We compared The Star's two flagship properties to see how they're performing under regulatory pressure and shifting market demand.
The Star Sydney and Gold Coast remain crowd-pleasers but face intense oversight following earlier compliance failures. Despite revenue swings, the core resort experience still delivers if you align expectations with the current climate.
Both sites feature deep table and slot inventories. Sydney's main floor starts at AU$25 table minimums with high-limit salons for premium play. Gold Coast's layout feels more open and resort-like, easing new players into the mix.
Rooms range from refreshed suites with skyline or ocean views to older stock awaiting upgrades. Request newer towers for best results—Sydney's The Darling and Gold Coast's The Darling or Dorsett draw the most praise.
Expect everything from casual food courts to chef-driven destinations spanning Japanese, Italian, Australian, and more. High-end restaurants deliver consistently, while quick-service outlets vary with demand.
Live theatres, rooftop pools, nightclubs, and lounge acts stack the calendar. International DJ residencies, touring shows, and curated events keep the entertainment roster busy.
Star Sydney posted AU$877.5 million in revenue during FY24 with AU$578.5 million in operating costs, underscoring the compliance load. Both properties still feel polished, but heightened controls change the tempo of play and service.
The Star Entertainment Group closed FY25 with a statutory loss of AU$471.5 million, revenue sliding 29.2% to AU$1.19 billion. EBITDA fell to a AU$77 million loss as regulatory costs and market shifts bit hard.
| Metric (FY2025) | The Star Sydney | The Star Gold Coast | Group Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normalised Revenue | AU$685.0M (-21.9%) | AU$410.6M (-10.0%) | AU$1.19B (-29.2%) |
| Q4 Revenue (to 30 Jun) | AU$162.0M (-22.0%) | N/A | AU$270.0M (-31.0%) |
| EBITDA | N/A | N/A | (AU$77.0M) |
Revenue dropped 21.9% year-on-year to AU$685 million. Stricter ID checks and cash controls cut table and slot turnover by roughly 17%, fundamentally changing player behaviour.
Gold Coast revenue dipped 10% to AU$410.6 million. Resort diversification into dining, bars, and entertainment cushioned gaming declines.
International VIPs remain slow to return, cost-of-living pressures squeeze locals, and competition from Crown Sydney and digital wagering intensifies. The Star is building a AU$300 million liquidity buffer to weather the storm.
Front-line staff frequently earn praise for personal touches, though some guests report slow resolution on billing or technical issues during busy periods.
Security presence and surveillance are visible without being intrusive. Occasional reports highlight late-night street disturbances, so plan transport accordingly.
Pricing skews premium, but many visitors feel the entertainment and dining justify the spend—especially when leveraged with The Star Club loyalty benefits.
NSW's NICC and Queensland's regulators are enforcing tougher AML/CTF, governance, and responsible gambling controls. The table below summarises the key requirements.
| Regulatory Area | Compliance Requirements | Operational Impact |
|---|---|---|
| AML/CTF | Enhanced due diligence, real-time monitoring, mandatory reporting. | Slower VIP onboarding, larger compliance teams, system upgrades. |
| Responsible Gambling | Cashless cards, pre-commitment systems, strict advertising codes. | Lower turnover from high-rollers, heavy investment in technology. |
| Governance | Independent audits, external managers, regular suitability reviews. | Temporary licence suspensions, executive turnover, constant monitoring. |
Special managers oversee operations, and penalties up to AU$100 million hang over AML lapses. The focus is shifting from aggressive revenue growth to ethical operation—even when it dents short-term profit.
Responsible gambling messaging is omnipresent. Cashless systems track play, staff receive intervention training, and support contacts are displayed throughout the properties.
With licence suitability decisions pending, The Star must pivot to entertainment-first positioning. Gold Coast stands to benefit from Queensland's tourism boom and the 2032 Olympics, with a AU$2 billion masterplan adding towers like the Broadbeach Stage 2 development and the 5-star Andaz Hotel. Sydney is exploring strategic asset sales to fund reinvestment.
Digital wagering remains a structural threat; success will hinge on delivering experiences apps cannot replicate—immersive shows, resort amenities, and events tied to local culture.
The Star Sydney offers city buzz; The Star Gold Coast offers coastal escape. Both face revenue pressure and intense oversight, yet still provide memorable hospitality when matched to the right mood. If you go, set expectations around compliance-driven changes, leverage loyalty perks, and share feedback—these resorts are reshaping in real time.
Sydney pulses with big-city energy, upscale dining, and nightlife. Gold Coast embraces a relaxed resort atmosphere with outdoor gaming and beachside amenities.
Choose Sydney if you want a high-intensity urban adventure; choose Gold Coast if you prefer a holiday vibe with poolside downtime.
Yes. Both properties feature award-winning restaurants, bars, live shows, hotels, and retail beyond the casino floors.
Regaining regulatory trust, restoring profitability under new controls, and competing with digital wagering platforms.
Public areas—including restaurants, bars, and theatres—are open to non-members. Access to gaming floors requires membership and ID in line with state law.