Opening of Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf and Concerns About The Star Casino
The state government of Queensland is celebrating the long-awaited opening of the new casino precinct in Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf. The staged opening of this massive development attracted around 10,000 visitors on its first day, with attractions such as the Star Grand Hotel and casino, Sky Deck viewing platform, events center, and a bike path. Additionally, the Neville Bonner Bridge, which connects pedestrians from South Bank to Queen’s Wharf, was also opened on August 29.
The Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) CEO, Anthony Ryan, hailed the precinct as a “game-changer” and “the new hero of Queensland tourism.” He believes that this landmark development, with its world-class hotels, event venues, and stunning riverside location, will elevate Brisbane’s reputation as a must-visit destination on the global stage. Premier Steven Miles echoed this sentiment, stating that Queen’s Wharf will be the largest integrated resort development to open in the world in years to come.
However, amidst the celebration, concerns have been raised about The Star’s history of non-compliance as a casino operator. In 2022, the state Labor government fined The Star in Brisbane and Gold Coast a staggering $100 million due to “major failings” in its anti-money laundering efforts. The gaming group also faced other charges that resulted in guilty pleas in the Brisbane Magistrates Court in 2023. The court found that the casino lacked proper controls on their EFTPOS machines, allowing customers to potentially gamble beyond their means.
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath emphasized that the community expects The Star, at the very least, to take responsibility for controlling gambling harm and preventing money laundering. In response to these concerns, Star Brisbane CEO Daniel Finch assured that the company has implemented increased measures in terms of money laundering prevention and harm minimization. He emphasized that they now have an extensive team and protocols in place, demonstrating their commitment to suitability.
Despite these concerns, all 340 rooms at the new Star Grand hotel were fully booked for its opening night and throughout the weekend. This indicates a strong initial demand and positive reception from the public. It remains to be seen how The Star will address the issues surrounding its compliance and maintain a positive reputation moving forward. Nevertheless, the opening of Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf marks a significant milestone for the city’s tourism industry and sets the stage for future growth and development.
