Thinking of visiting The Star? We've compared every key factor — games, safety, location and value — so beginners can decide with confidence.
The Star Entertainment Group is one of Australia's most recognisable gaming and entertainment organisations, operating landmark properties in Sydney and on the Gold Coast. For anyone new to casino gaming in Australia, understanding what The Star offers — and how it compares to alternatives — is the essential first step before visiting or exploring online options.
Important for beginners: The Star does not operate a licensed online casino product in Australia. Under Australian law, online casino gambling is prohibited for residents. However, Australians may still access licensed offshore platforms for online pokies and table games.
With that context established, The Star's physical venues remain among the most visited entertainment destinations on the east coast. Their venues combine gaming floors with award-winning restaurants, luxury hotels, live entertainment and conference facilities — a true integrated resort model.
The Star Gold Coast, situated at Broadbeach on Queensland's famous coastline, is the centrepiece of the brand's Queensland operations. The venue offers a diverse gaming floor, multiple signature restaurants, a 5-star hotel and access to The Star's entertainment precinct. It attracts both domestic visitors and international tourists looking for premium entertainment within walking distance of the beach.
The Gold Coast venue draws visitors seeking a full-day or weekend experience rather than just gaming. The blend of gaming floor excitement with quality food and beverage options makes it suitable for groups of mixed interests, including those who may not be regular casino visitors.
| Feature | The Star Gold Coast | The Star Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Broadbeach, Queensland | Pyrmont, New South Wales |
| EGMs (approx.) | 700+ | 900+ |
| Table Games | 30+ | 40+ |
| Hotel On-Site | Dorsett Gold Coast | The Star Grand Hotel |
| Restaurants | 9 | 11+ |
| Parking | Free on-site | Paid, nearby |
| Public Transport | G:link tram nearby | Light rail on doorstep |
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Answer 3 quick questions and we'll match you to the right venue — Gold Coast or Sydney.
Q1: What is your primary goal when visiting?
Q2: How important is easy public transport access?
Q3: What is your ideal stay duration?
Many visitors to The Star are curious about online pokies associated with The Star Entertainment brand. It is important to clarify: The Star does not offer an Australian-licensed online casino. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits Australian companies from providing online casino-style games to local residents. This means The Star online pokies, as promoted through some affiliate channels, refer to offshore-licensed alternatives — not an official Star Entertainment product.
The Star's gaming floor offers EGMs and live table games in a regulated, supervised environment. Online alternatives are provided by offshore-licensed operators. Always verify licensing before depositing with any online platform.
At the physical venues, pokies enthusiasts will find an extensive selection of machines from major manufacturers including Aristocrat and IGT — two companies that also power many online platforms. The floor layouts change periodically, so it is worth noting that game availability varies by visit date. Popular game categories on the floor include:
For visitors interested in The Star poker room specifically, both venues hold regular tournaments and maintain dedicated poker rooms where cash games run throughout the day. The Star Sydney's poker room is one of the largest in Australia and regularly hosts featured events on the Australasian poker circuit.
Estimate the value of a typical online casino welcome bonus. Useful for comparing platforms as an alternative to The Star.
When weighing up The Star against competing options, beginners benefit from a clear side-by-side view. The Star competes with Crown Casino in the physical resort space, while online, it has no direct branded equivalent — meaning Australians seeking digital gaming typically turn to offshore-licensed platforms. Below is a transparent comparison of the landscape as of 2026.
The Star's physical venues score highly for the overall resort experience, atmosphere and regulated gaming environment. Online platforms, while separate brands, can offer the convenience of gaming from home along with welcome bonuses and a broader game catalogue. For beginners weighing The Star against online alternatives, the choice largely comes down to whether you value the physical experience or digital convenience.
Safety and regulatory standing are among the most critical factors for any casino visitor or player, particularly beginners. The Star Entertainment Group has faced significant regulatory challenges in recent years, including a 2022 inquiry by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (formerly NICC) that resulted in findings of suitability concerns. The group subsequently underwent substantial reform efforts including leadership changes, enhanced compliance frameworks and renewed responsible gambling commitments.
Regulatory status (2026): The Star Sydney and The Star Gold Coast continue to operate under licence while ongoing compliance milestones are monitored by the respective state gaming regulators. Players should review the latest updates from the NSW Independent Casino Commission and the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation for current status.
Responsible gambling is an area where The Star has invested considerably. The the venue now provides a range of harm minimisation tools:
Set a strict budget before entering. Treat casino visits as entertainment, not a source of income. Never chase losses. Use The Star's responsible gambling tools proactively — they are there to protect you, not penalise you.
| Safety Factor | The Star Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government Regulation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | State-licensed, regularly audited |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | BetStop, self-exclusion, CLEO system |
| Financial Transparency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ASX-listed public company |
| Security & ID Verification | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mandatory ID at entry |
| Recent Compliance Record | ⭐⭐⭐ | Ongoing reform post-2022 inquiry |
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