A day after the NSW casino regulator extended by six months the suspension of The Star Sydney’s casino license, its Queensland counterpart has deferred any action on suspending The Star Gold Coast’s license by a year until 30 September 2026.
The two regulatory bodies have adopted differing approaches to Star, with the NSW Independent Casino Commission having in 2022 opted to suspend Star’s license and place the company under the control of a Manager, Nicholas Weeks.
Weeks is also overseeing Star’s Queensland operations as Special Manager although its Queensland licenses have not been officially suspended.
In a Thursday release, the Queensland Government said it has again deferred suspension of The Star Gold Coast’s casino licence to 30 September 2026, in line with the most recent independent advice from Weeks. It explained that a report produced by Weeks detailed steady progress made by Star on its remediation efforts, including measures identified as key priorities.
However, while The Star continues to deliver on outstanding remediation measures, the government added that Weeks noted in his report that progress has been slower than anticipated due to The Star’s recent financial challenges and uncertainty.
The 12-month deferral will provide The Star with the opportunity to continue to implement and embed key deliverables under its remediation plan, it said.
Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Jarrod Bleijie said, “The [Queensland] Government has the highest standards when it comes to the integrity of casino operations in Queensland. We will continue to closely monitor The Star’s remediation progress to ensure key milestones are met.
“This deferral does not prevent us from taking immediate action should The Star fail to meet its remediation obligations.”
In a separate statement, Star’s Group CEO and Managing Director, Steve McCann, added, “We acknowledge there is more work to do, but we are pleased the Special Manager has recognized the steady progress on The Star’s remediation efforts, including those measures identified as key priorities.
“The Star is committed to continuing its transparent and constructive relationship with the Special Manager and External Advisor, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, Queensland and the Queensland Government, and demonstrating to all its stakeholders its suitability as a licence holder as soon as possible.”
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