Is The Star worth your time and money? We compared 7 key metrics — from licensing and pokies to bonuses and responsible gambling — so you can play smarter.
Explore The Star → 🔒 Licensed operator · 18+ only · Gamble ResponsiblyThe Star Entertainment Group is one of Australia's largest integrated resort and gaming operators, holding two state-issued casino licences and running three landmark venues across New South Wales and Queensland. Unlike the proliferation of offshore platforms that compete for Australian players' attention, The Star operates within one of the most tightly regulated gaming frameworks in the world — a fact that weighs heavily in its favour for slot enthusiasts who place safety above all else.
The group has invested billions of dollars in its three resort properties — The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast, and The Star Brisbane at Queen's Wharf. Each venue blends premium gaming floors with world-class dining, entertainment, and accommodation. While headline news has sometimes focused on compliance matters and governance reviews, the underlying infrastructure and regulatory commitment remain robust under ILGA and OLGR oversight.
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll match you with the best Star venue for your next visit.
QUESTION 1 OF 3 — Where in Australia are you based?
For pokies enthusiasts, The Star Gold Coast (originally known as Jupiters Hotel & Casino) represents one of Queensland's most storied gaming destinations. Situated in Broadbeach, just minutes from the beach and the Pacific Fair shopping centre, the venue combines an expansive gaming floor with a luxury hotel, multiple restaurants, and a live entertainment arena. The breadth of electronic gaming machines on offer reflects the diverse needs of recreational and serious players alike.
Hundreds of EGMs (pokies) across multiple zones, with a mix of classic three-reel titles, modern five-reel video pokies, and high-denomination machines for premium players.
Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Pai Gow, and Caribbean Stud sit alongside a dedicated Poker room hosting regular tournaments and cash games.
The Dorsett Gold Coast hotel, Kiyomi restaurant, multiple bars, a day spa, and The Star Events Centre — hosting local and international acts throughout the year.
Broadbeach, Gold Coast QLD. Free parking available on site. Easily accessible by tram (Gold Coast Light Rail, Broadbeach South stop), taxi, and rideshare.
Beyond the Gold Coast, The Star Sydney in Pyrmont remains the flagship. As NSW's only licensed casino, it occupies a prime harbourside position and features a sprawling gaming floor of over 1,500 machines plus 200 table games. The newest addition, The Star Brisbane at Queen's Wharf, opened progressively from 2022 onwards as part of a $3.6 billion integrated resort precinct that has reshaped Brisbane's CBD skyline ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
We evaluated The Star Entertainment Group across seven key dimensions that matter most to slot enthusiasts and regular casino visitors in Australia. Each metric was scored out of 10 based on publicly available data, regulatory disclosures, and direct on-site observation. Here is how the brand stacks up:
| Venue | Location | Licence | EGMs (approx.) | Table Games | Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Star Sydney | Pyrmont, NSW | ILGA (NSW) | 1,500+ | 200+ | Yes (The Darling) |
| The Star Gold Coast | Broadbeach, QLD | OLGR (QLD) | 900+ | 80+ | Yes (Dorsett GC) |
| The Star Brisbane | Queen's Wharf, QLD | OLGR (QLD) | 500+ | 50+ | Yes (Multiple) |
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Estimate how many reward points you could earn on a typical The Star visit.
The Star Club loyalty programme is the primary vehicle through which regular visitors extract ongoing value from their gaming spend. Unlike many offshore casino bonus structures built around aggressive wagering requirements, The Star's rewards framework is transparent, tiered, and reinforced by Australia's regulatory environment — which prohibits inducements designed to encourage excessive gambling.
Points can be redeemed for free play credits, dining vouchers, hotel stays, and merchandise. The Star also runs seasonal promotions — including jackpot tournaments on selected pokies, dining and stay packages, and exclusive member events tied to major entertainment acts. Members who use partner channels to access The Star ecosystem may be eligible for additional welcome bonuses and free play credits.
Claim Member Benefits → 18+ · Gamble Responsibly · T&C ApplyWhether you prefer the meditative rhythm of a pokie session or the social dynamics of a live table game, The Star's three venues collectively offer one of Australia's most comprehensive gaming catalogues. The group works with leading EGM manufacturers — including Aristocrat Leisure (an ASX-listed Australian company), IGT, and Konami — to maintain a floor mix that balances popular classics with contemporary titles.
Pokie enthusiasts will find denominations ranging from 1-cent multi-line machines to high-limit rooms starting at $1 per spin. Popular categories include:
For players interested in pokies and digital alternatives at The Star, The Star's partner ecosystem connects Australians to licensed offshore platforms offering thousands of titles from leading software providers. These include video pokies, live dealer tables, and jackpot games — accessible from any device with the same commitment to player protection that defines The Star's land-based offering.
| Game Category | Variants Available | Key Providers | Available At |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Pokies | Classic, Megaways, Bonus Buy | Aristocrat, IGT, Konami | Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane |
| Progressive Jackpots | Linked & Stand-alone | Aristocrat WS series | Sydney, Gold Coast |
| Table Games | Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Pai Gow | In-house dealers | All three venues |
| Poker | Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Tournaments | In-house poker room | Sydney (largest), Gold Coast |
| High-Limit Gaming | Premium EGMs & Tables | Mixed | Sydney (Astral), Gold Coast (VIP) |
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For slot enthusiasts, the question of whether a casino is genuinely safe is not abstract — it is the foundation on which any positive gaming experience must rest. The Star Entertainment Group's dual-licence structure, combined with mandatory pre-commitment legislation, places it among Australia's most accountable gaming operators. Understanding what these protections mean in practice helps players make informed decisions about where they spend their leisure time and money.
The NSW ILGA conducts regular audits of The Star Sydney's gaming operations, financial systems, and harm-minimisation programs. Casino operators must meet strict conditions or risk licence suspension.
Queensland's OLGR regulates The Star Gold Coast and Brisbane. Strict ongoing compliance monitoring covers cash handling, machine integrity testing, and patron interaction procedures.
Under NSW and QLD gaming legislation, The Star implements mandatory pre-commitment for electronic gaming machines, requiring players to set limits before they play.
Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop) allows players to self-exclude from gambling services nationwide. The Star venues participate fully in this program.
While The Star Entertainment Group has faced significant regulatory scrutiny in recent years — including independent reviews commissioned by ILGA and OLGR — the outcomes of these reviews have resulted in enhanced compliance frameworks, leadership changes, and strengthened player protection measures. The combination of regulatory pressure and institutional accountability ultimately benefits players more than it harms them.
After evaluating The Star across seven dimensions, here is an honest assessment of where the brand leads and where there is room for improvement — particularly relevant to slot enthusiasts and regular visitors.
Our Verdict: The Star remains Australia's foremost land-based gaming destination for players who prioritise regulatory certainty, venue quality, and comprehensive amenities. While the online gaming landscape has expanded dramatically, nothing replicates the atmosphere and accountability of Australia's most regulated casino operator. For slot enthusiasts visiting any of the three states, a Star venue visit is — on balance — the safest and most rewarding choice.
See how The Star rates against other major Australian gaming options across key criteria.
Scores reflect independent editorial assessment based on licensing, game variety, responsible gambling tools, and overall player experience. Last updated May 2026.