The Star Entertainment Group runs Australia's best land-based casinos โ but for online play, you need the right alternative. We tested 30+ sites so you don't have to.
18+ | T&C Apply | Gamble Responsibly | Play in Moderation
The Star Entertainment Group is one of the country's most recognised integrated resort and casino operators. With flagship properties in Sydney (The Star Sydney), the Gold Coast (The Star Gold Coast), and Brisbane (The Star Brisbane), the group has shaped Australia's gaming landscape for decades. The brand has become shorthand for premium gaming, live entertainment, fine dining, and hotel accommodation all under one roof.
However, The Star Entertainment Group operates exclusively as a land-based venue. There is no official online gaming platform for The Star where Australians can spin the reels from home. This leaves a significant gap for the millions of Australians who search for "star casino pokies" or simply want the same quality of experience from their couch in Melbourne, Perth, or Darwin.
This guide covers everything you need to know about The Star Entertainment Group's physical properties โ then delivers our expert-ranked list of the 7 best online alternatives for play in Australia, all tested for safety, payout speed, and bonus value.
The Star Entertainment Group runs three major integrated resort properties across Australia's east coast. Each property offers a distinct experience, though all share the group's signature commitment to world-class gaming, dining, and entertainment. Understanding what each of these locations offers helps you appreciate exactly what the online alternatives must compete with โ and where they excel.
| Property | Location | Gaming Machines | Table Games | Hotels | Restaurants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Star Sydney | Pyrmont, NSW | 1,500+ | 230+ | 3 hotels | 20+ |
| The Star Gold Coast | Broadbeach, QLD | 1,300+ | 100+ | 4 hotels | 15+ |
| The Star Brisbane | Queen's Wharf, QLD | 1,000+ | 80+ | 4 hotels | 18+ |
โ scroll โ
The Star Sydney remains the flagship. Located in Pyrmont on the Darling Harbour waterfront, it's the largest gaming floor in NSW and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state. The Star Gold Coast (formerly Jupiters) enjoys an enviable location on Broadbeach, making it a favourite for tourists and locals alike. The Star Brisbane is the newest addition, part of the $3.6 billion Queen's Wharf development โ a transformational project reshaping Brisbane's CBD.
One of the most frequently searched terms alongside "star casino" is a search that leads to pokies โ which reveals exactly what Australian players want: the variety of pokies that The Star offers, accessible from anywhere. The Star Entertainment Group's properties are stocked with titles from Australia's biggest suppliers, including Aristocrat, IGT, Konami, and Ainsworth. You'll find everything from classic three-reel machines to feature-rich video pokies with free spin rounds and jackpot tiers.
The table game selection at these properties is strong by any measure, with dedicated areas for both casual players and high rollers. Baccarat in particular is enormously popular at The Star Sydney โ a nod to its large VIP Asian-market clientele. For poker enthusiasts, The Star poker rooms run regular tournaments and cash games throughout the week.
| Game Category | At The Star (Land-Based) | At Top Online Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Pokies / Slots | 1,000โ1,500+ machines | 3,000โ7,000+ titles |
| Live Table Games | 80โ230+ tables | 100โ500+ live tables |
| Poker Rooms | Dedicated room, tournaments | Poker variants, tournaments |
| VIP / High Roller | Private rooms available | VIP loyalty programs |
| Availability | In-person only (NSW, QLD) | 24/7, any device, Australia-wide |
| Welcome Bonus | Limited physical promos | 100โ200% deposit match + free spins |
โ scroll โ
Can't get to Sydney, the Gold Coast, or Brisbane? These 7 online casinos deliver the best of what Australians love about The Star โ pokies, table games, live dealers โ with the added bonus of a generous welcome offer and AUD banking.
Enter your planned deposit amount to see how much bonus you'd receive at each of our top-rated AU-licensed casinos.
The debate between visiting a physical Star property and playing at a top online alternative comes down to what you value in a gaming experience. Both options have distinct strengths, and the smartest Australian players use both depending on the occasion. Here's how they genuinely compare across the factors that matter most.
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll tell you which of our top online casino picks fits your playing style.
Q1: How much do you want to deposit first?
Q2: What's your favourite game type?
Q3: How do you prefer to pay?
With hundreds of sites competing for Australian players' attention, separating trustworthy casino alterno alternatives from risky operators is critical. Our testing methodology evaluates every platform across five core dimensions before it appears on our ranked list. Here's exactly what to look for when choosing a safe casino in Australia for 2026.
Whether you're visiting The Star Entertainment Group's physical properties or seeking online casino alternatives online, responsible gambling should always be your priority. The Star Group itself maintains a robust Responsible Gambling Policy, including staff training, facial recognition self-exclusion, and 24/7 helpline support at their Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane venues.
Gambling Help Online (AUS): 1800 858 858
Available 24/7, free, confidential
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
All casinos on our recommended list provide self-exclusion tools, deposit caps, and responsible gambling links. If gambling is no longer fun, use these resources โ your wellbeing comes first.
Compare these top-ranked online casino alternatives side by side across the stats that matter most to Australian players.
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | Pokies Count | Min Deposit | Payout Speed | Licence | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Casino | $5,000 + 125 FS | 500+ | $20 | 24โ48 hrs | Curaรงao | 9.8/10 |
| Joe Fortune | $1,000 + 50 FS | 300+ | $10 | 1โ24 hrs | Curaรงao | 9.6/10 |
| Ignition | $3,000 + 150 FS | 200+ | $20 | 24โ72 hrs | Kahnawake | 9.4/10 |
| Ricky Casino | $7,500 + 550 FS | 7,000+ | $10 | 24โ48 hrs | Curaรงao | 9.2/10 |
| Jackpot City | $1,600 Match | 400+ | $10 | 2โ5 days | MGA | 9.1/10 |
| PlayAmo | $500 + 150 FS | 3,000+ | $10 | 24โ48 hrs | Curaรงao | 9.0/10 |
| Rich Casino | $10,000 Package | 300+ | $30 | 3โ5 days | Curaรงao | 8.8/10 |
โ scroll โ
Everything Australian players ask about The Star and its properties and the best online alternatives for 2026.