The Star Gold Coast casino licence suspension extended again to March 2027

The Queensland government has announced the extension of the suspension deadline for The Star Gold Coast’s casino licence to 31 March 2027. 

Last week’s decision grants the casino operator an additional six months to complete outstanding remediation work while allowing the venue to remain operational under strict regulatory supervision.

The extension follows advice from Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, who acknowledged that while the casino group has made notable progress with its reform programme, several priority issues remain unresolved. 

Simultaneously, Weeks’ appointment has been extended, thereby maintaining continuous independent oversight along with the ongoing supervision of The Star Brisbane by an external adviser through the same period

Allowing The Star to ‘further demonstrate its delivery’

Queensland’s attorney general, Deb Frecklington, emphasised the government’s firm stance on maintaining industry integrity. 

She stated: “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.”

Frecklington’s remarks underline that the extension is procedural and does not indicate any relaxation of 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 said. 

In addition, the attorney general emphasised the integral role of Weeks. 

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

How did we get here?

This is not the first time that The Star Gold Coast’s licence suspension has been deferred. It was previously pushed back from March 2025 to September 2026, having already been delayed several times. 

The Star first came under investigation in Queensland in 2022 and was subsequently deemed unsuitable for licensure in October that year. In addition to fines and the appointment of Weeks, a 90-day licence suspension was ordered. The Queensland government had at that time also put the delay down to a comprehensive report by Weeks. 

What about Sydney?

In contrast, The Star Sydney had its licence suspension extended to 30 June 2027. The regulator cited ongoing concerns about the company’s governance, leadership and corporate culture as key factors for extending its suspension. 

The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission’s chief commissioner, Philip Crawford, acknowledged the progress The Star Sydney had made in addressing its original suspension but laid the blame at the parent company’s feet for its extended suspension. 

Two former senior executives of The Star Entertainment Group were found by Australia’s Federal Court to have breached the Corporations Act 2001 and were cited for failures in managing and reporting money-laundering and criminal-activity 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,” said Crawford.

“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 added.