Star casino to keep jobs after NSW govt intervenes

Sydney's Star casino operator has agreed to protect 3000 jobs and pay more tax in a decision welcomed by workers.

Star Entertainment will maintain more than 3000 jobs through to 2030 or face penalties as part of a jobs guarantee with the NSW government announced on Friday.

The casino operator will report the number of fulltime, part-time and casual staff quarterly. The Star will pay $25,000 to the government for each category that does not have the required number of staff.

Staff ratios will also be reported quarterly. Star will pay $1 million if these do not meet the required level.

United Workers Union executive director Dario Mujkic said casino workers had suffered years of uncertainty due to the pandemic and royal commissions.

"Workers can now breathe easier knowing that mass job cuts are not on the cards in the near future at The Star," he said.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the agreement also supported thousands of indirect jobs and suppliers of the casino.

The higher tax rates were foreshadowed last year in discussions with the NSW government. This included a tax increase from 17.91 per cent to 20.25 per cent from July 1, 2023. Tax rates for rebate and non-rebate play have also increased, as well as an additional levy.

Star Entertainment paid hefty fines and had its Sydney casino licence suspended after a 2022 inquiry found compliance failures lead to money laundering.

The job deal and tax rates were agreed to in-principle last year.

At the time, Star said the arrangements would help continue its work to regain the trust of stakeholders.