includes expanding globally beyond its U.S. base and turning around under-performing assets.