Star Entertainment Secures Gold Coast Licence Reprieve Until 2026

Announced on September 25, Queensland officials have granted Star Entertainment Group a crucial extension, deferring the suspension of its Gold Coast casino licence until September 30, 2026. The decision gives the company breathing room to tackle ongoing regulatory and financial challenges. Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, appointed by regulators, praised steady improvements in compliance, while noting that financial pressures have slowed progress. Authorities also extended Weeks’ oversight role, along with an advisor’s position for Star Brisbane, through the same date, striking a careful balance between enforcing standards and allowing time for the operator to stabilise. The Star Gold Coast continues to draw visitors from near and far. With its Australian pokies delivering vibrant themes and thrilling gameplay.

Since 2021, Star Entertainment has faced intense scrutiny following investigations into potential breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. Rising debt and a drop in patron spending have tightened the company’s belt. Leading executives to explore asset sales. In August 2025, they revived a deal to sell a 50% stake in the A$3.6 billion Brisbane resort for A$53 million to Hong Kong-based partners.

In parallel, many online pokies in Australia are available for real money, offering a wide variety of games from 5-reel and 3-reel video pokies to progressive jackpots and Megaways, each with different payout rates and volatility levels to suit player preferences. Secure platforms, fast deposits and withdrawals, and bonus features make these games a major attraction for patrons away from physical options.

Talks with lenders about loosening loan terms continue. Though details remain under wraps. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Star narrowed its losses but fell short of analyst forecasts, according to Visible Alpha data. Shares briefly spiked on September 25, yet the stock has lost more than half its value this year. Reflecting ongoing investor unease.

The appeal of pokies extends far beyond physical casinos into the digital world. Where progressive jackpots grow with every wager. Offering the chance for life-changing payouts. Megaways titles keep players engaged with ever-changing paylines, while five-reel games often feature scatters that trigger bonus rounds. Classic three-reel pokies deliver nostalgic charm with simple, straightforward gameplay. Return-to-player percentages, typically around 96%, ensure fair odds over time, based on extensive simulations. Developers like NetEnt and Big Time Gaming enhance the experience with striking visuals and inventive bonus features, such as expanding icons or cascading wins, so a single spin can deliver multiple payouts in quick succession.

Players today can choose from a variety of payment options. Cryptocurrencies appeal to those who value speed and privacy, often clearing withdrawals in under 24 hours, while debit and credit cards provide the familiarity and ease most players are used to. Generous bonuses, ranging from deposit matches to cashback on losses, help stretch playtime, while loyalty rewards offer regulars added perks like free spins or boosted returns. Just as important, security remains front and center; licensed platforms use SSL encryption and operate under regulatory oversight to safeguard personal information and ensure fair play. With many of the best pokies offering return-to-player (RTP) rates of around 96%, players can enjoy entertainment backed by fair odds over the long run.

The decision to grant Star Entertainment extra time to refine its compliance practices could chart a course for how other Australian venues handle stricter regulations. Beyond brick-and-mortar casinos, online pokies continues to captivate players with multipliers and adventure-inspired themes, hosted on licensed platforms that inspire trust through strong security. The deferral finds a sensible middle ground. Keeping strict standards in place while giving the operator room to carry out meaningful reforms. The revival of the 50% Brisbane resort stake sale briefly lifted shares, yet the stock is still down more than 50% this year despite the sharp trading surge on September 25. With this extended timeline, the company can steady itself while continuing to play a part in Australia’s vibrant entertainment scene. Where physical venues and online platforms together attract a diverse audience.