Australia’s Land-Based Casinos

Gambling is popular in Australia, with over 80% of adults having taken part in the pastime at one time or another. For this reason, Aussies have the highest gambling rate in the world.

With over 20 fully-fledged commercial casinos and thousands of bars and pubs with pokies, Australian players never have to look far to have a flutter.

These establishments have been set up to offer the full house of entertainment. They offer massive selections of pokies, table games, and other fun facilities. This makes casinos hubs for entertainment and super-popular destinations among the locals.

Read our DiceDealer guide to land-based casinos to find your closest top casinos and learn all you need to know about what they offer.

Top Casinos to Play At in Australia

While there is a good selection of casino establishments in Oz, some shine just a little bit brighter than the rest. These complexes provide more than just your average gambling halls, but rather present a well-rounded entertainment experience, which includes luxury accommodation and amenities, wining, dining, gaming, and live show amusement.

Adelaide Casino 

Also known as SkyCity Adelaide, this recreational venue is situated at the old heritage-listed Adelaide Railway Station Building on the northern edge of the city.

Adelaide Casino is widely known as Southern Australia’s premier gaming destination and offers not only one, but two massive gaming floors with around 90 table games and nearly 1000 pokies and electronic machines.

The casino provides an enhanced gambling experience by offering additional betting entertainment on the grounds, including:

• Sports betting
• Poker Zone
• VIP Gaming

Added to the gaming entertainment is the option to watch live shows on the premises, which are a great feature to kick off the evening at this buzzing casino venue.

Casino Canberra 

In the heart of the country’s capital, Casino Canberra offers a quintessential Aussie gambling experience. It’s a place you can find something for the whole family, with an entertainment centre, restaurants, show facilities, and of course, first-class casino gaming.

Gaming is the primary attraction at this casino and the offerings spread across a wide selection of game-types which include:

• Pokies: There are hundreds of pokie machines and electronic games up for grabs for punters to play.
• Table Games: Enjoy classic table options like Roulette, Baccarat, Pai Gow, Pontoon, Blackjack, and more.
• Poker: Hit the poker pit to enjoy exclusive tournaments and cash games such as Texas Holdem, Omaha Poker, Faro, 7-Card Stud, and Manila Poker.

Accommodation is offered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel adjacent to the casino’s recreational venue.

Country Club Casino 

Country Club Resort is the perfect family getaway and recreational facility offering so much more than just gaming. With tennis, golf, and other sporting options in the vicinity, as well as restaurants, bars, shows, and live events, this venue provides the ultimate weekend retreat.

When it comes to games, pokies will be your spoils, offering over 150 individual titles. There are also 15 table games on the floor for those who prefer baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and poker.

Crown Casino Melbourne 

Situated on the Southbank of Melbourne, visitors to Crown Casino can enjoy the elegance at one of three proud Crown hotels, including Crown Promenade, Crown Metropol, and Crown Towers.

All hotel guests have access to luxury amenities and a fine gaming experience at the Crown Casino, where they can put their money on the line for great rewards.

• Pokies: Automated gaming machines line the floors with bright and flamboyant game titles for high and low stake players.
• Table Games: There is a fine selection of top table game content at Crown Casino. Play poker, baccarat, Caribbean Stud, Casino War, craps, automated table games, Pai Gow, Poker War, Pontoon, roulette, blackjack, Sic Bo, and three-card poker.
• Poker Rooms: Enjoy exclusive poker tourneys and competitions at Crown Melbourne.

There is no lack of entertainment at this facility, where gaming meets the decadence of 5-star accommodation and first-class amenities.

Crown Sydney 

Situated on the Sydney Harbour, Crown Sydney is set to be one of the world’s great hotels. Designed for bespoke luxury, the facility provides world-class rooms, suites, and villas, which will accommodate you while you enjoy a top gaming experience at the on-site casino and signature dining in-house.

While the casino is set to offer pokies and table games across the gaming floors, the most sought-after experience is that of the exclusive VIP table rooms, which offer traditional games in the city’s most premium space.

Crown Sydney is a brand-new venue which is set to open in December 2020.

Jupiter’s Hotel and Casino – Gold Coast 

This casino was rebranded as The Star- Gold Coast in 2017 and is a gem of a casino resort. In keeping with the class of the top casinos in Australia, this one provides first-class accommodation, showtime amusements, and casino gaming, all within the lap of a luxuriously comfortable setting.

Hit the casino floor to enjoy a full host of:

• Pokies: The Star Casino boasts an impressive 1600+ gaming machines and pokies across the standard gaming floor and VIP rooms. The vibrant and colourful scenery is iconic of Australian casino culture.
• Table Games: Enjoy dice games, card games, roulette games, and more with various table limits and style options.
• VIP Gaming: Experience premium gaming in plush surroundings in the VIP gaming lobby. This oasis of luxury gaming offers automated and live table offerings 24 hours a day for avid high roller and VIP status players.

In summary, playtime in paradise consists of wining, dining, spa treatments, and gambling.

The Star Casino Sydney 

All Star resort casinos offer the same first-class experience, just within the context of a different town and venue. The Star Sydney offers luxurious accommodation, signature dining, and one of the best gaming experiences in all of Oz.

Along with a wide range of pokies and table games comes the star attraction – The Stadium.

The Stadium experience is unrivalled, offering an innovative cinematic offering of Blackjack and Roulette Table games displayed on a 15m x 3.5m mega screen. The live dealers will deal all your favourite table games from just $1 per bet.

Sky City – Darwin 

Now known as Mindil Beach Casino Resort, this venue offers a laid-back holiday vibe that is geared for relaxation and entertainment.

Sip sundowners before beautiful golden sunsets, palm trees, and beach vistas before turning in at the casino for a night’s gambling and entertainment, complete with live shows and more.

The casual setting of the casino provides a relaxing experience. Gaming content includes 600 pokie machines and 30 exciting table games, all hosted within a responsible gaming environment.

More than Just Games and Gambling

Most of the top casinos in Australia are entertainment hubs that provide a plethora of activities and amenities that stretch beyond the average accommodation services and gaming experiences.

Take your pick of entertainment options at the following venues.

• Live Shows and Events
  • SkyCity Adelaide
  • The Country Club
  • Crown Melbourne
  • The Star Gold Coast
  • The Star Sydney
  • Mandil Beach Resort
• Spa/Gym/Healthcare Facilities
  • SkyCity Adelaide 
  • The Country Club
  • Crown Melbourne
  • The Star Gold Coast
  • The Star Sydney 
  • Mandil Beach Resort
• Pool Amenities
  • The Country Club
  • Crown Sydney
  • The Star Gold Coast
  • The Star Sydney
  • Mandil Beach Resort 
• Restaurants
  • SkyCity Adelaide 
  • Casino Canberra 
  • The Country Club
  • Crown Melbourne
  • Crown Sydney
  • The Star Gold Coast
  • The Star Sydney
  • Mandil Beach Resort

Events and live shows change all the time, so it is best to re-visit the casino sites to keep up to date with the latest options available and forthcoming attractions due to arrive.

Who Takes the Crown?

We have listed all the top land-based casinos in Australia above, but there is one that takes the crown.

Crown Casino in Australia is not only Australia’s most popular casino but it is the largest and most successful entertainment complex in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the biggest casino resorts in the world!

It is rated as Australia’s number one tourist attraction as it welcomes almost 11 million guests through its doors each year. A visit to this magnificent landmark will ensure one of the best hotel and casino experiences available on the planet.

Best Casinos for a Weekend Away

When it comes to getaways you will want a retreat that has many great amenities and activities but provides it all with an air of rest and relaxation. If you would like a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, then we have three casino resorts to suit you.

1. The Star Gold Coast

Situated south of Brisbane on the Gold Coast, the Star Casino will offer you the opulence of a luxury hotel and casino resort close to the beach, which means your choice of activities for the weekend grows exponentially.

Stay at the hotel and enjoy superb cuisine and spa facilities or spend the day at the pool or on the beach. Retire for the night to enjoy live shows and casino gambling before hitting the hay in a premium suite.

The hotel provides awesome packages, including:

• The Starter Starcation
• Birthday Starcation
• Getaway Starcation
• Anniversary Starcation

Be sure to check here  for more details regarding these fabulous offers.

2. Mindil Beach Casino Resort – Darwin

Stay at the beachside in a laid-back atmosphere that exudes the feel of a tropical island getaway. Whether staying at the 5-star resort or the 4-star hotel, you will have access to a long list of activities to keep you busy on a weekend getaway, including:

• Infinity Pool
• Massive Lagoon Swimming Pool with White Beach Sand and Swim-up Bar
• 24-Hour Fitness Centre
• 24-Hour Sauna
• Lagoon Day Spa
• Bike Hire Available
• Direct Access to Mindil Beach
• Hiking and Running Tracks
• Car Rentals with 10% Discount 

3. The Country Club in Tasmania

For a country feel lakeside getaway, be sure to book in at the Country Club in Tasmania. Aside from the casino, guests can relax and enjoy a long list of amenities and activities throughout the weekend, including:

• Golf and driving range
• Horse riding
• Bike riding trails
• Resort Health club & gym
• Resort pool, spa & sauna
• Villas pool & spa
• Villas gym
• Tennis
• Squash
• Feed the ducks
• Walking trails

There are plenty of restaurants and bars at the facility to keep you well-fed and entertained, so there is very little need to wander off the grounds for anything else, making the Country Club the perfect weekend escape!

Casino Date Night

Casino hotels and resorts provide an ideal environment for the complete date night. They offer shows and live events, restaurant facilities, and great gaming options.

To set up the perfect date night simply:

• Call up the hotel’s spa facility and arrange for a late afternoon massage for you and your partner. This will relieve every tense muscle and provide the perfect start to a relaxing evening.
• Make reservations at a top-quality restaurant at the casino/hotel. Most venues offer a host of dining facilities with diverse menu choices. Be sure to pick one that agrees with the palate of your partner.
• Keep your eye on the live events page on the casino, as nothing compliments a good meal better than a live show or concert. Make sure that you get your times right so that you don’t have to rush your meal.
• Once the show is done, don’t go home! Rather hit the gambling floor and indulge in some fine gaming entertainment.
• Wind down the evening with a drink or two at one of the fine bars on the grounds.
• For added ambience to the night, you could book a room at the hotel and end off your fabulous evening in the lap of luxury.

When is Best to Play?

Australian land-based casinos come alive at night. If you want to experience the best the casino has to offer, you will have to pop in after dark. These peak hours are when the best draws and promotions usually play out, and you won’t want to miss those.

Weekends are also hotspots at casinos, as the house caters specifically to times when folks are free to come in and indulge in the entertainment. Of course, if you want a quieter experience, then make sure you visit on weekdays.

Night-time is also showtime, but remember to plan your excursion well, as these types of shows can draw great crowds, which means that traffic in and around the casino could be an issue. Rather start your visit much earlier. If you are not attending the show, but know that a popular concert is on, you should plan to arrive once it has started and the traffic has settled.

Play at a Bar

There is another popular way to enjoy gambling in Australia without making your way to one of the top casinos. Many of the bars and pubs provide pokie machines for their patrons. This type of gaming is far less formal.

While there are thousands of venues offering this type of entertainment around the country, we have specifically selected the top options for you.

Read More: Pokie Pubs.

Land-Based Gambling FAQs