Australia’s Star Entertainment CEO Steve McCann Steps Down With Immediate Effect
Australia’s Star Entertainment Group announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, Steve McCann, has stepped down from his role with immediate effect. This is yet another significant occurrence in the casino operator’s leadership reshuffling.
Australia’s gambling sector is continuing to evolve, and consumers are increasingly weighing traditional casino experiences, like those created by Star Entertainment, with new digital alternatives like Bitcoin casinos in Australia. The latter are preferred due to faster payments, better privacy, more transparency, and a wider game selection than traditional counterparts. Even so, online and physical casino gambling enthusiasts in the country were shocked by the news of McCann.
McCann was appointed in July 2024 when the Star was experiencing a period of financial and regulatory pressure. The reason was a second finding that the group was unsuitable to hold a New South Wales casino license. McCann’s departure took effect on 16 December 2025. The company said he has agreed to remain available to assist with government and regulatory engagement during the handover period, which will last until 8 July 2026.
Bruce Mathieson Jr was appointed as Chairman of the company earlier in December. He will now assume additional responsibilities as Executive Chair while Star begins the search for a full-time CEO. This decision consolidates leadership at an important phase for the company, which has faced regulatory investigations, casino closures, and several exits of senior officials in the past few years.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Steve for his strong leadership and hard work during one of the most coplex and challenging periods for The Star,” said Mathieson Jr. “Steve joined at a time of crisis for The Star and has helped to deliver a critical financial reset for the business and successfully progressed our Remdiation Plan, which have laid the foundations for The Star’s long-term future success. We wish him well in his next endeavours.”
McCann looked back on his tenure and pointed out the company’s recent capital injection as a natural point for leadership transition. “The strategic investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings Pty Ltd provides an opportunity for The Star to move in a new direction and pursue a pathway to recovery and future growth,” he said. “Now is the right time for new leadership to be put in place with the experience and passion to build on that momentum and take The Star forward.”
This statement addresses the regulatory approval for a AU$300 million investment from US-based Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings, giving them the controlling joint stake of around 61%, with Bally’s holding approximately 38%. The Mathieson family controls a further 23%, showing the influence the family has over Australia’s second-largest casino operator.
Shares in the company rose 4.8% after the announcement, indicating investor optimism in renewed leadership.
Developments at major national operators like The Star will have local impacts on tourism and employment in regional communities like Colac and the state of Victoria. Although The Star does not have any properties in Victoria, big changes in the industry often have a ripple effect, with other casino operators potentially reflecting on their own leadership situations.
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Barry O'Connor
Australia has had a number of areas all over Australia affected by bushfires and all businesses/ towns are looking for is for people to come and stay a few days.