Star Entertainment Saves Itself from Collapse with $300M Bally's Deal Amid License Suspension and Debt Crisis

April 7, 2025
Star Entertainment Saves Itself from Collapse with $300M Bally's Deal Amid License Suspension and Debt Crisis
  • The deal includes provisions for the remaining $200 million, which will require shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, potentially delivered in two installments.

  • Star Entertainment has finalized a $300 million deal with Bally's Corporation to prevent financial collapse, marking a significant shift in ownership.

  • This agreement comes as Star Entertainment, which operates casinos in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, warned of imminent cash flow issues and the risk of administration without financial support.

  • The company is grappling with dwindling cash reserves, a growing debt crisis, and ongoing regulatory investigations, which have led to its license being suspended by the NSW Independent Casino Commission.

  • As of late March 2025, Star's license remains suspended due to ongoing concerns about its operations, further complicating its financial situation.

  • Star's shares have been suspended from trading on the Australian Securities Exchange since February 2025, following the company's failure to submit half-year accounts.

  • Investors are facing substantial losses, with Star's share price plummeting from $3.70 in 2021 to just 8 cents under the proposed deal.

  • Star is expected to receive part of the funding as early as this week, with the first payment of approximately $100 million due on April 9, 2025.

  • Despite the turmoil, Star's 8,000 employees are not at immediate risk of job loss, as the NSW and Queensland governments are prepared to intervene to protect jobs.

  • Once the deal is finalized, Bally's will acquire a 56.7% stake in Star Entertainment, allowing the board to present their financial accounts as a going concern.

  • However, Bally's faces its own challenges, including a looming AUSTRAC fine for money laundering that could reach $350 million, alongside ongoing financial difficulties.

  • Under the terms of the agreement, Bally's will contribute approximately $250 million to help Star meet its financial obligations, while billionaire Bruce Mathieson, Star's largest shareholder, is expected to invest an additional $50 million.

Summary based on 5 sources


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Sources

Star finds a saviour with Bally’s deal: report

The Sydney Morning Herald • Apr 7, 2025

Star finds a saviour with Bally’s deal: report

Star casino falls to a new class of Wall Street predator

The Sydney Morning Herald • Apr 8, 2025

Star casino falls to a new class of Wall Street predator



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