Everything Australian players need to know about The Star Entertainment Group — licences, venues, pokies, mobile experience, crypto payments, and rewards.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive. Please gamble responsibly. GamblingHelpOnline.org.au
The Star Entertainment Group stands as Australia's most prominent publicly listed casino operator, holding gaming licences across New South Wales and Queensland. Founded in 1997, the organisation operates three iconic venues — The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast, and The Star Brisbane at Queen's Wharf — serving millions of visitors annually. As an ASX-listed entity (ticker: SGR), The Star Entertainment Group maintains a level of corporate transparency and regulatory accountability that few gaming operators in the Asia-Pacific region can match.
For players seeking a trusted Star entertainment experience in Australia, the Group's long track record, strict government oversight, and commitment to responsible gambling make it one of the most credible choices on the market. The organisation employs over 8,000 staff members and contributes significantly to state tax revenues, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of Australian entertainment infrastructure.
✅ Verified Status: The Star Entertainment Group's casino licences are active and in good standing with NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) and Queensland's Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR). Real-money gaming is fully authorised at all three venues.
| Criteria | Rating | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Compliance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fully licenced, NICC and OLGR regulated |
| Venue Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | World-class integrated resorts |
| Gaming Variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 2,500+ EGMs, table games, poker |
| Mobile Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | The Star Club app on iOS & Android |
| Rewards Programme | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tiered Star Club loyalty benefits |
| Responsible Gambling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mandatory safeguards, exclusion tools |
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Licence legitimacy is the most critical factor any Australian player must verify before engaging with a casino. The Star Entertainment Group operates under some of the most stringent gaming regulations in the world. The Star Sydney is regulated by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC), which replaced the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority in 2021, specifically to exercise enhanced oversight of NSW's two casino licensees. The NICC holds powers to impose conditions, conduct investigations, and revoke or suspend licences as required — providing players with genuine regulatory backstop.
Queensland venues — The Star Gold Coast and The Star Brisbane — fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), which administers the Casino Control Act 1982. Both Queensland licences are renewable and subject to periodic government reviews. The Group's transparency as an ASX-listed entity (SGR) adds another verification layer: financial disclosures, continuous disclosure obligations, and independent audits are all publicly accessible through the Australian Securities Exchange.
Regulates The Star Sydney. Established 2021 with enhanced investigative and enforcement powers over NSW casino operators. Issues, renews, and can revoke casino licences.
Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation oversees The Star Gold Coast and The Star Brisbane under the Casino Control Act 1982. Conducts regular compliance audits and investigations.
As a publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange, The Star Entertainment Group must adhere to continuous disclosure obligations, ensuring financial transparency for investors and the public.
🔒 Regulatory Note: Following the Bell Review (2022) and subsequent regulatory actions, The Star Entertainment Group undertook significant remediation programmes and appointed a Special Manager at The Star Sydney. This reflects the seriousness with which Australian regulators treat casino governance — reinforcing rather than undermining long-term trustworthiness.
| Venue | Regulator | Legislation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Star Sydney | NICC (NSW) | Casino Control Act 1992 (NSW) | Active |
| The Star Gold Coast | OLGR (QLD) | Casino Control Act 1982 (QLD) | Active |
| The Star Brisbane | OLGR (QLD) | Casino Control Act 1982 (QLD) | Active |
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The Star's Queensland properties represent two distinctly different entertainment experiences for Australian players. The Star Gold Coast, located in Broadbeach on Queensland's famous tourist strip, is an integrated resort featuring a casino, luxury hotel towers, multiple dining outlets, a spa, and live entertainment venues. Its position makes it one of the Gold Coast's premier leisure destinations, attracting both interstate and international visitors throughout the year. The Star Gold Coast experience combines relaxed beachside atmosphere with world-class gaming facilities.
The Star Brisbane at Queen's Wharf, which began phased openings in 2023 and 2024, represents the single largest infrastructure investment in Queensland's history. The development, in partnership with Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, features The Star Brisbane casino, luxury hotels including the Dorsett Brisbane and Rosewood Brisbane, sky bridges connecting six heritage buildings, and over 50 dining, bar, and entertainment experiences. The star Brisbane venues set a new benchmark for integrated resort development in Australia.
Pyrmont, NSW. Flagship venue with over 1,500 electronic gaming machines, international-class table games, The Astral Hotel & Residences, Sokyo restaurant, and Events Centre for live entertainment.
Broadbeach, QLD. Integrated resort with 600+ gaming machines, hotel towers (The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast), waterpark, day spa, 20+ restaurants and bars, and live entertainment facilities.
Queen's Wharf, QLD. Landmark development with casino, Rosewood & Dorsett hotels, sky bridges, 50+ dining/entertainment options. Central riverside location in Brisbane's CBD.
| Feature | The Star Sydney | The Star Gold Coast | The Star Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Pyrmont, NSW | Broadbeach, QLD | Queen's Wharf, QLD |
| Hotel Rooms | 480+ | 600+ | 1,000+ |
| Gaming Machines | 1,500+ | 600+ | 400+ |
| Table Games | 160+ | 80+ | 70+ |
| Dining Options | 20+ | 20+ | 50+ |
| Parking | Available | Available | Available |
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18+ · Please gamble responsibly
Estimate your Star Club rewards based on your gaming spend. The Star's loyalty programme converts gaming activity into Star Points redeemable for dining, accommodation, and exclusive experiences.
The Star Entertainment Group operates one of Australia's most comprehensive electronic gaming machine (EGM) catalogues across its three venues. The Star's electronic gaming machines are subject to strict return-to-player minimums mandated by Australian state regulators — a minimum 85% RTP floor applies to all EGMs in both NSW and Queensland, with machines typically achieving 87%–96% RTP in practice. The group's gaming catalogue spans classic three-reel machines, modern video pokies with multiple paylines, and progressive jackpot networks delivering life-changing prizes.
Beyond pokies, The Star's gaming floors feature extensive table game suites. The Star's poker rooms are particularly notable — The Star Sydney hosts some of Australia's most prestigious poker tournaments, including events attracting international talent. Table game offerings include Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette (both European and American variants), Sic Bo, Tai Sai, and Multiple-Hand Pai Gow. The group's live dealer offerings and stadium gaming environments bring high-energy, immersive experiences to players at every level.
2,500+ pokies across three venues. Regulated minimum 85% RTP. Penny to high-limit denominations. Progressive jackpots and linked networks available.
310+ table games across all venues. Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Sic Bo, Pai Gow. Private rooms available for VIP and high-roller players.
Regular cash games and tournament series at The Star Sydney and Gold Coast. Events ranging from recreational to professional levels with significant prize awards.
| Game Category | Count | Min Bet (AUD) | Jackpot Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Gaming Machines | 2,500+ | $0.01 | Yes — Linked Progressives |
| Baccarat Tables | 80+ | $25 | — |
| Blackjack Tables | 70+ | $15 | — |
| Roulette Tables | 50+ | $5 | — |
| Poker Cash Games | 30+ | $1/$2 blinds | Tournament Prizes |
| Sic Bo / Tai Sai | 20+ | $10 | — |
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18+ · T&C Apply
The modern Star experience extends well beyond the gaming floor — it lives in your pocket. The Star Club app, available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play), is The Star Entertainment Group's official mobile platform, designed to put rewards management, venue navigation, and exclusive member benefits at your fingertips. The app provides seamless access to your Star Club membership details, current Star Points balance, tier status, and personalised offers without requiring a visit to any venue. For players who prioritise mobile convenience, The Star Club app transforms every interaction with the brand into a connected digital experience.
The app also serves as a digital concierge for all three venues — allowing members to browse restaurant menus, book dining reservations, check show and event schedules, and manage accommodation bookings at The Star's hotel properties. Push notifications deliver time-sensitive member exclusives, bonus Star Points events, and priority access to high-demand experiences. The Star's mobile platform thus serves as both a loyalty management tool and a comprehensive venue companion, reducing friction for frequent visitors across Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.
Available on Apple App Store. Membership management, Star Points tracker, dining reservations, event bookings, and exclusive member push notifications. Optimised for iPhone and iPad.
Available on Google Play Store. Full feature parity with iOS version. Supports all Android phones running Android 8.0 or later. Regular updates deliver new venue content and loyalty features.
Opt-in push alerts for bonus Star Points events, member-exclusive dining offers, upcoming entertainment, and personalised promotions based on your visit history and tier level.
📱 Mobile-First Features: The Star Club app supports digital membership card presentation at all three venues — eliminating the need for a physical card. QR code scanning at venue terminals updates your Star Points balance in real time, providing immediate transparency on earned rewards.
Answer 3 quick questions to discover your optimal Star experience.
Q1: Which Australian city do you live in or visit most?
Based on your answers, The Star Sydney is your ideal venue match.
Explore The Star →Understanding payment options at The Star is essential for players planning their visit. The Star Entertainment Group's land-based venues operate primarily within Australia's regulated banking infrastructure, accepting Australian Dollars (AUD) via standard cash transactions, EFTPOS, Visa, and Mastercard at cashiering counters and gaming floor service points. ATMs are available at all three venues for cash withdrawals, and chip purchases at table games are facilitated by trained floor staff. Responsible gambling considerations are built into the payment process — daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits can be set via The Star Club membership and the Star Club app.
For crypto-focused players, it is important to note that The Star's land-based venues currently process transactions in AUD exclusively at gaming points of sale. However, The Star's online channels and loyalty ecosystem continue to evolve with digital banking preferences. The organisation accepts digital payment methods including Apple Pay and Google Pay at non-gaming retail and dining outlets within its venues. Players interested in casino platforms with direct cryptocurrency integration may find that The Star's offering is complemented by the security and regulatory certainty it provides. The golden star casino no deposit bonus concept does not apply to The Star's land-based model — benefits are earned through actual Star Club membership activity.
Full cash handling at all gaming cashier counters. EFTPOS available for chip purchases. ATMs located throughout all three venues for convenience.
Credit and debit card transactions accepted at cashiering. Responsible gambling controls: daily spend limits on linked membership cards reduce overspending risk.
Contactless digital payments accepted at dining, retail, and hospitality outlets within The Star venues. Tap-and-go convenience for non-gaming transactions.
| Payment Method | Gaming Use | Dining/Retail | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash (AUD) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | All venues, cashier counters |
| EFTPOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Daily limits apply |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Regulated spend controls |
| Apple Pay | Dining only | ✓ Yes | Non-gaming outlets |
| Google Pay | Dining only | ✓ Yes | Non-gaming outlets |
| Cryptocurrency | Not offered | Not offered | Land-based venues AUD only |
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⚠️ Responsible Payment Note: All The Star cashiering points adhere to AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) reporting requirements. Large cash transactions are subject to mandatory reporting. Responsible gambling deposit limits are strongly encouraged and easily configured via The Star Club app or at any membership service desk.
The Star Entertainment Group's player rewards ecosystem is anchored by The Star Club — a tiered loyalty programme that converts gaming, dining, and hotel spend into Star Points redeemable for a wide array of benefits. Unlike online casino welcome bonuses with complex wagering requirements, The Star Club operates on a transparent earn-and-redeem model tied to real activity at the venues. Membership is free and open to any Australian resident aged 18 or over, with card registration available at membership services desks at all three venues or via the Star Club website.
The programme offers four membership tiers — Classic, Gold, Platinum, and Elite — each unlocking progressively richer benefits. Higher tiers enjoy enhanced Star Points earn rates on gaming spend, priority access to exclusive events, complimentary dining credits, accommodation upgrades at The Star's hotels, and dedicated concierge services. Seasonal promotions and limited-time bonus point events are regularly communicated through the Star Club app and via email to registered members, creating ongoing engagement value beyond standard point accumulation.
Entry-level tier. Earn Star Points on gaming and dining. Access to member-exclusive pricing, birthday dining offers, and standard promotions. Free to join at any venue.
Mid-tier rewards including enhanced earn rates (1.5x–2x), priority seating at restaurants, invitations to member events, and hotel rate discounts at Star properties.
Top-tier benefits including dedicated Elite lounge access, 3x Star Points earn rate, complimentary hotel stays, personal host services, and invitation-only VIP events at all three venues.
| Tier | Points Earn Rate | Key Benefits | Hotel Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 1pt per $10 | Member pricing, birthday offers | Standard rates |
| Gold | 1.5pt per $10 | Priority restaurant seating | 10% discount |
| Platinum | 2pt per $10 | Event invitations, lounge access | 20% discount |
| Elite | 3pt per $10 | Personal host, VIP events | Complimentary nights |
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18+ · Free Membership · T&C Apply
Typical return-to-player percentages at The Star venues (regulated minimums enforced by NICC/OLGR).
The Star Entertainment Group Limited (ASX: SGR) is the corporate entity that owns and operates The Star brand across Australia. Incorporated as a listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange, the Group functions as a fully integrated entertainment business — combining casino operations, luxury hospitality, fine dining, and live entertainment under one brand umbrella. The star entertainment group began life as Echo Entertainment, rebranding to The Star Entertainment Group in 2015 to better reflect the unified premium positioning of its venues.
The The Star share price (ASX: SGR) provides a real-time indication of the Group's financial health and investor confidence. As a publicly traded entity, the Group is required to file continuous disclosure announcements, annual reports, and half-year financial results with the ASX — all accessible to any member of the public at asx.com.au. This corporate transparency distinguishes The Star Entertainment Group from privately owned or offshore-licensed casino operators, providing players with an additional layer of accountability. The Group's board includes independent directors, audit and risk committees, and oversight mechanisms consistent with ASX Corporate Governance Principles.
📊 Investment Transparency: The Star ASX listing (SGR) filings include quarterly business activity reports, full year and half year financial results, investor presentations, and all material announcements. This level of disclosure means players can independently verify the organisation's financial standing before engaging with any of its venues.
The Star Entertainment Group maintains a robust responsible gambling framework as a condition of its casino licences in both New South Wales and Queensland. The Group's approach is proactive, data-driven, and deeply integrated into venue operations — not an afterthought or compliance checkbox. At every Star venue, players can self-exclude from gaming via Gambling Help Online or via The Star's own exclusion programme, request limit controls on their Star Club membership, and access confidential gambling counselling referrals through trained staff at any membership services desk.
The The Star news coverage coverage in recent years has highlighted the Group's remediation efforts following regulatory reviews, including enhanced anti-money laundering controls, strengthened identity verification processes, and expanded problem gambling intervention tools. These reforms, while commercially challenging in the short term, have materially strengthened the Group's compliance posture and reinforced the legitimacy of The Star as a regulated Australian casino operator. Players can interact with confidence knowing the organisation is subject to ongoing government scrutiny and accountability.
🆘 Support Resources (AU): Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au — 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7). NT: MindFrame. QLD: gamblinghelp.qld.gov.au.
After comprehensive analysis of The Star Entertainment Group's operations, regulatory standing, gaming product, and member experience, here is an honest assessment of the platform's strengths and areas for improvement.
We verify all casino licences with official regulatory databases, test loyalty programmes through real membership activity, and cross-reference financial data with ASX disclosures before publishing any review.
All reviews are updated quarterly — or immediately upon material changes to licensing status, regulatory actions, or venue operations. Dates reflect the most recent comprehensive review.
Our reviews are independent assessments based on verified public data. We disclose any affiliate relationships transparently. Affiliate relationships do not influence our ratings or factual assessments.
Answers to the most common questions about The Star Entertainment Group, its casino venues, and the Star Club loyalty programme.
Yes. The Star Entertainment Group holds active casino licences in New South Wales (regulated by NICC — NSW Independent Casino Commission) and Queensland (regulated by OLGR — Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation). The Group is also listed on the ASX (ticker: SGR), adding a further layer of publicly accessible regulatory accountability.
The Star's three land-based venues (Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane) process gaming transactions in Australian Dollars (AUD) only. Cryptocurrency payments are not currently accepted at gaming cashier points. Dining and retail outlets within the venues accept standard card payments and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The Star Entertainment Group operates three major venues: The Star Sydney (Pyrmont, NSW), The Star Gold Coast (Broadbeach, QLD), and The Star Brisbane at Queen's Wharf (Brisbane CBD, QLD). All three are integrated resort destinations offering gaming, hotels, dining, and entertainment.
The Star Club membership is free to join for any Australian resident aged 18 or over. Register at the Membership Services desk at any of the three Star venues, or begin the registration process online via thestar.com.au. You'll need valid photo ID. Once registered, you'll receive your Star Club card and begin earning Star Points on gaming and dining activity.
Entry to the gaming floor at all The Star venues requires players to be 18 years of age or older, in compliance with Australian law. Valid government-issued photo ID is required. The Star's security staff enforce age verification at all gaming floor entry points.
Yes. The Star Entertainment Group (ASX: SGR) is publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The company's financial reports, annual results, and continuous disclosure announcements are accessible to the public via the ASX website (asx.com.au), providing full corporate transparency.
Electronic gaming machines at The Star venues are regulated to return a minimum of 85% to players over time (the minimum RTP mandated in both NSW and QLD). In practice, most modern video pokies at The Star achieve RTP rates of 87%–96%, depending on the specific machine and denomination. Individual machine RTP information can be requested from venue staff.
Self-exclusion from The Star's gaming can be requested at the Membership Services desk at any venue, through the Star Club app's responsible gambling section, or via Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline.org.au, 1800 858 858). Self-exclusion applies across all three Star venues and can range from a temporary cooling-off period to a permanent exclusion.