The Queensland Government has deferred the suspension of The Star Gold Coast’s casino license until March 31st, 2025, to assess the company’s progress in implementing critical remediation measures.
The decision follows recommendations from the independent Special Manager, Mr. Nicholas Weeks, whose oversight role has been extended to June 30, 2025.
The Star Gold Coast was slated for a 90-day license suspension starting December 20th, 2024, due to identified deficiencies in:
- cultural reform
- safer gambling practices
- risk management
- financial crime prevention
- governance
The government, considering Mr. Weeks’ advice and The Star’s recent amendments to its remediation plan, opted to defer the suspension to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the company’s corrective actions.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding integrity in casino operations and restoring public confidence in regulatory processes. She stated,
“The Crisafulli Government has the highest standards when it comes to the integrity of casino operations and, unlike our predecessors, we are committed to transparency and restoring the confidence of Queenslanders in the regulatory process.”
An assessment of The Star’s progress in February 2025 will determine whether the license suspension will proceed. The government has set clear expectations for The Star to urgently prioritize and implement the necessary remediation measures.
Attorney-General Frecklington noted:
“There should be no assumption that there will be any further deferrals granted to The Star and any failure to meet milestones may result in The Star Gold Coast casino license being suspended.”
In November of 2023, the Queensland Government gave Star six months to prove that the company is fit to operate its Brisbane and Gold Coast casinos.
This came a year after the company was fined AU$100 million following an investigation which uncovered serious failings throughout the company. At that time, Star was given 1 year to demonstrate its suitability as a responsible casino operator. This further extension means that the company will have had more than two years to address its failings since it was first fined.
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Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.