The Queensland state government has deferred a planned license suspension for The Star Gold Coast by six months until 30 September 2025, citing progress made by the company in its remediation efforts and the need to keep the casino’s doors open while Star continues with those efforts.
The tenure of Special Manager Nick Weeks, tasked with monitoring Star’s operations and remediation, has also been extended until 30 September.
In a statement, Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said it was important for the public to have confidence in The Star, adding that the government would continue to assess its remediation progress during the six-month deferral period.
“The government has made it clear that our expectations have not changed and The Star must progress its remediation,” Frecklington said.
“Based on the advice of the Special Manager we are satisfied The Star has been continuing to make positive progress under the agreement. The extension will provide The Star with additional time to deliver on its outstanding commitments while keeping its doors open.
“This deferral does not prevent us from taking immediate action should The Star fail to meet its remediation obligations.”
Weeks, who is also overseeing The Star Sydney, was first appointed Special Manager in late 2022 after an inquiry found the company had “actively encouraged” individuals who were banned in other states to gamble at its Gold Coast casino. The inquiry also found that the company’s AML controls were deficient and that it has been illegally allowing the use of China UnionPay cards by customers to access cash.
In a statement issued following Thursday’s latest license suspension deferral, Star Entertainment Group Managing Director and CEO Steve McCann said, “We appreciate the [Queensland] Government’s decision to defer the suspension of the Gold Coast Licence to 30 September 2025 and note the comments made by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Integrity in her press release.
“The Star recognizes the importance of continuing to deliver on its commitments under the remediation plan and returning to suitability.”
As reported by IAG, Star is also in the midst of a battle to remain solvent and is currently weighing up a number of takeover and refinancing offers.
