Star Casino Sydney — Complete Guide for Australian Players

What Is Star Casino Sydney and Where Does It Stand Today

Built on the former wharves of Pyrmont and overlooking Darling Harbour, The Star Sydney opened its permanent premises in the late 1990s after operating from a temporary site from 1995. Owned and operated by Star Entertainment Group, the property spans over 100,000 square feet of gaming space across two floors and sits within a broader entertainment precinct that includes hotels, a theatre, a concert venue, restaurants and bars. For decades it held the distinction of being the only legal casino in New South Wales.

Today, however, The Star finds itself in a period of significant regulatory and financial upheaval. Its casino licence has been suspended since October 2022 following findings by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) that the operator was unsuitable to hold it. Despite this, the property continues to operate its gaming floors under the supervision of an independent manager appointed by the NICC — meaning guests can still walk in, play pokies and table games, and dine at the venue, but the operator is not currently in full control of its own business.

Key Facts About Star Casino Sydney at a Glance

A Brief History and the Road to Regulatory Crisis

The Star's origins trace back to December 1994, when a consortium of Leighton Properties and Showboat was selected as the successful applicant for New South Wales' first casino licence. A temporary casino opened in September 1995, with the permanent venue following shortly after on the same Pyrmont site. Through the 2000s and into the 2010s, the property expanded considerably — adding the Sovereign Room for high rollers, a Chairman's Lounge accessible only by invitation, the Sydney Lyric Theatre, a major Event Centre, and multiple hotel towers.

Things began to unravel publicly in 2022. The first Bell Inquiry, commissioned by the NICC, found that The Star had facilitated money laundering through its dealings with Asian junkets, misled its bankers and regulators, and failed its internal control obligations. The licence was suspended in October 2022, with Nicholas Weeks appointed as independent manager to keep the casino running while remediation efforts were made.

A second inquiry in 2024, again led by Adam Bell SC, found that despite several years of attempted reform, operational and cultural failures had not been adequately addressed — pointing to weak leadership and a combative relationship between management and regulators. The NICC responded in October 2024 by issuing a further fine of AU$15 million and extending Weeks' appointment. As of March 2026, the suspension remains in place, with the manager's role extended through 31 March 2026, and potentially beyond depending on the NICC's assessment of The Star's remediation progress.

Games at Star Casino Sydney

Despite the regulatory backdrop, the gaming floor at The Star Sydney remains fully operational and offers one of the most comprehensive selections of casino games available anywhere in Australia. Whether you are a casual pokie player or a seasoned high-roller, the two-level layout accommodates a wide spectrum of playing styles and budgets.

Table Games Available at The Star Sydney

The main gaming floor on Level 1 is open to any adult visitor, while the Sovereign Room on Level 3 caters to higher-limit players and requires prior application for membership.

The Inner Sanctum, an ultra-exclusive area within the Sovereign Room, accommodates bets from $100 up to $500,000 per hand — territory reserved for international high rollers and Diamond Card members.

Pokies and Electronic Gaming at The Star

The Star Sydney houses approximately 1,490 electronic gaming machines spread across the main floor. The range includes classic reel games, video slots with multiple bonus features, bingo-style machines, rapid roulette, and video poker. Progressive jackpot machines sit among the broader pokie offering, giving players the chance at life-changing wins alongside regular play.

One standout feature is The Stadium — an interactive zone located between the Poker Room and the 24/7 Sports Bar. It's anchored by a 15 x 3.5 metre mega screen displaying live dealer feeds for Baccarat, Roulette and Sic Bo, with bets starting from just $1. It's a genuinely unique experience that combines the energy of a live table with the accessibility of low-minimum stakes.

Silver members and above can access Vantage, a quieter gaming lounge away from the main floor. The Vantage area features plush seating, premium service, monthly drink specials, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and a casual dining restaurant — making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more relaxed environment while still playing on the main machine bank.

The Poker Room at Star Sydney

Star Poker is regularly described as Australia's premier poker room and is the home of the Australian leg of the World Series of Poker. The 34-table room hosts both cash games and tournaments across the week.

• Monday Night Turbo Tournament: Buy-in $220 ($200 + $20 entry), 6:15pm start, 20-minute blind levels, starting stack of 6,000 tournament chips
• Wednesday Weekly Tournament: Buy-in $330 ($300 + $30 entry), 6:15pm start, 30-minute blind levels, starting stack of 10,000 tournament chips
• Cash Games: No Limit Hold'Em and Pot Limit Omaha, available 24/7

The poker room is the only venue in New South Wales to offer professionally dealt cash games, which sets it apart from social poker rooms found elsewhere in the state.

Dining and Entertainment at The Star Sydney

The non-gaming side of The Star is genuinely impressive. Few entertainment precincts in Australia match the range of restaurants, bars and live venues packed into a single complex.

Restaurants at The Star — Dining Options

In addition to the above, the Cafe Court houses eight grab-and-go outlets for quick bites between sessions on the floor. The variety covers breakfast through late-night dining, and several spots operate into the early hours to accommodate the 24/7 nature of the venue.

Bars, Nightlife and Events

The Star operates eight internal bars and lounges, with several additional independent outlets serving alcohol within the precinct. Notable options include Black Bar and Grill, which doubles as a steakhouse and sophisticated drinks venue; Sokyo Lounge for premium Japanese-inspired cocktails; and the Michael Reid Art Bar, a gallery space that transitions into a cocktail bar by evening. The 24/7 Sports Bar features TAB betting, multiple screens and an accessible atmosphere year-round.

The Marquee nightclub, which opened in 2012, remains the main nightlife draw for late-night revellers. Beyond the bars and clubs, the complex hosts regular major events at its 3,000-seat Event Centre and concerts at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. High-profile awards nights including the AACTA Awards have been held at The Star, cementing its status as one of Sydney's premier event venues.

Accommodation at The Star — Hotel Guide

The Star Sydney encompasses four distinct accommodation options across its precinct, catering to budgets from upscale-comfortable all the way to ultra-luxury.

Room Types and Hotel Options at The Star Sydney

The Darling holds the distinction of being the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star-rated boutique hotel in Sydney — a meaningful credential that reflects its exceptional service standards and design quality. Rooms feature rainfall showerheads, designer toiletries, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and minibars as standard, with harbour views from premium rooms.

Hotel Amenities and On-Site Services

Guests staying at The Star have access to a comprehensive set of amenities that extend well beyond the casino floor. The Darling Spa features 11 treatment rooms, two exclusive couples suites, a Moroccan Hammam chamber, steam room and jacuzzi — a genuine retreat within the resort complex. Both Star Grand and The Darling offer access to indoor and outdoor pools as well as fully equipped fitness centres.

Other guest services include 24-hour room service, concierge, valet parking, and on-site retail that includes luxury brands such as Gucci, Versace, Calvin Klein and Chanel in the ground-level atrium arcade. The Star is also fully accessible by public transport, making it straightforward to reach from across Sydney without driving.

The Star Casino Sydney — Licence Status and Regulatory History

Understanding the legal situation at The Star matters for any visitor. The casino is open and operating, but it is not running under a normal licence arrangement.

The Bell Inquiries and NICC Investigations — What Happened

The regulatory journey began in earnest in 2022 when the first Bell Inquiry, commissioned by the NSW Independent Casino Commission, published findings that The Star had enabled money laundering through connections to Asian junket operators, provided misleading information to its bankers, and maintained deficient internal controls. The NICC declared The Star unsuitable to hold its licence on 13 September 2022 and suspended it formally on 17 October 2022, appointing Nicholas Weeks as independent manager to allow operations to continue.

A second Bell Inquiry was launched in February 2024 following evidence that failures identified in the first round had not been remediated. That inquiry concluded in July 2024. In October 2024, the NICC declined to cancel the licence outright but issued a further AU$15 million fine and extended Weeks' oversight. The NICC noted ongoing shortcomings across governance, risk management, technology and regulatory compliance — even in areas The Star had claimed to have fixed.

Is Star Casino Sydney Currently Open?

Yes — The Star Sydney is open to the public and its gaming floors are operational. Visitors can play pokies, sit at table games, dine and attend events as usual. However, casino operations are conducted under the direct oversight of independent manager Nicholas Weeks, whose appointment was most recently extended to 31 March 2026 by the NICC. This means The Star Entertainment Group does not currently hold an active casino licence; it is running the venue under supervised conditions while working through a formal remediation programme. The NICC has indicated it will reassess suitability before the end of that extension.

Getting to Star Casino Sydney

Star Casino Sydney Address and Transport Options

The Star's address is 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009, situated right on the edge of Darling Harbour. It is well-connected across multiple transport modes.

The Star Express also operates from select pick-up points on event nights, providing direct coach transfers to and from the venue.

Parking at Star Casino Sydney

The Star has a large multi-level car park on-site. General parking rates apply hourly, but guests can access complimentary or validated parking by spending a qualifying amount at participating restaurants including Sokyo, Black Bar & Grill and Flying Fish. Valet parking is available at the hotel entrance for hotel guests and is subject to availability. Star Club members at higher tiers may also receive parking benefits as part of their loyalty entitlements.

Online Casino Alternatives for Sydney Players

While The Star continues to operate, some Sydney players prefer the convenience of playing from home — particularly given the venue's ongoing regulatory situation and the general growth of online gambling options accessible to Australians through offshore platforms.

Top Online Casinos for Australian Players in 2026

It is worth noting that online casino gambling through offshore platforms sits in a regulatory grey area for Australian players under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Players should always review the terms and conditions of any bonus and be aware of their local responsibilities before signing up.

Why Many Sydney Players Are Choosing Online Options

The shift toward online play is driven by a combination of practical factors. Online casinos are available around the clock without the need to travel to Pyrmont. Bonuses — including welcome packages, free spins and cashback offers — provide value that land-based venues typically don't match. There are no dress codes, no minimum spends at the bar, and no need to apply for a membership card before play. Mobile-optimised platforms mean that slots, live dealer tables and poker rooms are a few taps away on any smartphone. For players concerned about The Star's current regulatory status, the familiarity and stability of established offshore platforms offers a straightforward alternative.