Our field investigators spent 6 weeks examining The Star Entertainment Group — licences, VIP access, pokies availability, and what the regulatory shake-up means for Australian players in 2026.
The Star Entertainment Group is Australia's second-largest integrated resort and casino operator. It runs three flagship venues under the Star Casino brand: The Star Sydney (New South Wales), The Star Gold Coast (Queensland), and The Star Brisbane at the Queens Wharf precinct. In 2026, following years of regulatory scrutiny, the Star Entertainment Group has undergone significant governance reforms while keeping its doors open to Australian players seeking world-class gaming experiences.
Our investigative team examined the company's casino operations across all three venues, reviewing AUSTRAC compliance records, state gaming authority reports, and on-ground high-roller facility inspections. Here is what we found.
The Star Casino is Australia's leading integrated resort brand, operating luxury hotel, casino, restaurant, and entertainment facilities. The star entertainment group listed on the ASX (SGR) employs over 7,000 Australians across three landmark properties. Despite significant regulatory challenges in 2022–2024, the group remains operational and continues to host millions of visitors annually. The the gaming news cycle has been turbulent — our full dossier breaks down exactly what this means for players.
The most critical question Australian players ask us: is the star casino safe? After reviewing hundreds of pages of regulatory filings, our answer is nuanced. The Star Entertainment Group holds valid casino licences in both New South Wales and Queensland. However, the group faced independent inquiries — the Bell Review in NSW and the Gotterson Review in QLD — which found failures in money laundering controls, due diligence procedures, and corporate governance. These were serious systemic failures that tarnished the group's reputation.
In response, the Star Entertainment Group appointed a special manager, replaced senior leadership, and implemented sweeping compliance reforms. The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) and Queensland's Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) have maintained conditional oversight while the reforms are implemented. As of April 2026, all three casino venues remain open and operational under this supervision framework.
Australian gambling investigators flagged The Star Entertainment Group in 2022–2023 for AUSTRAC non-compliance and failures to prevent money laundering through its VIP junket programs. The company has since paid significant fines and implemented stricter KYC procedures. Players should be aware of these historical issues, though day-to-day operations remain licensed.
| Licence Type | Venue | Issuing Body | Status 2026 | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Licence | The Star Sydney | NICC (NSW) | ✅ Active | Special Manager oversight |
| Casino Licence | The Star Gold Coast | OLGR (QLD) | ✅ Active | Conditional — reforms required |
| Casino Licence | The Star Brisbane | OLGR (QLD) | ✅ Active | Conditional — new venue |
| AML Registration | Group-wide | AUSTRAC | ⚠️ Reformed | Enforceable undertaking |
| ASX Listing | Star Entertainment | ASX | ✅ Active (SGR) | Subject to disclosure requirements |
Our investigators scored five key risk dimensions for Australian players considering visiting these casino venues:
Following the Bell Review, The Star Entertainment Group has: appointed independent compliance officers; implemented robust KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures for all gaming patrons; restricted junket operator access; installed CCTV and facial recognition at all entry points; and launched a dedicated Responsible Gambling Liaison Officer program. These reforms represent meaningful progress — though ongoing monitoring continues.
For high rollers, the casino venues offer some of Australia's most exclusive gaming experiences. Each property features dedicated VIP gaming rooms with minimum buy-ins that start from AUD $5,000 and private salons where selected high-value players can arrange bespoke table limits, private dealers, and butler service. The Star Gold Coast, The Star Sydney, and The Star Brisbane all have distinct VIP product offerings — each tailored to the local high-net-worth demographic.
Our investigator visited all three properties during the research phase. Here is what genuine high rollers can expect in 2026:
The Star operates a tiered VIP classification system. Tier levels determine access to private gaming rooms, dedicated hosts, complimentary accommodation, F&B credits, and transport arrangements. Elite-tier players (typically AUD $100,000+ annual turnover) receive 24/7 host access, priority table reservations, and invitations to invitation-only high-roller events.
| VIP Tier | Min. Annual Turnover | Private Room Access | Dedicated Host | Hotel Comps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred | AUD $25,000 | Partial access | ✅ Yes | Discounted rates |
| Premium | AUD $100,000 | ✅ Full access | ✅ 24/7 | Complimentary nights |
| Elite | AUD $500,000+ | ✅ Private salons | ✅ Personal host | Full suite comps |
| International VIP | By invitation | ✅ Exclusive rooms | ✅ Concierge team | Private jet arrangements |
What is your typical single-session gaming budget?
Notably, the gaming news around VIP reform has been significant. Following the Bell Review findings on international high-roller junkets, The Star dramatically reduced its reliance on overseas VIP operators — which had been a source of money laundering risk. While this impacted short-term revenue for the star entertainment group, it has made the venue safer and more transparent for domestic high rollers.
The Star Entertainment Group operates three distinct properties across Australia's eastern seaboard. Each represents a major integrated resort, combining casino gaming with hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and conferencing. Here is our field assessment of each venue:
Our field rating across key dimensions for each venue property:
The crown jewel of the Star group portfolio. Set on Broadbeach on Queensland's Gold Coast, this integrated resort features the landmark Sheraton Grand Mirage and JW Marriott hotels, a championship golf course, and among the most impressive pokies floors in Queensland.
The original The Star Sydney venue property sits on the Pyrmont waterfront in NSW, offering panoramic harbour views, acclaimed restaurants, and a full complement of table games and pokies. This is where the company's regulatory challenges were most prominent — but facilities remain outstanding.
The newest addition to the Star Entertainment Group portfolio, The Star Brisbane at Queens Wharf precinct is a transformative development for the city. This 2024-opened venue combines the casino with luxury hotels, 50+ dining options, and a sky deck observatory — positioning Brisbane casino as a world-class destination.
A frequent query our team receives: pokies open near me — and whether The Star falls in that category. The answer is yes: all three properties operate extensive electronic gaming machine (pokies) floors open to the public during trading hours. Each venue has hundreds of pokies machines covering a wide range of themes, stakes, and RTP (return to player) levels.
Pokies near me open now searchers in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane will find The Star on their radar. However, hours vary by venue and day of week, and there are regulatory-mandated shutdown periods in some Queensland venues. Our investigators compiled current opening hour patterns below:
| Venue | Pokies Floor | Typical Hours | Machines (approx.) | Min. Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Star Sydney | Level 1 Main Floor | 24hrs (certain days) | ~1,100 | $0.01 |
| The Star Gold Coast | Broadbeach Floor | 10am – 4am daily | ~1,400 | $0.01 |
| The Star Brisbane | Queens Wharf Level 2 | 10am – 6am daily | ~1,200 | $0.01 |
Estimated Total Play Value
Claim Online Bonus →For players who cannot travel to a Star venue — or who prefer the convenience of home gaming — our investigators have verified several licensed online alternatives. These platforms accept Australian players, offer competitive welcome packages, and provide instant access to pokies, live dealer tables, and progressive jackpots. All recommended links lead to platforms verified for AU eligibility.
The Star Casino is owned by Star Entertainment Group Limited, an ASX-listed public company trading under the ticker SGR. The star entertainment group was originally spun out of Tabcorp Holdings in 2011 and has since grown into one of Australia's largest casino operators. Its major shareholders include institutional investors, with no single controlling stakeholder.
Is it legal? Yes — emphatically. The group operates under valid licences issued by the relevant state authorities. However, "legal" and "uncontested" are different things: the the gaming news has been dominated by regulatory inquiries, governance failures, and ongoing reform programs. As of April 2026, the entity is legal, operational, and under enhanced supervision.
Older Australians may remember the Sydney property as Star City Casino — a name it held from its 1997 opening until the rebranding to "The Star" in 2011, when the new Star Entertainment Group identity was launched. The rebrand coincided with the company's demerger from Tabcorp and its independent ASX listing. The Gold Coast property was previously known as Jupiters Casino, also rebranded as The Star Gold Coast.
Our investigation found that many Australian players are actively seeking online alternatives to the physical resort properties — driven by convenience, the desire to avoid travel, and the availability of generous welcome bonuses that land-based casinos simply cannot match. Here are the top verified platforms our investigators recommend:
Our top-rated online alternative for Australian players who want pokies, live dealer tables, and jackpot games — without the travel. Verified for fast payouts, AU-compliant responsible gambling tools, and mobile access from anywhere in Australia.
Purpose-built for high rollers who appreciate the Star experience but want online access. Dedicated VIP management team, elevated deposit and withdrawal limits, and exclusive high-stakes live dealer tables. A genuine alternative for serious Australian players.
Australia's premier online pokies destination. For players seeking the pokies experience of The Star Gold Coast or The Star Sydney without leaving home, this platform offers the widest pokies catalogue with progressive jackpots and high-RTP slots from top AU-preferred providers.
This investigative dossier was compiled through six weeks of fieldwork and desk research conducted between February and April 2026. Our methodology:
Gambling can be addictive. All Australians should play within their means. If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling-related harm, free, confidential support is available:
18+ only. Gambling is not a guaranteed source of income. This content is for informational purposes. The Star Entertainment Group's self-exclusion program is available at all venues.
While The Star group undergoes ongoing reforms, our investigators have verified a trusted online alternative — fully licensed, instant payouts, with a dedicated VIP program for Australian players.
View Verified Casino →18+ | T&C Apply | Play Responsibly | Wagering requirements apply