Land Based Casinos & Pokies in Australia

Jack Wilson
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Aussies love a punt! And there are plenty of top-quality land based casinos in Australia to choose from, along with some excellent pokie parlours.

From the bustling streets of Sydney and the cultural hub of Melbourne to the capital of Canberra and the tropical paradise of Cairns, Australians have plenty of options for indulging in their favourite pastime.

We’ll give you the rundown on some of the top casinos in the country, as well as some of the best pokies parlours in Australia’s major cities. We’ll highlight the venue details, game offerings and dress codes to ensure you can enjoy everything they offer.

How Many Casinos Exist in Australia?

In Australia, there are 14 casinos in 8 states, most in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales.

Tabcorp Holdings, Skycity Entertainment Group, Lasseters Hotel Casino and Federal Hotels are behind the 14 major casinos in the country.

City Casino
Sydney The Star, Crown Casino
Brisbane Treasury Casino
Canberra Casino Canberra
Melbourne Crown Melbourne
Cairns The Reef Hotel Casino
Darwin Mindil Beach Casino
Adelaide Adelaide Casino
Perth Crown Perth
Alice Springs Lasseters Casino Hotel
Townsville The Ville Resort Casino
Broadbeach The Star Gold Coast
Lanceston (Tasmania) Country Club Casino
Hobart (Tasmania) Wrest Point Casino Hotel

Casinos and Pokies in Sydney

Sydney and New South Wales, in general, are known for their huge array of gambling options, with pokies being a significant draw.

In NSW alone (the first state to introduce pokie machines), there are almost 100,000 pokie machines. That’s about one machine for every 81 people!

Sydney Casinos

Here are the major casinos in Sydney to visit next time you’re in town.

The Star

This is the largest casino in NSW, offering 1,500 pokies and a wide range of table games. It’s owned by Star Entertainment Group which owns various casinos throughout Australia. There’s plenty of restaurants on site and four premium hotels to choose from if you’re looking to stay the night.

Dress code: Smart casual - no sportswear or ripped clothing.

Crown Sydney

This newer casino is part of The Crown Casino network and is about luxury. It’s been built as a VIP-only facility, so there's no pokies at this casino. Instead you'll find high quality table games that come with a minimum bet of $20. Like The Star, there are plenty of top-rated restaurants, a luxurious hotel and shopping.

Dress code: Strict - if you're not dressed smartly, don't expect entry.

City Tattersalls Club

This well-established club has been around since 1895, when some Aussie bookmakers founded it. With a square footage of around 4,200 and approximately 400 pokie machines, various table games, and Keno available, it’s a popular choice for many Sydneysiders.

Dress code: Clean, neat and tidy. No ripped clothing, bare feet or rubber thongs.

The Star Casino, Sydney, Australia

Top Pokies Venues in Sydney

Sydney is full of small bars, hotels, and parlours that offer various pokies. Here are our top picks.

Casinos and Pokies in Melbourne

Melbourne is full of art galleries, pubs, clubs and sporting arenas. But when it comes to gambling, the use and regulation of pokies in Melbourne is quite strict.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has capped the amount of pokie machines in the state at 30,000, with 2,628 of those allocated to Crown Casino .

Melbourne Casinos

There’s only one major casino in Melbourne. And it's famous throughout Australia - Crown Melbourne!

This immense establishment offers pokies and extensive table game options. It is also a major hub for competitive poker tournaments and hosts various events annually, such as the Aussie Millions and World Series.

It also boasts plenty of entertainment options, including a 1500-capacity ballroom, multiple nightclubs, a games arcade, and a multilane bowling alley. There are also plenty of luxury shopping options.

Dress code Strict - no work boots, camo wear or ripped clothing.
Hotels 3
Restaurants 6

Top Pokies Venues in Melbourne

Aside from the large Crown Casino, you will find pokies lounges all over Melbourne and Victoria. Most are found within a sports bar or hotel. Check out our top picks in Melbourne.

Casinos and Pokies in Canberra

Nearly 90% of the entire gambling income for the ACT comes exclusively from pokies.

Unlike some other states, the ACT has typically had quite a lax stance on gambling, including pokies. But it has set a target to reduce the number of poker machines to 3,500 by 2025, with many experts calling for a long-term divestment plan away from pokies for clubs and pubs .

Canberra Casinos

Casino Canberra is the only casino in the state, and it’s much smaller than some of the more well-known casinos, like Crown and The Star. Because of its reduced size, it doesn’t have the scale of other amenities and entertainment on offer.

It offers exclusive table games but it doesn't have a licence to house pokies machine.

Dress code Smart casual
Hotels 1
Restaurants 1 plus a drinks lounge offering light bites

Top Pokies Venues in Canberra

Because of the lack of pokies in the main casino, you can find pokies in a plethora of pubs and clubs throughout Canberra. Here are some of our favourites:

Casinos and Pokies in Cairns

Ideally located in tropical north Queensland, Cairns is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and is on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef. But it’s not all about nature; the city is a popular place to enjoy some of Australia’s finest gambling.

Cairns Casinos

The Reef Hotel, also known as the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, is the only major casino in Cairns. It was built in 1996 and is owned by two major casino companies – Casinos Austria International Ltd and Accor Casino Investments Ltd.

In addition to a huge selection of traditional table games, there are over 500 pokies. Plus, if you’re a Keno fan, there’s a specially designed Keno area and a TAB mega wall for sports betting fans.

There’s also nightly entertainment in the Paramour Cabaret Theatre, a Wildlife Dome on the room, and a spa with various therapies.

Dress code Neat, clean, and casual dress is required. You can't enter if you're wearing work boots or scuffed shoes, swimwear, bare feet, or any dress-up costume.
Hotels 1 five-star hotel
Restaurants Various and a great coffee shop

Top Pokies Venues in Cairns

Cairns has a couple of places outside the Reef Casino where you can play pokies for real money. Based on our experience, here are our top recommendations:

Casinos and Pokies in Brisbane

In recent years, Brisbane has soared in popularity with tourists and people moving from interstate. Last year, 7.4 million people visited, up 47% from the previous year , fuelling the demand for a large gambling industry.

Brisbane Casinos

The Treasury is currently the only casino in Brisbane, although a new casino is currently being built and is expected to open in August 2024, which will replace The Treasury.

When completed, The Star Casino will become the biggest leisure complex in Brisbane, nestled at the heart of the multi-billion-dollar Queen’s Wharf precinct.

For now, though, visitors to The Treasury can still enjoy the stunning building, which features old-world style and class and is open 24 hours a day. There’s live entertainment, a varied game selection, and over 1,400 pokie machines to play.

Dress code Smart casual attire and footwear
Hotels 1
Restaurants Various

Top Pokies Venues in Brisbane

Whilst the bulk of pokies are found in the main casino in Brisbane, many Leagues Clubs and other sporting venues house hundreds of pokies – all dotted in and around Brisbane. Here are our top picks:

Casinos and Pokies in Adelaide

Gambling is big business in South Australia. In 2021-22, it generated taxation revenue of $531 million for the SA Government and was forecast to grow . Pokies, casino games and sports betting are all popular forms of entertainment, and there are plenty of places to play throughout the state.

Adelaide Casinos

Sky City Casino is the only casino in Adelaide. It offers a wide selection of electronic gaming machines and pokies, and table games are also plentiful.

The complex features a spa area with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a steam room, and massage therapies. You’ll also be treated to a choice of two bars, which have some of the most extensive ranges of spirits and mixers in town, as well as signature cocktails and imported beers.

Dress code Smart dress code (no work attire or sportswear)
Hotels 1
Restaurants Various

Top Pokies Venues in Adelaide

While many pokies are found in Sky City Casino, thousands more are scattered across the state and in pubs and clubs in the city suburbs.

Take a look at our top selection in Adelaide:

Land-Based Casinos vs Online Casinos?

While both have pros and cons, here are the major differences between the two so you can decide what’s best for your gambling experience.

Land-based casino Online casino
Social experience Higher RTP on online pokies
No limits on payouts Hundreds of online casino games to choose from with new games regularly added
Drinks and food available Chat rooms are available, but you can remain private and anonymous if you prefer
Large choice of table games You don’t have to worry about a dress code!
Physically get to play with chips/money Set betting limits so you don’t get carried away
Great atmosphere - flashing lights, immersive sounds Online casinos are open 24/7, so you can play anytime you wish
Stay overnight and enjoy amenities on offer - like spa, restaurants etc. No travel costs to visit
High roller benefits like best suites, exclusive drinks packages, best tables, rental cards etc. Casino bonuses - where the casino will match your deposit or give away free spins when making a deposit.
Investment in the local economy - casinos employ hundreds of locals Convenience - you can watch the big game from home or spin the reels without having to get off the couch!

Conclusion

Each city in Australia has its unique gambling culture. Big casinos typically enforce a smart casual dress code, while pokies parlours often have more relaxed guidelines. Make sure you're dressed neatly (no torn clothes or bare feet), and you should be fine! But check before to be safe.

If you want more choices and convenience, check out some Australian online casinos we recommend. Giving you access to a huge range of real money pokies and tables games from the comfort of your own home.

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Land Based Casinos FAQ

The most popular land-based casinos in Australia include The Star in Sydney, Crown Casino in Melbourne, and The Star Gold Coast. These casinos are renowned for their extensive gaming options, luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and entertainment facilities.

Australian land-based casinos offer a wide variety of games, including classic table games like poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Additionally, they feature a diverse selection of slot machines, electronic gaming machines, and other casino games such as craps and sic bo.

The legal gambling age for entering casinos in Australia is 18 years old. Australian casinos operate under strict regulations enforced by state and territory governments, ensuring fair play, responsible gambling measures, and adherence to legal standards.

Yes, many Australian casinos have dress codes. Typically, smart casual attire is required. Some areas within the casino, such as VIP sections or fine dining restaurants, may have stricter dress codes, requiring more formal attire. It’s always a good idea to check the specific dress code of the casino you plan to visit.

Most Australian casinos offer loyalty programs or rewards for their patrons. These programs allow members to earn points based on their gaming activity, which can be redeemed for various benefits such as complimentary meals, hotel stays, event tickets, and exclusive promotions.

Many Australian casinos operate 24/7, allowing visitors to enjoy gaming and entertainment at any time. However, specific facilities within the casino, such as restaurants and entertainment venues, may have different operating hours. It’s advisable to check the casino’s official website for detailed information.

Yes, most major Australian casinos offer a range of accommodation and dining options. These include luxurious hotels with various room types, from standard rooms to high-end suites. Dining options range from casual eateries and cafes to fine dining restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes.

Australian casinos frequently host special events and entertainment shows, including live music performances, concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and sporting events. These events add to the vibrant atmosphere and provide additional entertainment options for visitors. Check the casino’s event calendar for upcoming shows and events.

Jack Wilson
Jack Wilson Casino Expert
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Jack is our casino expert. His insights can help you to find the best bonuses around, whether you’re looking for welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses, free spins or more – at the best online casinos.

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Last updated: 10 October 2024
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