We tested 50+ Australian gaming destinations. This gaming group remains the benchmark for serious players — three iconic properties, one world-class entertainment group.
18+ · Gamble Responsibly · T&C Apply
The Star is the trading name of The Star Entertainment Group, one of Australia's largest integrated resort operators. With flagship properties in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane, the group holds a unique position in the Australian gaming landscape — operating under strict state casino licences issued by the relevant regulatory authorities in NSW and Queensland.
For experienced players, The Star represents something distinct from offshore gambling sites: a fully regulated, brick-and-mortar casino environment where state laws govern every game on the floor. The group operates under continuous regulatory oversight, including the conditions imposed following the NSW Independent Casino Commission and Queensland Casino Control Division reviews of recent years.
Unlike unregulated offshore platforms, The properties operate under Australian law. Your gaming activity is protected by state consumer protections, responsible gambling mandates, and dispute resolution processes overseen by government regulators.
| Property | Location | Gaming Floor | Licence Issuer | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Star Sydney | Pyrmont, NSW | 160+ tables, 1,500 machines | NSW Independent Casino Commission | 1997 |
| The Star Gold Coast | Broadbeach, QLD | 70+ tables, 1,000 machines | Queensland Casino Control Division | 1985 |
| The Star Brisbane | Brisbane CBD, QLD | Part of Queen's Wharf precinct | Queensland Casino Control Division | 2022 |
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The Star Gold Coast stands as Queensland's most iconic gaming resort, located in the heart of Broadbeach. Opened in its original form in 1985 and redeveloped extensively since, the property draws millions of visitors annually — a blend of serious players, resort tourists, and entertainment seekers from across Australia and Asia. The casino floor spans multiple levels and houses a comprehensive selection of table games alongside an extensive pokies area.
For players focused on table gaming, the Gold Coast property offers baccarat salons popular with high-stakes VIP visitors, roulette, blackjack, and a dedicated poker room. The Star Gold Coast's gaming environment is designed for extended sessions — with comfortable seating layouts, attentive floor staff, and a pace tailored to experienced players rather than casual drop-ins.
The Star Gold Coast's mobile app and website allow guests to book hotel rooms, reserve restaurant tables, and manage Star Rewards points from any device. While real-money online gambling remains restricted in Australia, the mobile platform streamlines your visit planning significantly.
The Star Gold Coast parking facilities offer multi-level covered parking, with complimentary periods available for qualified gaming patrons. Weekend visitors should note that parking fills rapidly during major events on the Gold Coast entertainment calendar.
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The Star Sydney is the group's flagship property, located in the Pyrmont precinct just minutes from the Sydney CBD. As New South Wales' only casino, it operates under an exclusive licence issued by the NSW Independent Casino Commission — a regulatory body that has placed significant reform conditions on the property following independent reviews in 2022. These reforms have led to a substantially enhanced compliance culture, including strengthened anti-money-laundering programmes, revised gaming room access controls, and expanded responsible gambling infrastructure.
For experienced players visiting The Star Sydney, the property offers the broadest gaming floor in the network. Table game minimums vary by time of day and room, with dedicated premium areas available for higher-stakes play. The Sydney experience extends beyond gaming to an integrated resort with over 350 hotel rooms, multiple award-winning restaurants, and a rooftop bar and entertainment programme.
| Game Category | Availability | Min Bet (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baccarat | Main + Salon | $25–$100 | Punto Banco standard rules |
| Blackjack | Main Floor | $15–$50 | 6-deck shoe, standard AU rules |
| Roulette | Main Floor | $2–$10 per number | Single zero available |
| Poker | Poker Room | Varies by game | Live cash games daily |
| Pokies / EGMs | Multiple zones | $0.01+ | 1,500+ machines |
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The Star Sydney continues to operate under enhanced regulatory conditions following the 2022 Bell Review. While the property remains fully open, patrons should be aware that cashless gaming systems and expanded ID verification requirements are progressively being introduced across the floor in line with NSW regulatory directions.
The Star Brisbane represents the most significant development in Australian casino history in a generation. Opened in 2022 as the centrepiece of the Queen's Wharf Brisbane precinct — a $3.6 billion integrated resort development — The Star Brisbane brings a contemporary Asian-inspired resort aesthetic to Queensland's capital. The property operates under a Queensland casino licence and forms part of the broader Queen's Wharf precinct that includes Sky Deck observation platforms, luxury hotel towers, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the complex to South Bank.
For players accustomed to The Star's Gold Coast or Sydney properties, Brisbane feels distinctly modern. The gaming floor prioritises a cleaner layout with wider aisles, better natural light access, and a more measured atmosphere than the intensity of the Gold Coast casino. The table game selection covers all standard categories, with an especially strong baccarat offering reflecting the demographic preferences of Brisbane's growing international visitor base.
The Star Brisbane is embedded within the Queen's Wharf development, offering access to a broader entertainment complex beyond the casino floor itself. Guests benefit from integrated luxury hotels (Andaz, Dorsett, Rosewood are co-located), multiple restaurant precincts, Sky Deck with Brisbane River panoramas, and a network of covered walkways connecting the entire district.
Estimate your Star Rewards tier based on your typical visit spend
Estimated annual spend:
Likely Rewards Tier:
*Estimate only. Actual tier depends on game type, time on floor, and other factors assessed by The Star.
Mobile access to The Star experience has expanded significantly in recent years, though it operates within a specific legal framework that experienced Australian players need to understand clearly. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) prohibits licensed interactive gambling services from offering real-money casino games to Australian residents. This means The Star does not operate a licensed online casino or online pokies platform — however, the group has developed substantial mobile functionality for its resort and loyalty programme operations.
The Star's mobile platform serves as the primary touchpoint for patrons managing their visit on-the-go. Through the official app and mobile-optimised website, members can access their Star Rewards account, view point balances, redeem rewards, book hotel accommodation across all three properties, and reserve tables at flagship restaurants. For players who spend significant time across multiple Star properties, the mobile rewards management system adds genuine value to the overall experience.
Track points, view tier status, and redeem rewards across all three properties from your phone. Real-time balance updates after qualifying gaming sessions.
Book rooms at The Star Grand (GC), The Star (Sydney), or access partner hotels at the Brisbane precinct. Members-only pricing available via the app.
Reserve tables at Sokyo, Nineteen, Black Bar & Grill, and other venues. Waitlist management and instant booking confirmations.
Browse upcoming live entertainment, poker tournaments, sports viewing events, and VIP promotions across all three properties.
Validate parking at Gold Coast and Sydney via the app. Check real-time availability before arrival to plan your visit effectively.
Receive personalised offers based on your gaming history and tier status. App-exclusive promotions available to active Star Rewards members.
Many experienced players search for star casino online pokies, expecting a licensed online casino product. The Star does not operate one. Offshore sites offering Star-branded games are unlicensed in Australia. If you want to play electronic gaming machines, visit one of the three land-based properties — these are the only options regulated under Australian law.
How does The Star compare across key dimensions for experienced players?
| Feature | The Star | Crown Resorts | SkyCity Adelaide |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU Properties | 3 (SYD, GC, BNE) | 3 (MEL, PER, SYD) | 1 (ADL) |
| Regulatory Status 2026 | Active (enhanced conditions) | Active (reforms ongoing) | Active |
| Loyalty Programme | Star Rewards | Crown Rewards | SkyCity Rewards |
| Online Casino | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available |
| Mobile App Features | ✓ Full resort app | ✓ Full resort app | ✓ Basic app |
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Licensing and safety are the primary concerns of experienced Australian casino players — and for good reason. The Star Casino operates under some of the most scrutinised gambling licences in the Asia-Pacific region. Following extensive independent reviews commissioned by the NSW and Queensland governments between 2021 and 2022, both properties underwent significant regulatory reform. These reviews — the Bell Review (NSW) and the Gotterson Review (QLD) — found serious historical compliance failures but ultimately determined that The Star could continue operating under significantly enhanced conditions and regulatory oversight.
For players assessing whether The Star is a safe place to gamble, the 2026 picture is substantially improved from the pre-review environment. The group has invested heavily in compliance infrastructure, appointed new senior leadership with casino reform backgrounds, and is progressively implementing the technology-driven patron monitoring systems mandated by state regulators. This includes carded play systems that allow the casino to monitor gaming activity and intervene where responsible gambling indicators are triggered.
All three properties operate under state casino Acts that provide patrons with specific legal protections unavailable on offshore sites. These include:
| Regulation | NSW (Sydney) | QLD (GC & Brisbane) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Type | Casino Licence (NSW) | Casino Licence (QLD) |
| Regulatory Body | NSW Independent Casino Commission | QLD Casino Control Division |
| Self-Exclusion Register | NSW Self-Exclusion (BetStop compatible) | QLD Self-Exclusion Register |
| Problem Gambling Helpline | 1800 858 858 | 1800 858 858 |
| Mandatory Breaks | Yes (regulatory requirement) | Yes (regulatory requirement) |
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The Star news regularly covers the group's ongoing regulatory journey. In 2026, both the NSW and QLD properties continue to operate under enhanced supervision agreements. Patrons should be aware that some operational changes — including expanded cashless gaming zones — may affect the experience compared to previous visits. Check the official The Star website for current floor access and ID requirements before travelling.
Beyond the gaming floor, The Star properties are among Australia's most comprehensive integrated resort destinations. The dining and entertainment offering is deliberately positioned to attract visitors who may not be primary gaming customers — a strategy that creates a more diverse, vibrant atmosphere across all three venues. For experienced casino patrons, this means high-quality ancillary experiences that complement extended gaming sessions without leaving the precinct.
The Star Rewards programme is the loyalty currency spanning all three Star properties. Members earn points through qualifying gaming activity, hotel stays, and dining expenditure. Points can be redeemed for free play credits, discounted accommodation, complimentary dining, and access to exclusive member events. The programme operates across multiple tiers — each unlocking progressively enhanced benefits including priority service, dedicated parking allocations, and invitations to VIP events.
Star Rewards membership is free and can be initiated at any of the three properties. Valid Australian ID is required. Once enrolled, your account is accessible at all three properties and through the mobile app. For players visiting multiple Star properties throughout the year, the cross-property points earning and redemption capability provides genuine long-term value.
Which The Star mobile features are available at your nearest property?
This site contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission when you visit a referred property or sign up via links on this page. Our editorial positions are not influenced by commercial relationships — all assessments reflect our independent expert testing and analysis.
After extensive testing across all three properties and detailed analysis of The Star Entertainment Group's regulatory status, we assess The Star as Australia's premier land-based casino brand for experienced players seeking a comprehensive, regulated gaming environment. The group's three properties collectively offer the broadest range of table games, pokies, dining, and resort amenities available under Australian casino licences.
The regulatory journey of recent years — while challenging for the company — has produced structural improvements in compliance and responsible gambling infrastructure that benefit serious players. The enhanced oversight conditions mean the gaming environment is more tightly governed than before, which is ultimately positive for patron protection. Whether you're drawn to the Gold Coast's vibrant resort atmosphere, Sydney's sheer scale and prestige, or Brisbane's modern Queen's Wharf precinct, The Star delivers experiences that stand clearly above unregulated offshore alternatives.
18+ · Gamble Responsibly · Australian residents only · Real-money gaming at land-based venues only
Gambling should remain entertaining. If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harm, free confidential support is available:
National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free)
Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au
BetStop (National Self-Exclusion Register): betstop.gov.au
You must be 18 years or older to enter any The Star property.
💫 The Star — Australia's Premier Gaming Destination
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