The Star Gold Coast
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Integrated resort, Casino, Hospitality |
| Predecessor | Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Conrad Jupiters |
| Founded | November 22, 1985 in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia |
| Founder | Conrad Hotels, Jupiters Limited |
| Headquarters | Broadbeach , Australia |
Area served | Queensland, Australia |
| Products | Casino gaming, Hotel accommodation, Event spaces, Bars, Restaurants, Theatre, Wellness amenities |
| Owner | Bally's Corporation (via Star Entertainment Group) |
| Parent | Star Entertainment Group |
The Star Gold Coast—previously known as Jupiters Hotel and Casino—is a prominent 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. In 2017, it adopted its current identity following acquisition by the Star Entertainment Group, a Bally's Corporation subsidiary.
A contribution of one percent from the casino’s gross gaming revenue supports the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, which was created in 1987 to assist charitable community organizations and is managed by the Queensland Government.
Spanning seven acres, the facility includes eight bars, seven dining venues, event spaces such as conference rooms and a ballroom, a theatre, alongside wellness amenities like a health spa and gymnasium. Accommodation options encompass 1,171 hotel rooms and 457 residences. The resort is directly linked to the neighboring Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The original structure rises 66 metres over 21 floors. Operations are governed by the Jupiters Casino Agreement Act.
Theatre
The Jupiters Theatre experienced a $20 million upgrade and expansion, reopening its doors in June 2012. This refurbishment more than doubled audience capacity to 2,000 seated attendees or 2,300 for general admission, incorporating cutting-edge technology and architectural enhancements to improve patron experience.
Improvements featured a balcony level seating up to 300 guests, VIP hospitality suites, additional bars and restrooms across multiple floors, an integrated cinema projection booth, a versatile mechanical thrust stage, enhanced accessibility for disabled patrons, and expanded dressing room facilities.
Since discontinuing in-house productions in 2008, the theatre has hosted international touring shows such as Mother Africa, ABBA Revival, Burn The Floor, Dance of Desire, and STOMP.
History
Conrad Jupiters Casino officially opened on 22 November 1985 with an inaugural crowd of 10,000 attendees. Constructed by Jennings Construction Services at a cost of AU$210 million, it was the largest hotel in Australia at that time. Initially operated through a partnership between Conrad Hotels and Jupiters Limited, it merged with Tabcorp in November 2003. In April 2010, the venue was rebranded as Jupiters Hotel & Casino and subsequently became part of Echo Entertainment Group (now known as Star Entertainment Group) in 2011 following Tabcorp’s spin-off of its casino assets.
The 'Jupiters' name pays tribute to Jupiter Mosman, an Aboriginal man credited with discovering gold in Queensland in 1871. Conrad Hotels was established by Conrad Hilton and later became part of Hilton Worldwide.
Significant events include a 1995 controversy involving rugby league player Julian O'Neill and the casino’s implication in money laundering activities during 2006-2007. Between 1993 and 2001, the casino was subject to a $5.7 million fraud scheme involving falsified food orders; investigations were reportedly obstructed by senior executives.
In 2008, security personnel piloted the use of wearable cameras to document incidents, sparking debates over privacy issues. Regulatory bodies criticized the casino in 2009 for inadequate internal controls that allowed individuals on exclusion lists to enter the premises.
Renovations & expansions
A $53 million renovation project in 2006 expanded the casino floor by combining two levels into one larger gaming area. Level Two was converted into the Gold Club room and complemented by a new restaurant, balcony spaces, and two bars. By 2008, refurbishment efforts included updating 442 hotel rooms at an expense of $16 million along with enhancements to the hotel lobby bar and front desk area.
In August 2015, redevelopment valued at $345 million commenced, featuring the addition of a new 17-storey tower.
Recent growth has introduced new hotels under The Star Gold Coast branding. The Star Grand remains the largest with its 592 rooms. The Darling offers an all-suite experience with 56 luxury suites while the Dorsett hotel adds another 313 guest rooms.
Scheduled for completion by 2025 is the Epsilon tower—a 63-storey building that will provide 210 hotel rooms alongside 457 residential apartments.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- 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