The Star Entertainment Group has provided an update on its Queensland operations, stating that its remediation plan for casinos in the Australian state has been approved.
As a result, the casino operator has been handed an additional six months to prove to the Queensland government that it is executing the plan and returning to suitability in the area.
In December 2022, The Star was hit with an A$100m penalty and given 12 months to get things in order after it was found to be unsuitable for holding a casino licence in the state, where it operates The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos.
At the time, the business was reviewed by Robert Gotterson and found to be operating “in a way that is inconsistent with the achievement of the objectives of the Casino Control Act 1982”.
Subsequently, the group submitted a draft remediation plan to the Queensland regulatory authorities, addressing the issues found within the review by Gotterson and a review by Adam Bell for its operations in New South Wales, where the operator is also facing disciplinary action.
The plan includes the implementation of approximately 640 milestones across 15 workstreams over a multi-year period.
The previously stated 12-month deadline was due to expire on December 1. However, that deadline has been extended, as The Star has now been approved by the Governor-in-Council – on the recommendation of the Attorney-General of Queensland, Yvette D’Ath – to demonstrate it is delivering the remediation plan and returning to suitability by May 31, 2024.
If the group is unable to do this by the deadline, its gaming licence in Queensland could be suspended for 90 days.
In the same notion by the Governor-in-Council, the term of the Special Manager for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos, Nicholas Weeks, has been extended by 12 months to December 8, 2024.
Commenting on the situation, The Star’s Group CEO and Managing Director, Robbie Cooke, said: “We’re pleased to have our Remediation Plan approved in Queensland. It’s an important step on our path to returning to suitability in Queensland and will track and hold us accountable throughout the multi-year program we are committed to delivering.
“At the same time, we are fully aware that successful implementation of the remediation plan will require the utmost rigour and discipline. We need to regain the trust and confidence of all our stakeholders and communities and continue to have an unwavering focus on transformation.
“That comes from a clear understanding that holding casino licences is a privilege, not a right.”
The Star added that it will make a separate announcement about its Sydney operations as it continues to engage with the NSW Independent Casino Commission.
Weeks was also appointed by the NICC to oversee The Star’s operations in the state. The NICC has recently requested an extension to his appointment until June 30, 2024, which the commission intends to be the manager’s final extension.
The NICC told The Star that the extension is to give the operator additional time to demonstrate it is “capable of undertaking the remedial action required for it to become suitable and be permitted to return to gaming in accordance with the provisions of the Sydney casino licence”.
The Star’s remediation plan in relation to its Sydney Casino is yet to be approved in NSW.
