The complete beginner guide to The Star Entertainment Group — Sydney, Gold Coast & Brisbane. Start in 3 easy steps.
The Star Entertainment Group is Australia's largest listed casino operator, running integrated resorts in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane. It is one of the country's most strictly regulated gaming businesses — and one of the most beginner-friendly.
Founded in 1995 with the opening of Star City in Sydney, the group has since expanded to three landmark venues. Whether you're after the spin of a pokie machine, the strategy of a blackjack table, or a world-class dinner before or after gaming — The Star caters to every preference and experience level. Each venue operates under strict Australian state gaming licences, making it one of the safest physical gambling environments in the country.
For beginners, the intimidation factor is real but entirely unnecessary. The Star's main gaming floors are designed for general access, with staff who actively assist newcomers. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before your first visit — without jargon.
The Star Sydney has two separate gaming floors. Beginners are encouraged to start on the main floor — no dress code pressure, no minimum bet anxiety.
Many first-timers assume The Star is only for high-rollers. Not true. Getting started takes under five minutes. Click each step to see the full detail:
Sydney, Gold Coast, or Brisbane — each has a distinct personality.
The Star Sydney — 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW. Light rail direct. Two gaming floors, 20+ restaurants, premium hotel. Ideal for midweek visits.
The Star Gold Coast — Broadbeach QLD. Resort-style setting with beachside atmosphere, rooftop deck, luxury accommodation, and one of Queensland's largest gaming floors.
The Star Brisbane — Queen's Wharf, Brisbane CBD. Opened 2024. Ultra-modern design, premium dining, and state-of-the-art gaming equipment in Australia's newest integrated resort.
Bring your driver's licence, passport, or proof-of-age card. Free. Under 5 minutes.
All Star venues require one-time registration before entering gaming areas. You must be 18 or older. Accepted ID types: Australian driver's licence, passport, NSW/QLD proof-of-age card, or ImmiCard. Your details are saved for future visits — no repeat process needed. Registration also activates The Star Club loyalty card automatically.
Free membership card with welcome dining vouchers and rewards from your first eligible spend.
The Star Club is The Star's free loyalty program — earn points on gaming, dining, hotel stays, and retail. New members often receive welcome dining credits or promotional gaming offers at their first visit. For mobile pokies access between visits, our recommended licensed partner is fully mobile-optimised for Australian players:
Claim Welcome Offer 18+ · T&C Apply · Gamble ResponsiblyFrom online pokies and poker rooms and baccarat tables, The Star offers Australia's broadest range of gaming options under one roof — across all three venues.
Hundreds of pokies across all denominations — from $0.01 machines to high-limit rooms. Popular titles include 5-reel video pokies with bonus rounds and progressive jackpots from Aristocrat, IGT, and Konami. No prior experience required to enjoy them.
Main floor blackjack starts from $10 minimum on off-peak sessions. Baccarat rooms are especially popular at the Gold Coast venue. American and European roulette, Three Card Poker, and Sic Bo are also available across all venues.
Poker is a major drawcard at both Sydney and Gold Coast venues. Cash games run most evenings from $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em. Regular tournaments cater to all bankroll sizes. Dealers are patient with beginners — ask questions freely at the table.
| Game Type | Star Sydney | Star Gold Coast | Star Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokies / EGMs | 1,500+ | 1,200+ | 800+ |
| Blackjack | 50+ tables | 40+ tables | 30+ tables |
| Baccarat | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Roulette | American & European | ✅ | ✅ |
| Poker Room | ✅ | ✅ | Seasonal |
| TAB Sports Betting | ✅ Onsite | ✅ Onsite | ✅ Onsite |
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All Star venues use cashless TITO gaming tickets and contactless payments throughout. For mobile pokies access between visits, our licensed partner offers a mobile-first platform compatible with iOS and Android:
Play Mobile Pokies NowOne question. Instant personalised game recommendation for your first visit.
What best describes your goal at The Star?
Start with $0.01 machines on the main floor — no pressure, no minimum spend pressure. Explore bonus features at your own pace. Staff are always nearby to assist newcomers.
Try Online Pokies NowStrategic thinkers thrive at table games. Blackjack with basic strategy gives near 50/50 odds. Baccarat requires no prior skill. The Star's dealers are patient — beginners always welcome.
Explore Table GamesThe Star Sydney and Gold Coast both run cash games most evenings from $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em. Regular tournaments cater to all bankroll levels — a great entry point for new players.
Join a Poker GameYou don't need to gamble to love The Star. Hatted restaurants, rooftop bars, live events, luxury hotels — all three venues are complete destination resorts. Book a table and soak it in.
Plan Your VisitWhile The Star Sydney remains the flagship, the Queensland venues represent the group's ambitious new chapter — purpose-built for today's integrated resort experience.
Located on Broadbeach Island, the Gold Coast venue sprawls across 400 metres of waterfront. One of Queensland's largest gaming floors — 70+ table games, 1,200+ EGMs, luxury hotels, a rooftop terrace, and 20+ restaurants and bars. Ideal for a weekend resort getaway that includes gaming.
Part of the $3.6 billion Queen's Wharf precinct, The Star Brisbane opened in 2024 as Australia's newest integrated resort. Contemporary design, Queensland-first dining concepts, 800+ EGMs, and 30+ table games on a stunning riverside gaming floor — directly accessible from Brisbane's CBD on foot.
Operating since 1995, The Star Sydney sits in Pyrmont with direct light rail access. Two gaming floors, 1,500+ EGMs, 50+ table game stations, a dedicated poker room, and The Darling — one of Sydney's finest 5-star hotels. A complete destination for gaming and dining enthusiasts alike.
| Feature | Star Sydney | Star Gold Coast | Star Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Since | 1995 | 1985 (renovated) | 2024 |
| EGMs (approx.) | 1,500+ | 1,200+ | 800+ |
| Table Games | 50+ | 70+ | 30+ |
| Hotel Onsite | The Darling | Darling at The Star | Star Brisbane Hotel |
| Public Transport | Light Rail direct | Bus / taxi | Walk from CBD |
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The Star Club is The Star's free loyalty program. Sign up takes minutes at any venue — and the benefits kick in from your very first eligible transaction.
Always join The Star Club before your first gaming session. Points accumulate from your very first eligible spend, and welcome offers only activate after Club registration at the venue desk.
The Star Entertainment Group operates under two of Australia's most rigorous gaming regulatory frameworks — the NSW Independent Casino Commission and Queensland's OLGR. For beginner players especially, knowing these protections exist makes for a more confident first visit.
If gambling is affecting you or someone you care about, these services are free and confidential:
Gambling Help Hotline: 1800 858 858
The Star Entertainment Group is Australia's leading listed integrated resort operator with three venues: The Star Sydney (NSW), The Star Gold Coast (QLD), and The Star Brisbane (QLD). Each combines casino gaming with luxury hotels, fine dining, retail, and entertainment. The company trades on the Australian Securities Exchange under ticker SGR.
Three steps: (1) Choose your venue — Sydney, Gold Coast, or Brisbane. (2) Arrive with valid photo ID and register at the Star Club desk (free, under 5 minutes, 18+ only). (3) Collect your membership card and head to the gaming floor. For pokies, insert cash or TITO credits, select bet size, and spin. Staff are always available to help first-timers.
The Star primarily operates land-based venues and does not currently hold an Australian online casino licence. However, many of the same pokie titles — from Aristocrat and IGT — are available through our recommended licensed international platform that accepts Australian players, fully mobile-optimised for iOS and Android.
The Star Gold Coast is a world-class resort on Broadbeach Island with 70+ table games, 1,200+ gaming machines, multiple signature restaurants, The Darling hotel, a rooftop bar, and regular live entertainment. It is especially popular with weekend visitors combining gaming with the Gold Coast's beaches. Star Club member parking discounts are available onsite.
Yes. The Star Sydney is regulated by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC). The Star Gold Coast and Brisbane operate under Queensland's Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR). Both bodies conduct regular audits and enforce strict responsible gambling requirements — making The Star one of Australia's safest gaming environments for recreational players.
The Star Sydney is at 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009. The easiest access is via light rail (L1 Dulwich Hill line) — alight at the Star City stop directly outside. Also accessible by taxi, rideshare, ferry (Pyrmont Bay wharf — 5-minute walk), or by car. Star casino parking is available in the onsite 1,800-bay car park accessed from Pirrama Road.