Star Gold Coast Casino license suspension delayed until September

The Queensland government has deferred The Star Entertainment Group’s Gold Coast casino licence suspension for six months, allowing operations to continue until at least September 30.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington announced the decision Thursday, saying the delay gives Star more time to meet its remediation commitments, Australian Associated Press reported.

"The government has made it clear that our expectations have not changed and The Star must progress its remediation," she said, announcing the move on Thursday. "Based on the advice of the special manager, we are satisfied that The Star has been continuing to make positive progress under the agreement."

The Star Gold Coast was initially set to have its casino licence suspended for 90 days starting March 31. A 2022 review found that Star actively encouraged individuals who had been excluded by police in New South Wales and Victoria to gamble at its Queensland casinos. The review also highlighted a poor corporate culture and a marketing strategy that prioritized business growth over regulatory compliance.

"This all placed the Star Gold Coast (Casino) at real jeopardy of infiltration by persons about whom The Star had reason to suspect were likely to have been involved in criminality," the review stated.

The casino will remain under close supervision, with special manager Nicholas Weeks' tenure extended until the end of September.

Frecklington emphasized that the government will closely monitor The Star’s remediation progress during this deferral period. He warned the government could take immediate action if Star fails to meet its obligations.

Weeks acknowledged the company's efforts, noting that "progress has been made in a short space of time and challenging circumstances."

Earlier this month, Star confirmed talks with Salter Brothers Capital on a $940 million refinancing deal after its shares were placed in a trading halt.