Queensland has granted The Star Gold Coast another six months before a planned suspension of its casino licence takes effect, moving the deadline from September 30, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The decision gives The Star Entertainment Group additional time to complete outstanding remediation work and keeps independent oversight of the property in place.

The casino had faced a 90-day licence suspension beginning September 30. The latest decision represents the seventh time authorities have deferred the suspension, which followed compliance failures identified during the first of two New South Wales government inquiries into The Star Sydney.

In an ASX announcement dated September 24 [pdf], The Star Entertainment Group confirmed that the Queensland Government had extended the deferral of the Gold Coast casino licence suspension until March 31, 2027. The company also said the appointment of Special Manager Nicholas Weeks would continue until the same date.

The Star said it had separately received confirmation from the Queensland Government and the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming covering both measures. The company also confirmed that the External Advisor for The Star Brisbane must remain appointed until March 31, 2027.

Remediation Work Continues Under Independent Oversight

Queensland authorities based the latest extension on Weeks’ independent report, supplementary advice and The Star’s progress toward completing its remaining remediation obligations.

Weeks’ August report found that The Star had made significant progress with its main remediation and reform initiatives. Several priority matters have yet to reach completion. The report also recognised changes implemented since his previous assessment, including organisational and financial reforms.

The six-month period gives the company more time to address commitments set out in its remediation plan. Weeks will continue observing how The Star implements those measures and assessing whether the reforms operate effectively. His work will help inform later decisions concerning the casino’s operations.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said authorities would continue monitoring the operator’s progress.

“We have continued to set clear expectations for The Star to ensure the utmost integrity of Queensland’s casino operations,” the Attorney-General said.

“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.

“Queenslanders can have full confidence that we will take immediate action if The Star fails to deliver on its obligations.”

Frecklington also acknowledged the Special Manager’s work during the remediation process.

“I thank Mr Weeks for his comprehensive report and continued independent oversight of The Star’s progress towards fulfilling its remediation plan.”

Weeks will now remain Special Manager until March 31, 2027, matching the revised date for the deferred licence suspension.

Star Faces Separate Regulatory Developments

The Queensland decision arrives as The Star faces developments involving regulators in other jurisdictions.

In New South Wales, attention has turned to the possible return of The Star Sydney’s casino licence. NSW Independent Casino Commission Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford recently told a parliamentary committee that he was satisfied with the efforts made by the company’s restructured management team under the ownership of Bally’s Corp and Investment Holdings Pty Ltd. He also referred to an improved relationship between the operator and the regulator. Reports have indicated that the NICC could declare the Sydney property suitable and reinstate its licence.

A separate Federal Court matter involving financial crimes regulator AUSTRAC also remains relevant to the group. A media report this week indicated that the court could soon issue its decision in AUSTRAC’s legal action against Star Entertainment Group. The size of any financial penalty had not been determined at the time of the reports.

Another Australian casino operator, Crown Resorts, reached an AU$450 million settlement with AUSTRAC in 2023 in connection with similar compliance failures. That figure does not establish the size of any potential penalty facing The Star.

For The Star Gold Coast, the immediate regulatory timetable now extends into 2027. The Queensland Government will use the additional six months to assess continued remediation work, supported by Weeks’ independent oversight, before making further decisions about the casino licence.