Pokies at Star's Venues Today
Despite years of corporate turmoil, Star's gaming floors have kept running. The Sydney and Gold Coast venues remain open, with the Sydney property operating under a government-appointed manager while its licence stays suspended. Electronic gaming machines are available on the floors as usual, and operations have continued without interruption through the crisis — though the experience has changed in one notable way, through the introduction of carded play.
How Carded Play Changed the Floor
As part of the reforms that followed the inquiries, carded play ties machine play to an identified account rather than anonymous cash. It was introduced to strengthen anti-money laundering controls and improve oversight, and while it has reduced the floor's appeal for some players who valued anonymity, it brings greater transparency and supports responsible gambling measures.
What Carded Play Means for Players
The practical effects come down to three things.
- Play is linked to an identified player account
- Anonymity is reduced on the gaming floor
- Oversight and responsible gambling tools are strengthened
Star Venues Where You Can Still Play Pokies
The status of the group's main properties is summarised below.
| Property | Location | Status | Approx. Employees |
|---|
| The Star Sydney | Pyrmont, NSW | Open; under external manager | ~3,000 |
| The Star Gold Coast | Broadbeach, QLD | Open and operating | ~2,500 |
| Queen's Wharf Brisbane | Brisbane CBD, QLD | Operating; Star sold its stake | ~3,000+ |
| Treasury Brisbane | Brisbane CBD, QLD | Closed; consolidated into Queen's Wharf | N/A |
Licensed Land-Based Alternatives for Pokies
For players seeking alternatives, these licensed venues operate under their respective state regulators.
| Casino | State | Licence | Payment Methods |
|---|
| Crown Melbourne | VIC | VGCCC | Cash, EFTPOS, card |
| Crown Perth | WA | GWC | Cash, EFTPOS, card |
| The Star Sydney | NSW | NICC | Cash, EFTPOS, card |
| The Star Gold Coast | QLD | OLGR | Cash, EFTPOS, card |
| Reef Casino | QLD | QLD licence | Cash, EFTPOS, card |
Choosing Where to Play Pokies Safely
The same checklist applies whichever venue you choose.
- Confirm a valid state regulator licence
- Check the operator's current regulatory standing
- Look for responsible gambling tools
- Use secure payment methods and AUD support
- Read the terms on any promotion
Online Pokies and the Legal Position
This is where caution is essential. Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, offshore online casinos are prohibited from offering pokies to Australian residents, and the ACMA actively blocks unlicensed offshore sites. The only forms of online gambling Australians can legally use are licensed sports betting and racing services. Anyone considering online play should verify an operator's legal status first and approach gambling responsibly.
