Brisbane to Go Casino-Free for Three Days as Treasury Closes for Queen's Wharf
For the first time in almost three decades, Brisbane will be without a casino for over three days, as the historic Treasury Casino closes its doors at midnight on Sunday, 27th August. The closure paves the way for the grand opening of The Star at the £2.5 billion Queen's Wharf precinct, scheduled for 2pm on Thursday, 31st August.
The Star Entertainment Group, operator of both venues, has confirmed that Treasury Casino patrons will be "politely farewelled" at 11:59pm on Sunday. The decision to close the casino, which has been a fixture in the city since 1995, was "an emotional one" for staff, according to Daniel Finch, The Star's Brisbane CEO.
The move is necessitated by the company's Queensland licence, which only permits one casino in the city. Shifting operations to the newly built Queen's Wharf has proven a complex and expensive undertaking. The Treasury Casino generated a substantial £142.4 million in revenue for The Star in 2023-24, an average of almost £400,000 per day.
While the casino closes, the adjoining Treasury Hotel will remain operational. Both buildings, which are heritage-listed and located in the heart of the city's central business district, are currently being marketed for sale. The Star anticipates that both sites will be refurbished and re-opened as retail and dining venues before the end of 2025.
"We are having some very positive discussions and negotiations regarding the sale process," Finch stated.
The opening of Queen's Wharf is a major event for Brisbane, marking the culmination of a significant investment in the city's tourism infrastructure. The new precinct will be opened in phases, with the casino and the Star Grand Hotel's 3,500-square-metre event centre serving as the initial attractions on Thursday.
"Our main gaming floor will be open, along with our premium gaming rooms," said Finch, adding that five restaurants will also be opening on the first day.
The closure of the Treasury Casino and the opening of The Star at Queen's Wharf signifies a significant shift in Brisbane's entertainment landscape. The city's gambling scene will be forever altered, with the new precinct promising a diverse and modern offering for both locals and visitors alike.
