The Queensland Government has announced that the suspension of The Star Gold Coast’s casino licence will take effect from 30 September 2026. The decision extends the deferral of the licence suspension and regulation of the appointed Special Manager for another year. The move reflects current steps by The Star Entertainment Group to continue its remediation program.

In a statement, Queensland’s Acting Attorney-General confirmed that the deferral was recommended by the Special Manager in charge of The Star Gold Coast. While the company has made steady progress in addressing compliance failures, additional work must be done before the venue is considered for a licence.

As part of the decision, the tenure of the Special Manager has been extended until September 2026. The external supervisor is also in charge of The Star Brisbane, which has been extended to the same date. The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation will continue monitoring these casinos closely to ensure compliance with operational standards.

Progress on Remediation Efforts

The Star’s Group CEO and Managing Director, Steve McCann, acknowledged the announcement and reaffirmed their commitment to prompt changes. 

The casino operator has been implementing a wide range of reforms since 2022, when inquiries in New South Wales and Queensland found the company unsuitable for casino licensing due to compliance and risk management issues. The group has since committed to strengthening internal controls and improving transparency.

Ongoing Financial and Shareholder Challenges

The oversight arrangements extension comes at a time when The Star is also experiencing significant financial problems. In August 2025, the company reported a 29.2 percent decline in annual revenue, falling to AU$1.19 billion. This has been compounded by shareholder changes, with JP Morgan Chase ceasing to be a substantial shareholder earlier in September.

These pressures have further stressed the company’s need to restore investor confidence and regulatory trust. Though progress is visible, analysts note that The Star still faces a challenging path to sustainability.

Outlook for The Star Entertainment Group

The Queensland Government’s decision to defer licence suspension until 2026 highlights the conditional nature of The Star’s progress. According to regulators, more improvements must be made before the casinos can operate free of direct supervision.

For The Star, next year will be critical in proving its commitment to reforms and securing a strong position in Australia’s casino industry. The extended oversight period provides time for the company to complete its remediation plan.