![Billionaire Mathieson ups stake in Australian casino operator Star Entertainment](https://i-invdn-com.investing.com/trkd-images/LYNXNPEK2J03Q_L.jpg)
© Reuters. Sydney’s Star Casino complex is seen illuminated at night, February 15, 2016.REUTERS/Jason Reed/File photo
(Reuters) – A firm owned by Australian billionaire Bruce Mathieson has increased its stake in casino operator Star Entertainment to 8.21% from 6%, an exchange filing showed on Wednesday.
Following the stake increase, Mathieson’s Investment Holdings Pty is the largest shareholder in the casino operator.
The development comes at a time when Star Entertainment is facing a second inquiry into its Sydney casino operations after the company’s license to operate the casino was suspended in October 2022.
The company’s shares have lost about 83% since 2022.
Star Entertainment reported a smaller-than-expected drop in first-half profit in February amid intense competition and lower discretionary spending.