The Queensland government has officially extended the suspension deadline for The Star Gold Coast's casino licence to March 31, 2027. This decision, made last week, provides the casino operator with an additional six months to fulfill outstanding remediation requirements while continuing operations under stringent regulatory watch.
The extension is based on advice from Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, who noted that while The Star has made significant progress in its reform initiatives, several key issues still need attention. Weeks' role has also been extended to maintain independent oversight, which will continue alongside an external adviser's supervision of The Star Brisbane.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding industry integrity. "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.
Frecklington emphasized that this extension is procedural and does not suggest any leniency regarding regulatory standards. "Those 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," she added. She also thanked Weeks for his thorough reporting and ongoing oversight of The Star's remediation efforts.
This recent extension is not the first for The Star Gold Coast; the licence suspension had previously been postponed from March 2025 to September 2026 after several delays. The casino came under scrutiny in Queensland in 2022 and was declared unsuitable for licensure the following October, leading to fines, the appointment of Weeks, and a 90-day licence suspension. The Queensland government attributed these delays to Weeks' comprehensive reports.
In a different situation, The Star Sydney has had its licence suspension extended until June 30, 2027, due to ongoing concerns regarding the company’s governance and corporate culture. The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission's chief commissioner, Philip Crawford, noted the progress at The Star Sydney but stressed that lapses at the parent company were behind the extended suspension.
Two former senior executives at The Star Entertainment Group were found by Australia’s Federal Court to have violated the Corporations Act 2001, linked to failures in managing money-laundering risks. "It is disappointing that despite the progress made by the Sydney casino, the group company continues to experience problems that affect each of its properties," stated Crawford. He emphasized that it is crucial for both The Star and The Star Entertainment Group to demonstrate they can address these cultural issues without needing further intervention from the NICC.
