Amidst the controversy, Star Casino inaugurates a fresh casino complex in Brisbane.
The Star Casino Brisbane, a new gaming complex situated within the expansive Queen's Wharf integrated resort development, officially opened its doors yesterday. The casino offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and state-of-the-art electronic table games.
The casino complex spans over more than 12 hectares and is strategically located by the water. One of the highlights of the Star Casino Brisbane is the Oasis and Sovereign areas, premium gaming rooms with stunning views and connected to a private restaurant.
However, the opening of the casino comes amidst a tumultuous period for its operator, Star Entertainment Group. The company has faced numerous scandals and fines in recent years, primarily due to deficiencies in anti-money laundering measures. As a result, a special commissioner was appointed to oversee Star Casino's activities, and in 2022, the casino's gambling license was revoked.
In August 2023, Star Casino Brisbane was fined 140,000 AUD for helping patrons pay for gambling with credit cards, which is illegal in Queensland. Despite these setbacks, Star Casino was granted a license to open the casino in Brisbane on August 28, just one day before the opening.
The Star Casino Brisbane operates 24/7, with reduced hours on only three public holidays. The bridge connecting the complex to the South Bank neighbourhood is operational, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Star Entertainment has been under scrutiny by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) due to concerns about the company’s leadership and financial management. The company is currently facing an impending acquisition attempt by the US casino operator Bally's Corporation. The NICC has demanded clear evidence of Bally’s suitability to take over and careful examination of Star's financial health.
The sale failure of Star Entertainment's 50% stake in the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane casino and hotel complex to its Hong Kong partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, in August 2025, has left Star responsible for over $1.4 billion in project debt and ongoing financial liabilities. This has exacerbated the company's financial strain and cast uncertainty on the future of the complex.
No specific date has been given for the inauguration of the remaining floors of the Queen's Wharf complex. The court ruled that Star Casino was unfit to hold a gambling license and fined the company 100 million AUD. The future of the Star Casino Brisbane and the Queen's Wharf complex remains uncertain as the company navigates these financial and regulatory challenges.
[1] ABC News Australia. (2025, August). Star Entertainment's Queen's Wharf Brisbane sale to Hong Kong partners collapses. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-01/star-entertainment-queens-wharf-brisbane-sale-collapses/133076242
[2] The Sydney Morning Herald. (2025, August). Star Entertainment's Queen's Wharf Brisbane sale to Hong Kong partners collapses. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/star-entertainments-queens-wharf-brisbane-sale-to-hong-kong-partners-collapses-20250801-p59246.html
[4] The Australian Financial Review. (2025, August). Star Entertainment's Queen’s Wharf Brisbane sale to Hong Kong partners collapses. Retrieved from https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/star-entertainments-queens-wharf-brisbane-sale-to-hong-kong-partners-collapses-20250801-p59246
- "What is the status of the Star Casino Brisbane and the Queen's Wharf complex, given the collapse of the sale of Star Entertainment's 50% stake to its Hong Kong partners?"
- "Despite the Star Casino Brisbane's casino games, lotteries, and casino-culture appeal, the company faces financial and regulatory challenges, such as deficiencies in anti-money laundering measures and being unfit to hold a gambling license."
- "The enigmatic figureheads of the casino-personalities world, including high-stakes poker players, might be interested in the premium gaming rooms in the Oasis and Sovereign areas of the Star Casino Brisbane."
- "As the Star Casino Brisbane operates 24/7, it expands its accessibility for visitors, but within the context of responsible-gambling initiatives and concerns about problem gambling, it's crucial to maintain a balance and promote a safe gaming environment."
