Star Entertainment posts $8m loss in fourth quarter as licence issues weigh on the casino group

Australia’s largest listed casino company has racked up another earnings loss as it continues to negotiate with regulators over licensing issues while its gaming-table revenue falls.

Star Entertainment made a loss of $8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, although that was a better result than the $27 million loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in the same period in the previous year.

Revenue was down 2 per cent over the year ended June 30 to $265 million, with most of the impact coming from its flagship The Star casino and entertainment operation in Sydney.

The Sydney casino suffered soft gaming table and non-gaming revenue, partially offset by stronger growth in gaming machine intake at the property.

Since October 2024, when Star Sydney was forced to introduce mandatory carded play - meaning a machine can only be used if a player card is inserted - and $5000 daily cash limits, average daily revenue has fallen by 20 per cent, the company said on Monday.

The NSW government has said the daily cash limit would remain until August 2027.

Star’s Sydney casino licence remains suspended.

Its Gold Coast casino remains under a cloud after the Queensland government in 2025 deferred the suspension of its licence to September 30, 2026.

The government has also extended the appointment of an external adviser for Star Brisbane until that date.

“The Star continues to engage with regulators and government in respect of the ... casino licences,” Star said.

Star has been battling regulatory issues since 2021, when authorities launched probes into potential breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

Shares in Star last traded at 12 cents.