Sydney Tries Its Luck With Casino

Star City, a huge $1-billion casino-hotel-entertainment complex with American managers, opened last week in Sydney, Australia. The splashy debut drew singers Diana Ross, Tom Jones and Natalie Cole--and criticism from Sydney’s Anglican Archbishop Harry Goodhew, who cited “the personal and social consequences of gambling.”

Although gambling is popular in Australia--pubs commonly have slot machines--Star City is Sydney’s only full-service casino with table games, according to Brad Straub, vice president of finance for Showboat Inc., a U.S. casino company that manages the complex and holds a 24.6% interest in the consortium that built the casino.

The complex on Sydney’s inner harbor contains a casino with 200 gaming tables and 1,500 slot machines; more than 500 hotel rooms, suites and condominium apartments; seven restaurants; five bars; a 2,000-seat theater; a 900-seat showroom; and stores. For information or reservations, see a travel agent or call Star City: tel. 011-61-2-9777-9000.