Published on: January 12, 2026, 07:55h.
Updated on: January 12, 2026, 07:55h.
- Star Entertainment is downsizing its corporate operations in Brisbane
- This closure is expected to affect approximately 600 positions, with some roles potentially offered at the company’s three casinos
- Star is actively pursuing strategies to lower its operational costs
Star Entertainment is shutting its corporate offices in Brisbane, a strategic move aimed at significantly cutting costs for the company.
Last year, Bally’s Corporation, based in the US, acquired a majority interest in the Australian gaming firm. Bally’s, associated with billionaire Soo Kim’s private equity firm Standard General, secured approximately a 61% stake in Star for A$300 million through a partnership with the Mathieson family. Currently, Bally’s holds about 38%, while Mathieson has a 23% stake.
Since taking the helm, Kim and Bruce Mathieson Jr., who has since stepped into the CEO role, have aimed to stabilize the casino by reducing operating costs and boosting short-term revenue. In August, Star completed a significant transaction, selling 50% of The Star Brisbane, relieving the company of over A$1 billion in debt.
Star Entertainment’s casino portfolio includes The Star Gold Coast, The Star Sydney, and The Star Brisbane.
Corporate Closure
The Australian Financial Review was the first to report on Star Entertainment’s plans to close its Brisbane corporate complex.
“We intend to close the corporate office as it currently stands,” Mathieson Jr. declared to the business press. “Difficult choices lie ahead. We must act decisively to strengthen and ensure a sustainable future for Star.”
According to investor reports submitted to the Australian Securities Exchange, the company’s corporate headquarters currently employs roughly 600 staff members.
“The corporate office has introduced complexity instead of value and simplicity. We need to connect more closely with our customers and empower our on-ground teams. Moreover, we must adhere to the regulatory requirement to decentralize operations and empower our property teams,” Mathieson added.
Risky Strategy
Star’s challenges began in 2021, when allegations surfaced that the company, alongside its competitor Crown Resorts, neglected to address concerns related to money laundering practices. Following government investigations, Star was deemed unfit to maintain its gaming licenses, as claims arose that its casinos were facilitating money laundering by organized crime rings.
Star faced accusations of failing to promote responsible gambling, fabricating business records, and exhibiting “institutional arrogance” within its leadership. Importantly, Star received time to rectify its practices rather than facing immediate revocation of its gaming licenses.
The company has since restructured its management and invested significantly in retraining its workforce to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. Additionally, Star has faced substantial financial penalties, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Eliminating the corporate office and allowing individual casinos to ensure compliance can be seen as a risky gamble. Without a unified approach, the responsibility for compliance will rest solely on each casino’s management team.