Key points:
- Suspension has been delayed until 31 March 2025
- Government has seen the progress made by The Star, but has set clear expectations that will be assessed in February
The new Government in the Australian State of Queensland has decided to defer The Star Gold Coast licence suspension until next year.
Initially it was expected that the resort’s licence would be suspended for 90 days in two weeks from today on 20 December, but the new Crisafulli Government has delayed this date until 31 March 2025.
Part of the reason for this was owing to independent advice of Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, as well as the progress made so far regarding The Star’s remediation.
The state Government has set out clear expectations of The Star in the coming weeks to ensure its remediation plans are met, something which will be assessed in February 2025, and will decide whether The Star Gold Coast’s casino licence will be suspended.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said: “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.
“We will release the Special Manager report and the outcome of the assessment following the Government’s March 2025 decision.
Good to know: The Crisafulli Government was formed just over a month ago
“This Government has been clear in its expectations of The Star, and will not allow The Star Gold Coast to keep operating as a casino at the expense of integrity, our Government’s high standards, and community safety. We recognise this may place pressure on The Star; however, the remediation actions must be its urgent priority.
“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 licence being suspended.”
In other news from Australia this week, the Independent Panel for Gaming Reform has released its recommendations for New South Wales (NSW) covering a number of areas, including cashless gaming technologies.
