The Queensland government has announced that the suspension of the casino licence for The Star Gold Coast has been extended until March 31, 2027. This latest decision provides the casino operator with an additional six months to finalize necessary remediation work while continuing operations under strict regulatory oversight.
The extension comes on the advice of Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, who noted that while The Star has made significant progress with its reform initiatives, several key issues still require attention. Alongside the extension of the licence suspension, Weeks’ role has also been prolonged, ensuring ongoing independent oversight during this period, which includes continued supervision of The Star Brisbane by an external adviser.
Queensland’s attorney general, Deb Frecklington, reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining integrity within the industry. "We have continued to set clear expectations for The Star to ensure the utmost integrity of Queensland’s casino operations. Queenslanders can have full confidence that we will take immediate action if The Star fails to deliver on its obligations," she stated. Her comments emphasized that the extension is procedural, maintaining the rigorous standards set for the casino.
“The expectations remain unchanged and, while I acknowledge the work of The Star to date, this extension will allow The Star to further demonstrate its delivery on key remediation commitments under the agreement,” Frecklington added, thanking Weeks for his thorough reporting and ongoing independent oversight.
This marks the latest in a series of extensions for The Star Gold Coast’s licence suspension, which was first moved from March 2025 to September 2026 after being postponed multiple times. The casino initially came under scrutiny in 2022 and was found unsuitable for licensing in October of the same year, resulting in fines and a 90-day licence suspension following Weeks’ comprehensive report at that time.
In comparison, The Star Sydney’s licence suspension has been extended to June 30, 2027. The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission raised persistent concerns regarding the company’s governance, leadership, and corporate culture. Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford acknowledged progress made by The Star Sydney but attributed the ongoing issues to the parent company’s failures.
Two former senior executives of The Star Entertainment Group were found by Australia’s Federal Court to have breached the Corporations Act 2001, specifically regarding their management and reporting of money-laundering and criminal-activity risks. Crawford expressed disappointment that, despite improvements at the Sydney casino, the overarching issues affecting the group continue to complicate matters for all its properties. "The NICC will be watching carefully to see how The Star and The Star Entertainment Group resolve these issues. Both companies need to demonstrate to the NICC that they have learned from past mistakes and can resolve these cultural issues without the need for the NICC’s intervention," he remarked.
