Casino reviews and prosecutions

On this page you’ll find information about reviews and prosecutions of Queensland casinos.

Reviews

External reviews

The Star Entertainment Group Limited's Queensland operations, August 2022

In 2022 the Queensland Government commissioned an external review into the operations of The Star Entertainment Group Limited (The Star) in Queensland, which was conducted by the Hon. Robert Gotterson AO KC.

The review was initiated following serious allegations about the governance and operational arrangements of The Star entities, as well as public inquiries and regulator investigations into casino operators in other Australian jurisdictions.

Read more about the Gotterson review or download the final report.

In response to the Gotterson Report, the former Attorney-General:

  • in October 2022 found The Star unsuitable to hold a casino licence or operate a casino in Queensland, and
  • in December 2022 initiated disciplinary action against The Star.
Disciplinary action against The Star

On 9 December 2022, we took disciplinary action against The Star. This included:

  • issuing $100 million in fines
  • appointing a special manager—Nicholas Weeks—for 12 months
  • suspending the Treasury Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast casino licences for 90 days (commencement deferred until 1 December 2023).

Read the former Attorney-General's media release about the disciplinary action.

Other key dates
  • 24 November 2023: Special manager’s appointment extended to 8 December 2024 and Treasury Brisbane and Gold Coast licence suspensions deferred until 31 May 2024.
  • 16 May 2024: Treasury Brisbane and Gold Coast licence suspensions further deferred to 20 December 2024.
  • 25 August 2024: Treasury Brisbane closed.
  • 29 August 2024: The Star Brisbane opened.
  • 5 December 2024: Special manager’s appointment extended to 30 June 2025 and Gold Coast licence suspension deferred to 31 March 2025.
Remediation plan

The former Attorney-General approved The Star's first remediation plan in October 2023 and an amended remediation plan in September 2024.

The plan outlines the steps The Star will take to return to suitability to hold a casino licence in Queensland.

It addresses issues in key areas of its business including, but not limited to:

  • governance
  • organisational structure
  • financial crime
  • safer gambling
  • technology
  • risk management and controls framework
  • internal audit and assurance
  • training and leadership development.

Read The Star’s remediation update from December 2024.

Note: The Star Brisbane’s licensee, Destination Brisbane Consortium, is not subject to disciplinary action but is bound by the remediation plan.

Special manager's reports

We are working with the special manager to monitor The Star's implementation of, and compliance with, the approved remediation plan and its progress towards suitability. Assessment of The Star's progress will inform future decisions regarding The Star Gold Coast's licence suspension.

Read the special manager's reports:

Suitability reviews

We monitor the suitability of all licensed casino entities and their associates to hold a casino licence or be connected with the ownership, management or administration of a casino.

Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, May 2024

In response to media allegations concerning Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation commissioned an independent review of their suitability to be connected with the ownership, administration or management of The Star Entertainment Group Limited's new Brisbane casino at Queen's Wharf.

Read the public statement about the findings of the suitability review.

Prosecutions

We closely monitor Queensland’s casinos and, if necessary, will take court action against casino operators that breach casino control laws and regulations.

The Star Entertainment QLD Limited, August 2023

On 2 August 2023 The Star was fined $140,000 after it pleaded guilty to 11 charges under the Casino Control Act 1982 relating to the operation of the Treasury Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast casinos. No conviction was recorded. Read the Attorney-General’s media release about the prosecution.

Casinos Austria International (Cairns), December 2022

On 6 December 2022 Casinos Austria International (Cairns) was fined $10,000 after it pleaded guilty to a charge under the Casino Control Act 1982 relating to the operation of the Reef Hotel Casino. Without the Minister’s approval, the casino operator entered into an agreement with Lawrence Fu to bring high roller players to the casino to gamble. No conviction was recorded.

Last updated:
6 December 2024