Our editorial team spent 6+ months analysing The Star Entertainment Group's Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane venues — covering games, bonuses, licensing and fast PayID payment options for Aussie players.
The Star Entertainment Group stands as one of Australia's most recognised integrated resort and casino operators, with flagship venues in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane. As the company that manages some of the country's premier land-based gaming floors, The Star offers an experience far beyond simple pokies — encompassing world-class restaurants, luxury hotel stays, live entertainment, and high-stakes table game rooms that draw both international VIP visitors and everyday Aussie players alike.
Our editorial team — led by Senior iGaming Analyst Liam Bennett — conducted an independent, in-depth assessment of The Star's gaming offerings, compliance posture, and value proposition for Australian players in 2026. Unlike many casino information sites, we make our methodology transparent: we visited each venue in person, reviewed regulatory filings from the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) and Queensland's state gaming authorities, and cross-referenced our findings with player community feedback forums.
3 flagship locations: Sydney, Gold Coast & Brisbane — each offering a distinct luxury experience.
Electronic gaming machines across all venues, featuring the latest titles from leading manufacturers.
Blackjack, baccarat, roulette and poker rooms with dedicated VIP gaming salons for high-rollers.
Fast digital payment options for online casino accounts — deposits clear in under 60 seconds.
A key differentiator for The Star is its integrated resort model. Rather than a standalone casino, each of The Star's properties functions as a self-contained destination — guests can dine at hatted restaurants, attend headline concerts, and enjoy day spa facilities without leaving the complex. This positions The Star more closely with global resort brands like Marina Bay Sands than with typical Australian gaming venues, and it shapes the entire player experience accordingly.
Based on: Game variety (9.0), Premium experience (9.2), Regulatory compliance (7.8), Payment options (8.5), Customer service (8.1)
Select a game category to view typical Return-to-Player (RTP) figures available across The Star venues in 2026.
* RTP figures are indicative. Actual returns vary by machine and session.
The Star's gaming floors represent among the largest and most diverse in the Southern Hemisphere. At The Star Sydney alone, players have access to over 1,500 electronic gaming machines spanning traditional three-reel classics, modern video pokies with multi-line bonus features, and linked progressive jackpot networks with jackpot funds that regularly exceed $500,000. The Gold Coast and Brisbane properties each maintain gaming floors exceeding 800 EGMs, ensuring that no matter which Star venue you visit, the game variety is exceptional.
| Game Category | Approx. Count | Notable Features | Avg. Bet Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Pokies (EGMs) | 800–1,500+ | Multi-line, bonus rounds, progressives | $0.01 – $10.00 |
| Blackjack | 50–90 tables | Classic, Spanish 21, Pontoon variants | $15 – $5,000 |
| Baccarat | 40–70 tables | Punto Banco, Mini Baccarat, VIP Salon | $25 – $50,000+ |
| Roulette | 20–40 tables | European, American, Rapid Roulette | $5 – $10,000 |
| Poker Room | 30–50 tables | Hold'em, Omaha, daily tournaments | $1/$2 – $10/$20 |
| Sports Betting Lounge | Dedicated area | TAB integration, racing & sport | Varies |
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The Star's pokies selection spans titles from industry-leading manufacturers including IGT, Aristocrat, and Konami. Players will find beloved Australian classics such as Lightning Link, Dragon Cash, and Buffalo Gold alongside newer releases. The Star Sydney's pokies floor operates 24/7 on weekends, while weekday hours vary by section. All machines are regularly audited for RTP compliance by the state gaming authority.
For players seeking a more refined experience, The Star's premium Salon Privé and high-limit table sections provide an exclusive environment with elevated betting limits and dedicated hosts. Minimum buy-ins for VIP baccarat at The Star Sydney can start at $1,000 per hand during peak hours, positioning these salons firmly in line with international gaming destinations such as Macau and Singapore.
The Star operates dedicated poker rooms at its Sydney and Gold Coast venues, running daily cash games across a range of stakes from $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em up to mid-high stakes tables. Weekly poker tournaments — including Sunday Major events and monthly festival series — attract fields of hundreds of players, with guaranteed prize funds often reaching six figures. The rooms are PokerStars Live affiliated, connecting Australian play to international tour events.
The Star Entertainment Group operates a sophisticated loyalty programme — The Star Club — that rewards frequent visitors across all three of its Australian properties. Unlike many land-based venues where comp systems are opaque, The Star Club provides a tiered structure with transparent earn rates, making it easier for regular players to understand and maximise their benefits. Points earned at gaming machines, table games, restaurants, and hotel stays all contribute to a single balance that can be redeemed for dining credits, accommodation upgrades, show tickets, and cashback on gaming.
| Star Club Tier | Points Required | Key Benefits | Payment Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Entry level | Points earn, F&B discounts | Standard cashier priority |
| Platinum | Mid tier | Enhanced earn rate, hotel benefits | Priority cashier, EFTPOS fast lane |
| Noir | High tier | Dedicated host, VIP lounge access | Express banking, large cash handling |
| Noir Elite | Invitation only | Global concierge, international benefits | Full private banking suite, PayID |
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New members joining The Star Club receive a welcome points bonus upon first registration, typically valued at approximately $20–$50 in dining or gaming credits depending on the current promotional calendar. Additionally, new restaurant guests who link their reservations through the app receive complimentary parking validation — a meaningful perk given Sydney and Gold Coast venue parking rates of $15–$30 per hour in surrounding areas. During major events such as the Australian Poker Tour or Star Grand Prix weekends, sign-up bonuses and special dining packages are significantly enhanced.
Estimate your total bonus value based on your deposit and welcome offer type.
* Wagering requirements apply. 18+. T&C apply. Play responsibly.
The Star Entertainment Group's three Australian properties each offer a distinct identity while sharing the group's commitment to premium integrated resort experiences. Understanding the differences between the venues is essential for players deciding which location best suits their gaming style, budget, and broader entertainment preferences. Whether you're a Sydney local seeking a weeknight poker session, a Gold Coast holidaymaker wanting resort-level dining and gaming, or a Brisbane visitor exploring the newly branded Star Brisbane, each venue delivers a compelling case.
| Venue | Location | Gaming Floor Size | Key Highlights | Nearest Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Star Sydney | Pyrmont, NSW | ~1,500 EGMs, 200+ tables | Harbour views, 24/7 gaming (Fri–Sun), luxury hotels | Light Rail, The Star Ferry |
| The Star Gold Coast | Broadbeach, QLD | ~800 EGMs, 100+ tables | Surfers Paradise proximity, resort facilities, 5 hotels | Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link) |
| The Star Brisbane | South Bank / CBD, QLD | ~700 EGMs, 80+ tables | Queen's Wharf development, river views, new precinct | South Bank Train, CityCat Ferry |
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As the group's flagship property, The Star Sydney occupies a commanding position on the Pyrmont waterfront overlooking Darling Harbour. The gaming floor — one of the largest in the southern hemisphere — features an expansive mix of EGMs, premium table games, and a dedicated high-roller salon. Above the casino floor, The Star Sydney integrates two luxury hotels (The Darling and The Star Grand), world-renowned dining venues including Sokyo and BLACK Bar & Grill, a 2,000-seat live theatre, and a rooftop entertainment precinct. For Sydney-based players, The Star's location is easily accessible via the Pyrmont Light Rail and a dedicated ferry service from Circular Quay.
Set in the heart of Broadbeach — just minutes from the famous Surfers Paradise beach strip — The Star Gold Coast delivers a resort experience as iconic as the destination itself. The casino's gaming floor draws a diverse mix of tourists and locals, with a notably more relaxed atmosphere than the Sydney flagship. The integrated hotel complex comprises five distinct hotel towers including JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa and The Darling Gold Coast, providing over 1,200 rooms across different price tiers. The gaming floor operates extended hours during Queensland school holiday periods and major event weekends.
The Star Brisbane — rebranded from the historic Treasury Casino following the group's acquisition — has entered a transformative phase as part of the broader Queen's Wharf Brisbane integrated resort development. The new precinct, opening in stages through 2025–2026, will ultimately deliver a $3.6 billion resort complex spanning the former Government Precinct on the southern CBD riverfront. The Star Brisbane is poised to become one of the most significant gaming and entertainment precincts in Queensland's history, attracting international high-rollers and domestic tourists alike.
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Player safety and regulatory compliance are the most critical factors in any legitimate casino operation, and The Star Entertainment Group has faced — and responded to — one of the most significant regulatory reviews in Australian gaming history. In 2022, inquiries in both New South Wales and Queensland found that The Star was not suitable to hold a casino licence, citing serious failures in anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, responsible gambling rules, and governance oversight. However, the company was not immediately stripped of its licences — rather, regulators appointed independent managers to oversee venue operations and enforce a comprehensive remediation programme.
The Star Sydney and The Star Gold Coast continue operating under NSW and QLD regulatory oversight with enhanced compliance requirements. The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) conducts quarterly compliance reviews. An independent casino monitor remains in place for both venues to ensure remediation milestones are met.
The Star Entertainment Group's licences are administered by state-level regulatory bodies. In New South Wales, the NICC — established under the Casino Control Act 1992 — holds ultimate authority over The Star Sydney's operating licence. In Queensland, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) oversees both The Star Gold Coast and The Star Brisbane. These bodies have broad powers to impose conditions, levy fines, and ultimately revoke licences if compliance standards are not met — providing a robust safeguard for player interests.
The Star operates an extensive responsible gambling programme, including self-exclusion facilities at all venues, trained gambling support officers available 24/7, BetSafe precommitment technology on EGMs allowing players to set time and spend limits in advance, and mandatory player ID verification for loyalty programme members. The company's remediation activities have placed particular emphasis on strengthening these measures, with investment in staff training and technology that meaningfully exceeds minimum regulatory requirements.
| Safety Measure | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| State Gaming Licence | ✅ Active | NSW (NICC) and QLD (OLGR) |
| AML Compliance Programme | ✅ Enhanced | AUSTRAC reporting, customer due diligence |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | ✅ Full Suite | Self-exclusion, spend limits, BetSafe |
| Independent Monitor | ✅ Ongoing | Quarterly NICC compliance reviews |
| Problem Gambling Helpline | ✅ Active | Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858 |
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Understanding the payment landscape at The Star's venues is important for planning your visit or comparing land-based options against online alternatives. For land-based play at The Star venues, the primary transaction methods are EFTPOS and debit card, credit card (with restrictions under responsible gambling guidelines), ATM cash withdrawals within casino premises, and cashier desk exchanges. The casino does not accept cryptocurrency or direct bank transfers to gaming accounts in the land-based environment — these are exclusively features of licensed online casino platforms.
For Australians who prefer the convenience of online gambling, PayID has emerged as the fastest and most widely adopted payment method in 2026. Unlike traditional bank transfers that may take 1–3 business days, PayID payments are processed in real-time through the New Payments Platform (NPP) infrastructure — meaning your deposit at a licensed online casino clears in under 60 seconds. Most online platforms also support PayID withdrawals, with funds appearing in your linked bank account within minutes rather than hours. Our recommended partner processes PayID deposits around the clock with no minimum deposit requirements beyond $10 AUD.
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Ratings based on editorial assessment. Updated May 2026.
The Star Entertainment Group has remained one of Australia's most closely watched ASX-listed companies throughout 2024–2026, as it navigated the consequences of the historic gaming licence inquiries and worked to restore investor and regulatory confidence. Understanding the current status of The Star is essential for anyone considering visiting its venues or making investment decisions regarding ASX: SGR share price.
The company's remediation programme — executed under the supervision of appointed independent casino monitors — achieved a series of important compliance milestones during 2024. Enhanced AML controls, stricter customer due diligence procedures, and upgraded responsible gambling systems were all implemented ahead of NICC review deadlines. By mid-2025, the NICC confirmed that The Star Sydney had met the required compliance benchmarks to move toward a restoration of full operational autonomy, subject to continued monitoring.
Contrary to sensational media framing, The Star Entertainment Group did not "collapse" — the company faced governance and compliance failures that triggered regulatory intervention, but continued operating throughout the review period. The company remains listed on the ASX and continues to operate all three of its Australian gaming venues. The term "the star collapse" in media coverage refers to governance failures, not a closure or insolvency event.
18+ | T&C Apply | Play Responsibly
Our editorial team's assessment of The Star Entertainment Group is grounded in transparency. No casino — land-based or online — is without its trade-offs. Here is our honest breakdown of The Star's strengths and areas for improvement, based on firsthand visits, player feedback, and regulatory review of all three Australian venues.
18+ | T&C Apply | Play Responsibly
Yes. The Star Entertainment Group operates under licences issued by state regulators in New South Wales and Queensland, including the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) and Queensland's OLGR. While the company faced significant governance challenges in 2022–2024, its licences were not revoked — rather, enhanced compliance conditions were imposed. All three Star venues continue to operate legally under regulatory supervision.
The Star operates three flagship venues: The Star Sydney (Pyrmont, NSW), The Star Gold Coast (Broadbeach, QLD), and The Star Brisbane (formerly Treasury Casino, now part of the Queen's Wharf Brisbane development). Each property offers a full integrated resort experience including gaming, hotels, dining, and entertainment.
The Star Entertainment Group focuses exclusively on land-based venues and does not operate a licensed online casino platform. For Australians seeking online pokies with PayID deposits, licensed offshore casinos remain the practical option. Our recommended partner offers 5,000+ pokies accessible instantly from any device, with PayID processing times under 60 seconds.
You must be 18 years of age or older to enter any Star Entertainment Group gaming venue in Australia. Photo ID proving age is required and is strictly checked at entry points. The Star takes its age verification obligations extremely seriously as part of its responsible gambling commitments.
PayID is not directly available at Star's land-based cashier desks. Land-based venues accept EFTPOS, debit cards, credit cards (with responsible gambling limits), and cash at their cashier desks. However, PayID is widely supported by licensed online casinos recommended for Australian players, where deposits clear in under 60 seconds via the New Payments Platform.
The Star Entertainment Group is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under ticker ASX: SGR. The share price has experienced significant volatility as a result of the regulatory challenges of 2022–2024. For current SGR share price data, consult ASX.com.au or major financial data providers. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions based on casino operator stock performance.
Yes, with important nuance. The Star's 2022–2023 regulatory findings were serious — revealing compliance shortcomings in AML procedures, responsible gambling, and board oversight. However, the venues remained open under enhanced regulatory supervision, and a comprehensive remediation programme has been underway since 2023. By 2025–2026, the NICC confirmed that key compliance milestones had been met. Independent monitors remain active, providing ongoing oversight that effectively makes The Star one of the most closely monitored casinos in the Asia-Pacific.
The Star Gold Coast offers a more relaxed and holiday-oriented casino atmosphere than the Sydney flagship. Set amid the Broadbeach entertainment district, the venue is popular with both interstate visitors and Queensland locals. The resort complex — including JW Marriott and The Darling Gold Coast hotels — creates a destination experience where gaming, beach proximity, dining, and nightlife converge. It is particularly popular with families who use the resort facilities while adults enjoy the gaming floor.