Summary
- Turnover During 2018 and 2019 the total gambling turnover was $225 billion.
- Gambling Tourism During 2020 the gross value added (GVA) of tourist related gambling was more than $500 million.
- Pokies: Although expected to decline there are approximately 200,000 pokies in Australia, each of which can generate a revenue of $60,000+- annually.
- Laws: Regulated at both a state and federal level, gambling laws are generally quite liberal for offline gambling, but less so for interactive online gambling.
Australia is an enormous country of beauty - sometimes lush and sometimes stark. It also has one of the most enthusiastic betting populations in the world, so it's no wonder it has some of the best and most beautiful land-based Aussie casinos. As anyone who has travelled down under knows, it's also a great country to explore and in so doing, means occasionally visiting some of the best Australian casino resorts around. In no particular order, here are the top 10 best.
Stunning Scenery
Visitors to Australia's finest brick and mortar casinos have not only all the betting diversions one might expect, but some of the top 10 best beautiful views to be enjoyed anywhere in the world. Whether outstanding natural landscapes or the glittering skylines of major cities take your fancy, the top 10 casinos in Australia offer a feast for the eyes to accompany a smorgasbord of slots and table games.
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Cairns, Queensland
Pros & Cons:
- Great dining on-site dining options.
- Dedicated keno lounge.
- Low standard of attire for visitors.
One of Australia's Tropical Casinos
The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is a picturesque place to play, providing a feast for the eyes as well as a smorgasbord of gaming options. Those staying in the hotel can take advantage of private balconies affording the best relaxing views of Cairns' urban skyline, and you can stay in shape courtesy of the rooftop pool and gym. Or simply let the stress soak away in the spa. Guests at this top 10 Australian casino have multiple dining options from which to choose, including Eastern fare from Tamarind Restaurant and live music at the sophisticated surroundings of BAR36.
When it comes to betting in Australia, visitors have a lot to keep them occupied. The hotel has classic table games such as baccarat, blackjack, and roulette, in addition to hundreds of cutting-edge gaming machines, and a lounge dedicated to keno. And there's regular poker available for folks who fancy trying their hand at Texas Hold'Em, every Friday and Saturday evening. One of the prettiest parts of staying at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is the Cairns Wildlife Dome. This 20m high all-weather wildlife exhibit sits atop the hotel roof and is home to a wide variety of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and plenty of plant life too.
More Information
- Website: reefcasino.com.au
- Opening Times: 10am - 2am
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 35/41 Wharf St, Cairns City, Queensland 4870
Casino Canberra
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Pros & Cons:
- Sports on the big screen in the Onyx Sports Lounge.
- Great attractions nearby.
- No pokies to play.
A Great Option for Card Players
If you happen to be visiting the capital of Australia in 2024 and want one of the top 10 best places to enjoy various betting games then a small but perfectly formed establishment is Casino Canberra. This high class casino to play at in Australia is one of the top 10 most beautiful places to indulge in games of chance and it has some of the best dining opportunities too. Sports fans can combine familiar pub grub with sport on the big screen, or Sinophiles can sate their appetites with authentic Chinese cuisine from Natural Nine.
The local area is also a wonderful place for a wander from this Australian casino, with multiple parks close at hand and the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve for those who really want to stretch their legs and enjoy one of the best views of the city from the summit. You can also take in the serene surroundings of the nearby Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to a wide selection of plants native to Australia. The casino itself is not the largest but it does cover all the bases for table games, with baccarat, poker, blackjack, pai gow, and roulette all on offer, with multiple varieties if you feel like switching things up a little. If you prefer playing pokies, you can do so at Australian online casinos with no deposit.
More Information
- Website: casinocanberra.com.au
- Opening Times: 12pm - 4am
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 21 Binara St, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Treasury Casino and Hotel Brisbane
Brisbane, Queensland
Pros & Cons:
- Heritage-listed architecture.
- Huge array of gaming machines.
- Food can be hit and miss.
A 5 Star Australian Land-Based Casino
Easily one of the top 10, if not the very best, the Treasury Casino and Hotel Brisbane is especially pleasing on the eye for fans of baroque architecture. No brick or steel modernism, the columns galore evoke an old world sense of style, and the two buildings that comprise the hotel and Australian casino are heritage-listed. In addition, the firm contributes 1% of gross gaming revenue to local non-profits via the Jupiter's Casino Community Benefit Fund.
When you're taking a break from playing in the casino there are great sights within easy reach, including the best panoramic views of Brisbane from 200 feet up in the air when you ride the Wheel of Brisbane, just across the river. Meanwhile, pleasant greenery is abundant at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, where the floral delights are complemented perfectly by ponds and picnic spots. But if contemporary art from Asia and Australia is your thing, then check out the Gallery of Modern Art. The casino and hotel has almost a dozen restaurants and bars and betting is available on a 24/7 basis. Players at this Australian casino have their pick of over 1,400 gaming machines which is good news for those who love trying out the latest pokies, as well as classic table games that can be played for real money cash prizes.
More Information
- Website: treasurybrisbane.com.au
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 130 William St, Brisbane City, Queensland 4000
Crown Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria
Pros & Cons:
- Variety of live entertainment.
- Great set of tables, especially for poker players.
- Often very busy and noisy.
Host of the Aussie Millions
The beautiful bright lights of the city provide a dazzling urban backdrop to the Crown Melbourne. This chic Australian casino is in a prime location for visitors to explore during the day before returning for a wide array of betting distractions in the evening. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria are within easy reach, offering a pleasant walk amid the diverse assortment of floral delights which make it ideal for either a lazy stroll or for budding gardeners to find inspiration for their own patch of greenery back home. Marine marvels are just across the bridge at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where there are more than 10,000 exotic residents to admire.
The hotel itself is a suave setting for gambling fun, and as such enforces a neat casual dress code. The rooms are luxurious and the entertainment options numerous (in addition to the casino itself), with live theatre, comedy, and music all regularly hosted to ensure guests have the best time. And, four times a year, the Gas Brigades shoot the world's largest fireballs into the night sky (on the 1st of March, April, October, and December). And, of course, betting is on the menu with baccarat, multiple poker variants, craps, blackjack, roulette, and the best automated gaming tables. The casino is famous for offering the Aussie Millions tournament which has seen some of the best poker players from around the world compete against each other.
More Information
- Website: crownmelbourne.com.au
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 8 Whiteman St, Southbank, Victoria 3006
The Star Gold Coast
Broadbeach, Queensland
Pros & Cons:
- Very large number of gaming machines.
- Assortment of global cuisine.
- Low standard of dress code.
A Luxury Casino Experience in Australia
Formerly known as Jupiter's Hotel and Casino, The Star Gold Coast is one of the top 10 casinos in Australia when it comes to setting and style. Located by the water, there's an elegant simplicity to the architecture, and green spaces where you can relax and clear your head. Beach enthusiasts are not far from the long Kurrawa Beach, where you can laze away and work on your tan or engage in beach sports if you're feeling energetic. There are also many the Australia's best golf courses in the area, so if you like to whittle down your handicap by day and sharpen up your card skills by night, this is the perfect place to stay.
If you like dining in swanky style it's hard to beat the chic setting of Nineteen at The Star, where the menu consists of seasonal fare, an extensive wine list, and a view to knock your socks off. But if you prefer Japanese treats then the creative cuisine of Kiyomi is just the ticket, while Cucina Vivo serves up Italian dishes for those who prefer things Mediterranean. On the gaming menu, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, sic bo, and more than 1,600 gaming machines are all accessible with linked jackpots on offer from the likes of Golden Dollars Grand, Lightning Link, and more.
More Information
- Website: star.com.au
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach, Queensland 4218
SkyCity Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia
Pros & Cons:
- Idiosyncratic and historic former rail station setting.
- Cutting edge automated table game stadiums.
- Security can be overbearing.
South Australia's Top Casino
SkyCity Adelaide is one of Australia's top 10 casinos in terms of beauty, being set in the romantic location of a former rail station. The heritage-listed building is practically dripping with nostalgia for yesteryear, contrasting perfectly with modern conveniences such as the hotel's swimming pool and spa.
Dining options are varied, from Italian to an Australian bar, plus the idiosyncratic French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant Madame Hanoi. The Australian casino and hotel is practically surrounded by green spaces, and if you want to walk on the wild side then Adelaide Zoo is not far away. Meanwhile, fans of flora can find the best traditional Japanese horticulture at the Adelaide Himeji Garden, complete with ornamental gate and teahouse. Players at this casino can enjoy the best state of the art automated table game stadiums, or opt for the plentiful gaming machines, many of which have delightfully large jackpots attached. Table game classics are also available, so if you prefer old favorites such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and more then you're in luck.
More Information
- Website: skycityadelaide.com.au
- Opening Times: 10am - 5am
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5001
The Star Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales
Pros & Cons:
- Sydney Opera House close at hand.
- Western and Eastern casino games on the betting menu.
- Security staff can be impolite.
The Second Largest Casino in Australia
Next on our top 10 list of land-based casinos in Australia is The Star Sydney, located in Australia's biggest city. Guests can stay in The Darling, a beautiful boutique hotel which is one of the most stunning in the country, with some of the best views of the city's wonderful skyline thanks to windows that start at the floor and only stop at the ceiling. The hotel's credentials for luxury are bolstered by the many awards it has won over the years, including the Gold Award for the Luxury Accommodation Category NSW Tourism Awards 2016.
There is a spa with 11 treatment rooms and a jacuzzi, and dining options from traditional Japanese treats served up at Sokyo to grilled fare from Australia at BLACK Bar & Grill. Among the local attractions, those who visit the resort find themselves within easy reach of the top 10 best global music venue the Sydney Opera House, a unique design and one of the crown jewels of architecture in Australia. Guests keen on a wager can indulge in the classic games of Mahjong and Pai Gow (also known as Chinese dominoes). These sit comfortably alongside enduring Western favorites such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.
More Information
- Website: star.com.au
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont, New South Wales 2009
Wrest Point Hotel Casino
Sandy Bay, Tasmania
Pros & Cons:
- Sports betting also available on-site.
- Great Chinese dishes.
- Restaurants close early.
Australia's First Legal Casino
The next top 10 entry of the best, beautiful casinos in Australia on our list is Wrest Point Hotel Casino, located on the island of Tasmania. This waterside betting establishment is the oldest legal land-based casino in Australia, dating back to 1973, and remains popular to this day. The combination of exciting games within and beaches, marinas, and extensive in the near vicinity make it an enticing prospect for a holiday. Seasonality and simplicity comprise the menu put together by Executive Chef Andre Kropp, and there's a broad culinary selection available at the hotel, including various approaches to Chinese cuisine at Kwan Ho. Stay in the Wrest Point Tower to enjoy tranquil views of the Derwent River, Mount Wellington, or Hobart city.
Players in the mood for betting can take their pick from an extensive range, including not just casino games but sports betting too. Regular poker is available for card sharks, as well as blackjack, with roulette and electronic gaming also present in abundance thanks to more than 650 of the best gaming machines.
More Information
- Website: wrestpoint.com.au
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 410 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005
Country Club Tasmania
Prospect Vale, Tasmania
Pros & Cons:
- Great for golfers.
- Low stakes gaming is wallet-friendly.
- Food can sometimes be lacking quality.
Popular with Golfing Fanatics
The Country Club Tasmania provides visitors with boutique comfort and immersion in the relaxed way of life Tasmanians enjoy. There's free on-site parking, and numerous bars and restaurants where you can celebrate your winnings or cheer yourself up if fortune hasn't smiled on your gaming session. When not playing at the casino, this Australian resort has a spa and pool where you can refresh yourself, horse-riding and golfing facilities, and some of the island's best and most beautiful attractions nearby.
Landscaped gardens and walking trails await at Cataract Gorge Reserve, just to the north, and lovers of the great outdoors have acres galore to explore at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including alpine heathlands, rainforests, and pristine mountain scenery. The state of the art gaming machines allow stakes as low as 1c, and the best table games such as American roulette, baccarat, poker, and blackjack are available for those who prefer old school gaming.
More Information
- Website: countryclubtasmania.com.au
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Country Club Ave, Prospect Vale, Tasmania 7250
The Ville Resort-Casino
Townsville, Queensland
Pros & Cons:
- Mountains and sandy beaches at nearby Magnetic Island National Park.
- Multiple on-site dining options.
- Small number of gaming tables.
The Best AU Casino in Queensland
Magnificent marina views can be enjoyed at the next entry on our list of the top 10 beautiful Australian casinos: the Ville Resort-Casino. Located in Townsville, Queensland, this hotel is an oasis of deluxe rooms and a playground for those who enjoy seeking thrills with the roll of the dice. Just across the water is Magnetic Island National Park, the perfect place to travel and get away from it all. The mountainous island has sandy beaches where you can lie back and let the sun top up your tan, trails for hiking, and you can find one of the best views at Hawkings Point Lookout. Plus you can find panoramic city views without crossing the water by visiting the nearby Castle Hill Lookout.
Half a dozen dining establishments offer a range of ways to sate your appetite, from pizza to classic Chinese cuisine and the Sports Bar for those who find live sports to be the perfect complement to a wide selection of beverages. On the casino side of things, bettors can take advantage of more than 370 gaming machines and more than 20 table games. It's easy to see why this is one of the best spots for pokies to play.
More Information
- Website: the-ville.com.au
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 67 Sir Leslie Thiess Dr, Townsville, Queensland 4810
Summary
That just about covers our top 10 list of some of the most beautiful land-based casino resorts in Australia. Best of luck if you find yourself in one of these fantastic establishments, where slots and table games from both East and West sit comfortably alongside varied dining and chic surroundings. And in addition to all the gaming fun, it's great to enjoy a holiday somewhere offering global attractions like the Sydney Opera House and other uniquely Australian diversions.
