What are the nearest stations to The Star Casino Darling Harbour? The nearest stations to The Star Casino Darling Harbour are: The Star Light Rail is 32 meters away, 1 min walk. Marquee Sydney Pirrama Rd is 83 meters away, 2 min walk. Pirrama Rd Opp The Star is 105 meters away, 2 min walk. Between Central and Star City 24 hrs per day every day Approx. Every 10-15 minutes 6am to Midnight Approx. Every 30 minutes Midnight to 6am Between Central and Lilyfield Everyday every 10-15 minutes Sun to Thurs 6am to 11pm Fri & Sat 6am to midnight. Fares: Tickets available from Customer Service Officers on the Light Rail. Full Adult Fares.
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I had been to this casino before, in 2008. Since then, it looks like it has gone through some redecorating but is much the same as it was six years ago. The casino itself could be most closely compared to the Aria in Las Vegas. It is easy to get disoriented as you wander about. Just when you think you've finally seen the whole thing you stumble upon another cavern with even more tables and slot machines (or pokies, as they call them down under). On the second floor, where the casino is located, you won't find much more than a casino and a buffet. If you get hungry, there are restaurants on the first floor as well as plenty surrounding the casino in Darling Harbour.
In terms of atmosphere, the casino is more like what you'll find in Macau than Vegas. This is a place to come for serious gambling. You won't find loud atmosphere music, shopping or shows. No, this is a place to come if you want to be left alone to gamble. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that the clientele is about 50% Asian (all due apologies for stereotyping).
Drinking Policy
Unfortunately, there is no complimentary beverage service that I could see at the Star City. If you order a drink, even a non-alcoholic one, from a cocktail waitress, expect to pay bar prices for it.
When I first visited the Star City in 2008, there were machines that served free, non-alcoholic beverages. New players could have up to five per day while higher level players could have more. Sadly, they removed these machines sometime between then and now.
Train From Sydney Airport To Star Casino
Smoking Policy
One thing I'd like to give the casino huge credit for is prohibiting smoking! I'm not sure whether to give credit to the city of Sydney, the state of New South Wales, or the country of Australia, but thank you for caring about the health and comfort your non-smoking guests and employees. Hopefully, one day, nonsmokers will be able to play in Las Vegas without being slowly killed by secondhand smoke. Meanwhile, to Australia I say, 'Bravo! And thank you very much.'
Minimums
The minimums were similar to what you would see in a high-end Vegas casino on a busy Saturday night. Other than the small flea pit, which was closed when I was there, blackjack minimums started at $25 AUS, which is equivalent to $20 US. Mississippi Stud had a $10 minimum, which may sound low, but that game involves lots of raising. The minimum in pai gow tiles was $100, despite the fact that nobody was playing.
With the introductions out of the way, let me get to the particulars of the game rules.
Star Casino Sydney Australia
Blackjack
Here are the blackjack rules:
- Six decks.
- Blackjack pays 3 to 2.
- Dealer stands on soft 17.
- Double on any two cards.
- Double after split allowed.
- Split once only (no re-splitting anything).
- No surrender.
- No dealer hole card. If the dealer gets a blackjack, the player loses his original bet, plus anything else lost due to splitting and busting. This is known as the OBBO rule, which stands for 'Original and Busted Bets Only.'
- Continuous shuffler.
The house edge under these rules is 0.48%.
Pontoon
This is the same thing as what we call Spanish 21 in North America. I saw it on my first trip to Sydney in 2008 and wrote up a whole page on Pontoon afterward. The bottom line is the house edge under the Sydney rules is 0.42%, which is lower than conventional blackjack.
Be careful to not confuse Australian Pontoon with Realtime Gaming Pontoon.
Blackjack Challenge
I love spotting new table games, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this one in Sydney. In this case, the name of the game is Blackjack Challenge. It is like blackjack, but a five-card hand is an automatic winner, as well as any 21-point hand. Blackjacks pay at least 2 to 1 and as high as 5 to 1, plus some other minor rule changes the player's way. However, what the casino giveth, it taketh away somewhere else. In this case, the player loses on ties. All things considered, I get a house edge of 2.53%. My advice is to stick to blackjack and pontoon.
For more information, please see my page on Blackjack Challenge.
Baccarat
Sydney baccarat players can play the usual way or in stadium seating for about 80 and around two or four games going at once. Some of my readers may be interested to know they offer the Player/Banker pair bets in this area. Be warned that Sydney has a 'no device' policy, just like in Nevada.
7 Up Baccarat
I analyzed this game years ago when it appeared in Singapore, but this is the first time I ever actually saw it. It is like baccarat, except the Player's first card is an automatic seven. The house edge is 2.6% on both the Player and Banker bets.
For more information, please see my page on 7 Up Baccarat.
Roulette
Lots of roulette to be found and all single zero for a house edge of 2.70%. Compare that to the usual double-zero roulette in the US at 5.26%.
Sic Bo
As far as I know, Australia offers the best sic bo odds in the world. Across the board, everything pays equal or more than in the United States or Macau.
Craps
Australia and the United Kingdom can't be beat when it comes to craps. For the sharp players, who just bet the line and the odds, it won't make any difference, but the sucker bet players get some relief down under. Here are some examples:
Hard hops pay 33 to 1 (compare to 29 or 30 in the US). Easy hops pay 16 to 1 (compare to 14 or 15 in the US). Hard ways pay 7.5 and 9.5 to 1 (compare to 7 and 9 in the US). Any seven pays 4.5 to 1 (compare to 4 in the US). Thanks for giving the mathematically challenged players some decent odds.
Three Card Poker
Sydney pays 1-3-4 on the Ante bonus for a house edge of 3.83%. This is a little worse than in the US at 1-4-5 and a house edge of 3.37%.However, Australia wins on the Pairplus bet, which follows the 1-4-6-25-35 pay table for a house edge of 4.58%. Compare that to the usual 1-3-6-30-40 pay table in the US at 7.28%.
Other Table Games
Other games I spotted at the Star City were:
- Mississippi Stud
- Pai Gow (tiles)
- Texas Hold 'Em Bonus
- Caribbean Stud Poker
All of them seemed to follow the standard rules. The minimum on pai gow tiles was, sadly, $100.
Machines
The number of video poker machines I noticed at the Star City was zero. I asked a floorman about it, and he said they used to have some but the players didn't play them so they got rid of them.
When it comes to machines, video slots, or 'pokies' as they are called down under, are the order of the day in Sydney. The percentage of floor space devoted to slots was about half of what you would find in a Vegas casino. They are also found in bars and restaurants, which may explain why the casino didn't have that many.
Casino Conclusion
Overall, I'd like to commend the Star City for outstanding rules across their table games. Whether it is blackjack, craps, roulette or sic bo, the rules are more competitive than the norm in the United States. They seem especially forgiving on the high house edge games and bets, but for the players who never play anything with a house edge over 0.5%, they won't notice a difference.
The atmosphere is a little too quiet and downbeat compared to what I'm used to in Vegas, and I sure miss the free drinks, but they more than make up for that by prohibiting smoking. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that the United States is about the only country left to allow smoking in public casinos. Shame on us!
Outside the Casino
Here are some places to go in Sydney outside of the casino.
Me and my boss Josh at the Sydney Chinatown. Notice how that gateway says, 'Continue the past into the future.' Shouldn't we learn from the past for a BETTER future? | I'm told these Emperor's Puffs are well known among locals. There was a long line, but it was worth it. You'll notice when you finally get to the window that they make them right there. One person both makes and sells them. |
This is the first locomotive in Australia, which can be found at the Powerhouse Museum. | This is a replica of a famous German clock (whose name I forget) that goes through a showing of the Last Supper various times during the day. Also at the Powerhouse Museum. |
As a computer nerd, I had to get one with this Apple I computer. Only about 50 were ever made. | These cliffs are infamous for suicides. |
Downtown Sydney. Two weeks later, a gunman took about 20 people hostage at a chocolate shop not far from here. | I had some excellent seafood at Watson's Landing. Another fun destination you can reach by ferry from downtown. |
This is the Sydney Harbour (why the letter u?) Bridge. I climbed this bridge my last visit. | Manly Beach. An enjoyable ferry ride and destination. |
Manly Beach surfing etiquette. I like how they presented it on a surf board. | The ubiquitous Sydney Opera House picture. |
Finally, I'd like to say I looked all over Sydney for my hero, Natalie Tran of YouTube fame, but, sadly, we never crossed paths. It was at least an honor to be in the same city.
| The Star, Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia |
| Opening date | 13 September 1995 |
| Owner | Star Entertainment Group |
| Architect | Philip Cox |
| Previous names |
|
| Renovated in | 2009–2011 A$961 million |
| Coordinates | 33°52.1′S151°11.7′E / 33.8683°S 151.1950°ECoordinates: 33°52.1′S151°11.7′E / 33.8683°S 151.1950°E |
| Website | www.star.com.au |
The Star Sydney (formerly Star City Casino and prior to that, Sydney Harbour Casino) in Pyrmont, Sydney, is the second largest casino in Australia after Melbourne's Crown Casino. Overlooking Darling Harbour, The Star, owned by Star Entertainment Group features two gaming floors, eight bars, seven restaurants, 351 hotel rooms and 130 serviced and privately owned apartments. It also includes the 2,000 seat Sydney Lyric theatre and Event Centre. Its gaming operations are overseen and controlled by the New South Wales Casino Control Authority and is licensed to be the only legal casino in New South Wales. In late 2007, it was granted a 12-year extension of its exclusivity and licence.[1]
In December 1994, a consortium of Leighton Properties and Showboat was announced by the NSW Casino Control Authority as the successful applicant for New South Wales’ first casino licence.[2][3] A temporary casino was opened by Acting Prime MinisterKim Beazley on 13 September 1995 on the site of former wharves 12/13. The permanent casino, designed by Sydney architect, Philip Cox,[4] opened in November 1997, was one of the largest building projects ever carried out in Australia.[5] The complex is now owned by The Star Entertainment Group.[6]
- 1Gaming
Gaming[edit]
The casino features two gaming floors — the main gaming floor on level one for general entry and the Sovereign Room on level three. The Sovereign Room table bet ranges from $25 to $75,000 and also contains the Inner Sanctum, with table bet ranges of $100 to $500,000. The two areas are only available to high rollers and international guests following an application for membership and review by The Star's management. The Inner Sanctum pits are frequently used for junket players. Star City returned to junket play in 2005 after taking a number of large losses in 2002.
Recent rebuilding works have added extra gaming areas for the main gaming floor with the addition of the Oasis Lounge and the 36 Degrees Bar although these new areas have not increased the number of tables or machines available in total. The main gaming floor is divided into three major parts — Table Games, Electronic Gaming, and Poker. The number of poker tables has been steadily increased and now stands at 40 tables.
The Sovereign Room has been upgraded and now includes four additional private gaming rooms and extra dining and lounge[clarification needed] amenities. These extensions have an estimated cost of $7,000,000. Another recent upgrade is the addition of a new 'ultra exclusive' area directly above the Sovereign Room called the Chairmans Lounge. This is accessed by invitation only, and there are currently fewer than 500 Diamond Card Members that are entitled to use the Chairmans Lounge. Star City has recently opened the sports bar as well.
Table games[edit]
The Star provides many traditional casino games, including Mini Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Craps, Pai Gow, Poker, Pontoon, Roulette, Rapid(semi-electronic) Roulette, Sic Bo and Three card poker
Two-Up was available at Star City but was removed at the end of October 2003 as the game was not considered to be economically viable. The pit typically required three dealers and two games supervisors, consequently management felt that returns were not as high as they could be and with Tabcorp insisting on large reductions in overheads and increased profit, this iconic game was closed.
In December 2005, a new game Double-Chance was trialed but was discontinued soon after; Players, referring to the games high house advantage, dubbed the game 'No-Chance'.
At the end of 2006, Star City introduced a new game, three card baccarat, following minor reorganization of its main gaming floor in preparation for the smoking ban in July 2007 and planned extensions to its gaming floors. This game was also removed from the floor shortly after due to lack of interest from players.
Electronic gaming[edit]
The Star provides a selection of electronic gaming machines, including slot machines, bingo, rapid roulette and video poker machines. Rapid Big Wheel was introduced in early 2006 to replace the often slow-paced table game version, which has now been reintroduced, and the Rapid Big Wheel removed in August 2007. The Star has just over 1490 electronic gaming machines but is limited to a maximum 1500.
Security[edit]
As in most casinos, the gaming floors of the venue are constantly monitored by a security camera system. Cameras mounted on the roof and in the table signs are used to ensure that all actions are logged. The footage can be used to settle player disputes, identify cheating, and be used in the Australian court system for prosecution.
In 2000 the $500 chips were removed from the casino after fraudulent chips were found. Some chips did make their way into the bank due to limited security features on the chips.
Restaurants and bars[edit]
The Star has a large variety of restaurants including five star fine dining. Not all the restaurants are managed by The Star with a number of outlets being privately managed. The Star's Harvest Buffet is known for its all you can eat buffet with seafood buffet over the weekend.
The Star operates eight bars within the complex with a further two outlets designated as bars and another two external independent outlets able to serve alcohol. Bars within the gaming area are not accessible to minors (persons under 18). Some bars have live entertainment, mostly on weekends. The Lagoon Bar and Glo Bar closed in 2009 as part of the refurbishment project
Marquee[edit]
A new nightclub, called Marquee, opened on 31 March 2012.[7]
Redevelopment[edit]
In 2009, Tabcorp, the then-owners of Star City, announced an A$475 million refurbishment and expansion program called Project Star which involved the re-orientation of the casino towards Sydney Harbour, including a new 'iconic' entrance as well as a drop-off zone on the harbour side of the casino site. Work began in late 2009 and was completed late 2012.[8] Despite initial cost estimates, according to Echo Entertainment Group CEO, Larry Mullin the final cost was estimated to be around A$961 million.[9] On 16 September 2011, the casino reopened under the name 'The Star'.[10]
Popular culture[edit]
The venue has featured awards nights including playing host to the annual film and television AACTA Awards. The first 12 episodes of the 2005-06 Australian television series Joker Poker was filmed in a private gaming room at the casino. The game was dealt by experienced The Star croupiers; however the show was not a success. Also filmed there were several episodes of Beauty and the Geek Australia. The now defunct Ralph magazine shot its swimsuit model of the year competition at Turbines Health Club (pool and gym for the hotel and apartments).
References[edit]
- ^'Media Releases'. Tabcorp.com.au. 30 October 2007. Archived from the original on 25 May 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
- ^'About Us, Our Projects'. Leighton Properties. Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
- ^'Leighton to sell $48m stake in casino management company'. Sydney Morning Herald. 12 February 2003. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
- ^'Casinos and stadiums: Philip Cox'. Inside the collection. Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences. 4 November 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- ^Star City Casino Leighton Contractors
- ^'The Star Entertainment Group'. The Star. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
- ^Sharp, Annette; Christie, Joel; Harris, Amy (23 March 2012). 'The Star recruits young celebs to promote new nightclub Marquee'. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 25 March 2012.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
- ^Watson, Rhett (29 January 2009). '$475m overhaul for Star City Casino | thetelegraph.com.au'. Daily Telegraph.
- ^Horton, Shelly (12 June 2011). 'We'll turn this RSL on steroids into Sydney's Viagra'. Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^Jensen, Erik (16 September 2011). 'Star basks in new light over the harbour'. Sydney Morning Herald.
External links[edit]
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to Star City. |