
Stephanie Lidgard of The Star Brisbane won the 2026 Australasian Croupier Championship held 18-21 October at Crown Melbourne, beating 19 competitors. It is the second such title for The Star’s Queensland resorts in three years after a 2024 win by Joanne Lee of The Star Gold Coast. The event measures technical skill, accuracy, knowledge and customer focus under pressure.
SCCG Take — Back-to-back titles for The Star Queensland dealers set a measurable standard for frontline talent quality that operators can track against regional competition.
Stephanie Lidgard from The Star Brisbane has won the 2026 Australasian Croupier Championship, prevailing over a field of 19 competitors.
The event was held at Crown Melbourne from 18 to 21 October. It tested entrants on technical proficiency, accuracy, game knowledge, professionalism, customer service and their ability to perform under pressure across blackjack, baccarat and roulette.
Lidgard advanced through three days of intensive competition before claiming the title.
Lidgard called the victory an incredible honor that still feels surreal. “To be named the Australasian Croupier Champion is an incredible honor and it still feels surreal – it’s definitely been the highlight of my career thus far,” she said.
She noted that competing against talented professionals from across the region proved an amazing experience. Even though it was a competition, everyone supported one another.
Lidgard stated she is extremely proud to bring the trophy home to The Star Brisbane and could not have done it without the support of her team.
Ameet Patel, CEO of The Star Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast, highlighted Lidgard’s skill and composure. “Stephanie has demonstrated extraordinary skill, professionalism and composure throughout the competition, and we’re incredibly proud to see her crowned the Australasian Croupier Champion,” he said.
Patel added that team members are at the heart of every great guest experience and that Lidgard’s success highlights the caliber of talent at The Star Brisbane.
This victory marks the second time in three years that a dealer from one of The Star’s Queensland integrated resorts has taken the title. In 2024, Joanne Lee from The Star Gold Coast won after facing 27 entrants, according to reporting by Inside Asian Gaming.
The outcome confirms the level of dealer capability present at The Star properties in the region.
Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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