Queensland state government has deferred The Star Gold Coast’s casino license suspension by six months to March 31st, 2027, giving Star Entertainment more time to meet outstanding remediation commitments while remaining under independent oversight.
The government said the September 24th decision followed ‘careful consideration’ of the latest independent advice from Special Manager Nicholas Weeks. The casino’s license had been due to be suspended for 90 days from September 30th, 2026.
Authorities considered Weeks’ latest independent report and supplementary advice, alongside the operator’s progress in addressing outstanding remediation requirements.
According to the government, Weeks’ August report acknowledged ‘significant progress’ across Star’s key remediation and reform initiatives, while noting that ‘several priority remediation matters remain in progress’. He also recognized organizational and financial reforms implemented since his previous report.
The extension gives Star more time to deliver outstanding commitments and allows Weeks to assess whether the reforms are working, informing future decisions on the casino’s operations.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the government would continue to closely monitor Star’s progress.
“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.
“Queenslanders can have full confidence that we will take immediate action if The Star fails to deliver on its obligations.”
Weeks’ appointment as Special Manager has been extended to March 31st, 2027. Star Entertainment said in its ASX filing that authorities had also required The Star Brisbane’s external advisor appointment to be extended to the same date.
The suspension was originally imposed in December 2022 after Queensland authorities found the group unsuitable to hold casino licenses following the Gotterson review. That review identified serious anti-money laundering deficiencies that persisted for years despite expert advice, and shortcomings in responsible gambling measures.
The 90-day penalty was initially scheduled to take effect on December 1st, 2023.
The suspension’s start date has since been repeatedly deferred to allow remediation. In September 2025, authorities granted a one-year extension to September 30th, 2026, after Weeks reported steady progress but said financial challenges had slowed reform efforts.
