From the iconic The Star Sydney Sydney to the dazzling Gold Coast and the brand-new Brisbane Queens Wharf, The Star Entertainment Group shapes Australia's premium gaming landscape. This is the authoritative, independently researched 2026 guide to everything The The Star offers — plus the best online alternatives for Australian players.
18+ only · Gambling responsibly · T&C apply · Affiliate disclosure
Few names carry as much weight in Australian gaming as The Star Entertainment Group. Since The Star Sydney Sydney first opened its doors in 1995, The Star has grown from a single waterfront venue into a fully integrated entertainment empire spanning three of Australia's largest cities. The story of The Star's story is inseparable from the story of Australian tourism, hospitality, and the regulated gaming industry — a narrative of ambition, controversy, and reinvention.
The Star Entertainment Group listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: SGR) and at its peak was valued at several billion dollars. Today the group operates three flagship integrated resorts: The Star Sydney in Pyrmont, The Star Gold Coast at Broadbeach, and the newest addition, The Star Brisbane at the transformative Queens Wharf precinct. Together, these three properties attract millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to state tourism revenues across New South Wales, Queensland, and New South Wales again via the Sydney property.
The years between 2022 and 2026 mark the most turbulent chapter in The Star's history's history. Independent inquiries in both New South Wales and Queensland found that The Star Entertainment Group had been unsuitable to hold a casino licence, citing failures around anti-money laundering controls, high-roller oversight, and governance standards. The consequences were severe — heavy fines, enforced management restructures, and sustained monitoring by regulators. Nevertheless, all three The group's properties properties remained operational through this period, underlining the group's systemic importance to Australian tourism infrastructure.
As of 2026, The Star Entertainment Group is navigating a detailed remediation programme overseen by regulators and an independent monitor. The The Star properties continues to welcome domestic guests under tightened controls — a significant, if sobering, evolution for one of Australia's most recognised gaming brands.
The Star Sydney at Pyrmont is the jewel in The Star Entertainment Group's portfolio — Australia's second-largest casino by floor space and arguably its most iconic. Positioned on the western edge of Darling Harbour, the The Star Sydney complex stretches across a waterfront precinct that includes gaming floors, luxury hotel towers, celebrity-chef restaurants, a theatre, nightclubs, and a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline. For first-time visitors and seasoned players alike, The Star Sydney Sydney delivers an experience that few gaming venues in the Asia-Pacific can match.
The Star Sydney gaming floor spans two massive levels. Guests stepping inside encounter everything from the latest digital video pokies to traditional table games — baccarat, blackjack, roulette, pai gow, sic bo — as well as a dedicated poker room that hosts regular tournaments open to players of all skill levels. The Star Sydney also maintains exclusive high-limit gaming salons for VIP patrons, offering a degree of privacy and service quality that mirrors the finest gaming rooms in Macau or Singapore.
The Star Sydney Gold Coast occupies a prime position in Broadbeach — a suburb that has developed around the casino precinct into one of Queensland's most vibrant entertainment districts. Unlike its Sydney sibling, The Star Gold Coast positions itself as a full resort destination, where the casino floor is just one of many reasons to visit. International and domestic tourists book into the property for the shows at Lyric Theatre, the beach access, the acclaimed dining scene, and the luxury spa at The Star Grand hotel — with the casino floor serving as a thrilling evening centrepiece rather than the sole attraction.
The The Star Gold Coast Gold Coast gaming floor is modern and spacious, featuring an updated mix of electronic pokies alongside a full range of table games. The venue is popular with both serious poker players and recreational tourists who want to experience the thrill of casino play in a relaxed, resort atmosphere. Weekend evenings at The Star Gold Coast are especially vibrant, with live music spilling across the venue's bars and the gentle Queensland evening drawing crowds to the outdoor terraces overlooking Broadbeach Mall.
The Star Brisbane represents The Star Entertainment Group's most ambitious infrastructure project: a purpose-built integrated resort embedded within the transformative Queens Wharf Brisbane redevelopment along the Brisbane River. Opened progressively from 2024, The Star Brisbane is part of a $3.6 billion precinct that reshaped the city's riverfront with new hotels, a sky deck, restaurants, bars, and public open space. For The Star Entertainment Group, Brisbane offered the opportunity to establish a brand-new, state-of-the-art casino designed from the ground up with contemporary standards and visitor expectations in mind.
| Feature | The Star Sydney | The Star Gold Coast | The Star Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Year | 1995 | 1999 | 2024 |
| City | Sydney, NSW | Broadbeach, QLD | Brisbane, QLD |
| Gaming Machines | ~1,500 | ~1,400 | ~1,000 |
| Table Games | ~200 | ~100 | ~90 |
| Hotel Rooms | 700+ | 500+ | 1,000+ |
| Regulator | NICC (NSW) | OLGR (QLD) | OLGR (QLD) |
| VIP Gaming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
← scroll →
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll match you with the ideal The Star destination destination for your trip.
1. What's your primary reason for visiting?
The gaming floors across The The Star's properties represent one of the most comprehensive collections of casino entertainment in Australia. Whether you're drawn to the hypnotic rhythm of pokies in their land-based form, the psychological theatre of The Star properties poker, or the strategic elegance of baccarat and blackjack, The Star delivers depth and variety that few comparable venues can match. Understanding what the this casino's gaming offer — and how they compare to online alternatives — is essential for any Australian player planning their gaming strategy.
The The Star pokies machines span multiple categories — from classic three-reel fruit machines beloved by traditionalists, to modern multi-line video pokies with elaborate bonus rounds, progressive jackpots, and immersive cinematic themes. The Star Sydney alone houses more than 1,500 electronic gaming machines (EGMs), making it one of the largest pokies floors in the country.
The The Star's poker rooms poker rooms are among the busiest in Australia, drawing both recreational players and professional grinders. The Star Sydney Poker Room operates daily cash games and hosts scheduled tournaments, including qualifying events for major Australian and international series. The atmosphere is professional, well-managed, and structured around a comprehensive registration and waiting-list system that respects player time.
| Game Type | Available At | House Edge (approx.) | Min Bet | Online Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Pokies | All 3 properties | 5–15% | 1c–$1.25/line | Online pokies (96–97% RTP) |
| Blackjack | All 3 properties | 0.5% | $10–$50 | Live blackjack (same rules) |
| Baccarat | All 3 properties | 1.06% (banker) | $15–$100 | Live baccarat |
| Roulette | All 3 properties | 2.7% (single zero) | $1–$10 | Live roulette |
| Texas Hold'em | SYD, GC, BNE | Rake-based | $1/$2 blind | Online poker rooms |
| Pai Gow | SYD, GC | 2.84% | $15 | Live pai gow (select sites) |
| Sic Bo | SYD, GC | 2.78% | $5 | Live sic bo (select sites) |
← scroll →
At the heart of The The Star's experience lies a sophisticated loyalty ecosystem that rewards consistent patronage with access to exclusive privileges across all three properties. The Star VIP program — operating under the umbrella of The Star's loyalty framework — is designed to recognise and celebrate high-value players while offering a suite of lifestyle benefits that extend well beyond the casino floor. From complimentary accommodation in The Darling's premium suites to invitations to closed private events attended by international performers, VIP membership at The Star represents the pinnacle of the group's hospitality offering.
Below the VIP tier, The Star operates a general membership programme open to all adult visitors. Members accumulate points for every dollar wagered on pokies and certain table games, which can then be redeemed for dining credits, show tickets, and hotel stays across the Star properties.
The international VIP business — attracting high-net-worth players from Asia — was historically one of The Star Entertainment Group's most lucrative revenue streams. The regulatory scrutiny of 2022–2024 specifically highlighted shortcomings in how the group managed its international junket operations and high-roller due diligence. While this segment of the business has been significantly curtailed and restructured as part of the compliance remediation programme, The Star's domestic VIP offering has continued to evolve, with an emphasis on lifestyle value and personalised service rather than pure gaming volume.
Can't make it to a The Star properties property? See how much a a Star property online alternative bonus could be worth to you.
For illustrative purposes only. Actual bonus terms vary by casino. Always read T&Cs.
One of the most common questions from Australian players is whether a star casino online platform exists — a digital counterpart where you can play pokies and table games without travelling to Sydney, Gold Coast, or Brisbane. The answer is nuanced: The Star Entertainment Group does not currently operate a licensed online casino in Australia, as online gambling of this nature remains regulated under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which restricts Australian operators from offering real-money online casino games to domestic players.
However, thousands of Australian players access legitimate offshore online casinos that are licensed in jurisdictions such as Malta (MGA), Curaçao, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man. These platforms legally accept Australian players and offer a comprehensive range of pokies, live dealer tables, poker, and more — delivering an experience that, while different from a land-based casino visit, is genuinely compelling in its own right. If you want to enjoy the kinds of games found on The Star floor without leaving home, these licensed offshore platforms represent the most practical solution.
Play 1,000+ video pokies from Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech — many featuring the same game mechanics as The The Star's's EGM floor, with RTPs of 95–97%.
Stream live baccarat, blackjack, and roulette from studios staffed by professional croupiers — replicating The The Star table game experience with real-time interaction and HD video.
Unlike land-based The Star properties, online alternatives offer welcome deposit bonuses, free spin packages, and ongoing promotions that extend your playtime and improve potential returns.
Access the full catalogue on iPhone, Android, or tablet — no app download required at most quality online casinos. Play land-based venues-style games anywhere in Australia on mobile data or Wi-Fi.
🔒 Offshore licensed · 18+ only · Responsible gambling tools available
| Feature | The The Star (Land-Based) (Land-Based) | Online Casino Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pokies RTP | 85–95% (regulated min.) | 95–97%+ (published RTP) |
| Live Tables | Physical croupiers | Live streamed croupiers |
| Welcome Bonus | None (membership points only) | 100–200% deposit match |
| Minimum Bet | 1c–$10 depending on game | 1c–$0.10 on pokies |
| Operating Hours | 24/7 (most areas) | 24/7 always |
| Atmosphere | Full resort, social experience | Private, play at home |
| Payment Methods | Cash, card, EFTPOS | Card, crypto, bank transfer |
| Access | Travel to venue required | Instant, from any device |
← scroll →
Compare the estimated RTPs of games found at The The Star's's physical floors versus leading online casino alternatives.
Left column: estimated The The Star physical floor RTP · Right column: typical online equivalent RTP
The Star's safety and regulatory compliance is a topic of significant public and governmental concern in Australia. The Star Entertainment Group holds casino licences in two Australian states — New South Wales and Queensland — issued and overseen by independent regulatory bodies with broad investigative and enforcement powers. The journey toward that compliance, however, has been extensively scrutinised following landmark regulatory inquiries in 2022 and 2023.
As of 2026, The Star Entertainment Group operates under a detailed remediation plan that includes enhanced AML and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) controls, strengthened board governance, an independently appointed casino monitor, and revised player protection frameworks. The NICC and OLGR have both acknowledged progress in the remediation programme while maintaining active oversight. The Star news and star entertainment group updates of 2026 reflects a business in genuine transformation — one grappling with the reputational and operational consequences of past failures while demonstrating measurable improvements in its compliance posture.
For domestic visitors and recreational players, The Star remains a safe and legally sanctioned environment with comprehensive responsible gambling tools. The regulatory pressure, paradoxically, has made The Star's consumer-facing protections more robust than at any previous point in its history — with carded play, spending tracking, and voluntary limits all improved significantly since 2022.
Staying informed about the group's news is essential for anyone following the fortunes of The Star Entertainment Group in 2026. The past several years have produced extraordinary developments for the company — from the shock of adverse regulatory findings to boardroom restructures, landmark fines, and the operational opening of The Star Brisbane as an entirely new casino property. Below is a summary of the most significant star casino share price and business developments heading into mid-2026.
The Star Entertainment Group (ASX: SGR) share price experienced significant volatility in the period from 2022 to 2026, declining sharply following the adverse suitability findings and associated fines. Recovery has been gradual, closely tied to demonstrated progress on the remediation programme and broader market conditions in Australian tourism and hospitality.
The Star Entertainment Group's path through 2026 is shaped by the balance between remediation obligations and business sustainability. The Star Sydney continues to drive the majority of group revenue, supplemented by the growing contribution from the Gold Coast property and the maturing Brisbane operation. The Star news news in 2026 is increasingly focused on positive signals — improving compliance scores, stabilising leadership, and cautious optimism around the return of international tourism that was suppressed during the post-COVID and post-inquiry period.
This guide is produced through hands-on visits, regulatory document analysis, and ongoing monitoring of the Australian gaming industry. Our editorial team applies a consistent framework when assessing any land-based venue or online platform — ensuring that every claim in this guide is grounded in verifiable evidence rather than promotional material provided by the venues themselves.
We assess machine variety, table game selection, minimum and maximum betting limits, and the overall condition and layout of the gaming floor.
We review current regulatory status, read NICC and OLGR reports, and evaluate responsible gambling tools including self-exclusion, carded play, and pre-commitment.
Hotels, restaurants, shows, and the broader resort ecosystem are assessed for value, quality, and how meaningfully they complement the gaming experience.
| Evaluation Criterion | The Star Sydney | The Star Gold Coast | The Star Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming Variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| Dining & Entertainment | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| Hotel Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| VIP Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| Responsible Gambling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| Accessibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
← scroll →
Our overall assessment: The Star Entertainment Group operates three outstanding integrated resort destinations that collectively represent the benchmark of Australian land-based gaming. While regulatory history creates an important context for any visitor, the quality of the physical experience across all three properties remains high. For Australians who cannot or prefer not to travel, licensed offshore online alternatives provide a compelling digital complement with comparable game types, higher RTP, and the convenience of play from any device.
Want casino-quality gaming without the journey? Try star casino online alternatives.
Play Online Now →18+ · Licensed offshore casino · Responsible gambling tools available
Yes, all three The Star properties properties — The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast, and The Star Brisbane — remain open to the public in 2026. Following the adverse suitability findings of 2022–2023, The Star Entertainment Group operates under an enhanced regulatory and compliance framework overseen by an independent monitor, but all venues are fully operational. Opening hours vary by venue and area within each casino; the main gaming floors are typically open 24 hours.
The Star Entertainment Group does not currently operate a licensed online casino in Australia. Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, Australian-licensed operators cannot offer real-money online casino games domestically. However, Australian players can legally use offshore licensed online casinos that offer star casino-style games — pokies, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and live dealer tables — through platforms licensed in Malta, Curaçao, Gibraltar, or the Isle of Man.
The The Star properties properties offer a comprehensive range of gaming options including: hundreds to thousands of electronic gaming machines (pokies/EGMs), table games (blackjack, baccarat, roulette, pai gow, sic bo, three-card poker), an active poker room with cash games and tournaments, and dedicated VIP gaming salons. The Star Sydney has the largest gaming floor with approximately 1,500 pokies and 200 table games.
The The Star Gold Coast is located at Broadbeach, on Queensland's Gold Coast, approximately 6 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise. The address is 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach QLD 4218. The venue is easily accessible via the Gold Coast light rail (G:link) from the Broadbeach South station, which is directly adjacent to the complex.
Independent reviews commissioned by regulators in NSW (the Bell Inquiry, 2022) and Queensland (Gotterson Review, 2022) found that The Star Entertainment Group was unsuitable to hold casino licences. The findings cited failures in anti-money laundering controls, inadequate oversight of international VIP junket operators, and governance shortcomings. Significant financial penalties were imposed and an independent monitor was appointed to oversee an extensive remediation programme. As of 2026, that remediation remains ongoing.
The Star Brisbane is the newest and most modern The Star property, opening property, opening within the spectacular Queens Wharf Brisbane precinct in 2024. It offers a state-of-the-art casino floor alongside luxury hotels (Dorsett, Nomo), over 50 food and beverage outlets, a Sky Deck observation walkway, and connection to Brisbane's CBD and South Bank. For visitors to Brisbane, it represents one of the most impressive integrated entertainment precincts in Australia and is highly recommended as a destination regardless of whether you plan to gamble.
The The Star properties properties maintain a smart casual dress code on the main gaming floor. Guests are asked to wear neat, presentable clothing. Thongs (flip-flops), singlets, and excessively casual or torn clothing are generally not permitted on the gaming floor. The VIP gaming areas typically have a stricter dress standard — smart to business casual is recommended. Specific venue rules can vary and are best confirmed directly with the individual property.
You must be 18 years or older to enter the gaming areas at any any Star property property in Australia. Photo ID is required. Under 18s may be permitted in certain hotel, restaurant, and entertainment areas of the integrated resort complex, but are strictly prohibited from gaming floors. The Star properties takes age verification seriously and conducts regular ID checks.
The The Star offers a self-exclusion programme that allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from entering gaming areas at Star properties. Self-exclusion can be arranged by contacting The Star's Responsible Gambling team directly at any property or via the Gambling Help line (1800 858 858). Minimum exclusion periods typically begin at one year. Self-exclusion is a confidential process and extends across all three The Star venues.
Australian players seeking star casino-style gaming online can access a range of offshore licensed casinos that offer an extensive selection of pokies, live dealer tables, poker, and more. These platforms accept AUD deposits, operate 24/7, and typically offer welcome bonuses that land-based casinos do not. Look for sites licensed by the MGA (Malta), Curaçao eGaming, or Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, and always verify that responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion) are available before registering.
Thousands of Australians enjoy Star-style pokies and table games from home. Access The Star game types game types with better RTP and welcome bonuses at leading offshore casinos.
Claim Your Online Bonus →18+ · T&C apply · Gamble responsibly