Conrad Jupiters
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Gaming, Entertainment |
| Predecessor | Conrad Jupiters, Jupiters Hotel and Casino |
| Founded | November 22, 1985 in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia |
| Founder | Conrad Hilton (Conrad Hotels) |
| Headquarters | Broadbeach , Australia |
Area served | Queensland, Australia |
| Products | Casino, Hotel, Bars, Restaurants, Conference facilities, Theatre, Spa, Fitness centre |
| Owner | Star Entertainment Group |
| Parent | Star Entertainment Group |
| Website | www |
The Star Gold Coast—previously known as Jupiters Hotel and Casino—is an integrated resort situated in Broadbeach on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Australia. As the state’s inaugural casino, it commenced operations in November 1985 under the name Conrad Jupiters and is currently managed by the Star Entertainment Group. The venue adopted its current branding, The Star Gold Coast, in 2017.
A fixed allocation of one percent from the casino’s gross gaming revenue is directed to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Established in 1987 and overseen by the Queensland Government, this fund supports various non-profit community organizations.
Spanning seven acres, the complex encompasses eight bars, seven dining establishments, conference spaces, a ballroom, a theatre, a health spa, and a fitness center. Together, the hotels provide a total of 1,171 guest rooms. The resort enjoys a direct connection to the neighboring Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Its original structure rises 21 floors high, reaching a height of 66 metres. Operations are regulated under the provisions of the Jupiters Casino Agreement Act.
Theatre
In June 2012, Jupiters Theatre reopened following a $20 million renovation and expansion project. This refurbishment more than doubled its seating capacity to accommodate 2,000 patrons seated or up to 2,300 for general admission events, significantly improving audience experience with cutting-edge technology and architectural enhancements.
The improvements introduced a balcony level seating up to 300 guests, VIP hospitality suites for special events, additional bars and restrooms on both balcony and orchestra levels, an integrated projection booth for films, a versatile mechanical thrust stage, enhanced accessibility for disabled patrons, and enlarged dressing room facilities.
Since ceasing its own productions in 2008, Jupiters Theatre has hosted international touring performances including Mother Africa, ABBA Revival, Burn The Floor, Dance of Desire, and STOMP.
History
Conrad Jupiters Casino officially opened on 22 November 1985 under the Conrad International Hotel and Jupiters Casino brand, attracting an audience of approximately 10,000 on opening day. Constructed by Jennings Construction Services with an investment of AU$210 million, it was recognized as Australia’s largest hotel at that time. Initially managed by Conrad Hotels alongside Jupiters Limited, the property merged with Tabcorp in November 2003. The venue was rebranded as Jupiters Hotel & Casino in April 2010. Following Tabcorp’s spin-off of casino assets in 2011, it became part of Echo Entertainment Group (now known as Star Entertainment Group).
The ‘Jupiters’ title pays tribute to Jupiter Mosman, an Aboriginal man credited with discovering gold in North Queensland in 1871. Conrad Hotels derives its name from founder Conrad Hilton and is part of Hilton Worldwide.
In 1995, Jupiters Hotel & Casino received media coverage related to incidents involving Rugby League player Julian O'Neill. Between May 2006 and November 2007, both this venue and Brisbane’s Treasury Casino were exploited by welfare recipients connected to organized crime networks for money laundering activities.
From 1993 until 2001, the casino experienced a $5.7 million fraud scheme involving fictitious food orders orchestrated by corrupt employees and suppliers; senior management reportedly hindered investigations until law enforcement intervened in 2003.
In 2008, security personnel piloted head-mounted cameras to document incidents within the property; however, this initiative raised privacy concerns due to insufficient regulatory frameworks. The following year, the Office of Gaming criticized the casino’s security measures after excluded individuals gained entry.
Renovations & expansions
In 2006, the complex experienced a $53 million upgrade to its casino, which involved merging two floors to double the gaming area and introducing the Gold Club room, new dining options, balconies, and bars. By 2008, $16 million was invested in refurbishing 442 hotel rooms, along with enhancements to the front desk and lobby bar.
A major redevelopment project commenced in August 2015, valued at $345 million, featuring the construction of a 17-storey tower.
Recent growth has seen the addition of new hotels under The Star Gold Coast umbrella. The Star Grand continues to be the largest property with 592 rooms. The Darling offers 56 all-suite luxury accommodations, while the Dorsett hotel adds 313 guest rooms to the portfolio.
Scheduled for completion in 2025, the 63-storey Epsilon tower will introduce 210 hotel rooms and 457 residential apartments.
See also
External links
- Broadbeach, Queensland
- Buildings and structures on the Gold Coast, Queensland
- Casinos completed in 1985
- Casinos in Queensland
- Hotel buildings completed in 1985
- Hotels established in 1985
- Hotels in Queensland
- Tourist attractions on the Gold Coast, Queensland
- 1986 establishments in Australia
- Tourism on the Gold Coast, Queensland
- Boxing venues in Australia
- Star Entertainment Group
- Music venues in Australia
- Casino hotels in Queensland
- Conrad Hotels