Discover the Grandeur: Top 10 Best Casinos in Australia
Welcome to a world of grandeur and excitement as we delve into the realm of the best casinos in Australia. From the dazzling lights of Sydney to the pristine shores of Queensland, Australia is home to some of the most extraordinary gambling destinations on the planet. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the opulence and thrill of the top 10 best casinos in Australia, where luxurious resorts, world-class entertainment, and exhilarating gaming experiences await. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, these premier establishments are sure to leave you captivated and craving more. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare to be immersed in a world where winning possibilities are limitless and the grandeur is unmatched. Join us as we uncover the jewels of the Australian gambling scene and showcase why these best casinos in Australia are a must-visit for any gaming enthusiast.
1. Crown Melbourne
Crown Melbourne, also known as Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, is a prestigious casino and resort situated along the scenic south bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia. As a subsidiary of Crown Resorts, it holds the distinction of being the first casino under the internationally recognized Crown brand. Originally established in 1994 on the north bank of the river, Crown Melbourne later relocated and reopened on the south bank in 1997. Today, it remains a prominent fixture in Melbourne’s Southbank precinct, occupying an impressive 510,000 square meters of space, equivalent to two city blocks. This makes it the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. Within the expansive complex, visitors can enjoy the amenities of three luxurious hotels: Crown Towers, Crown Promenade, and Crown Metropol.
Crown Casino offers an extensive range of gambling options, with licenses for 540 table games, including 100 poker tables, and 2,500 poker machines, providing ample opportunities for thrilling gameplay and entertainment. The design of Crown Casino was a collaborative effort by a team of renowned architects and interior designers, including Bates Smart, Perrott Lyon Mathieson, and Daryl Jackson. Crown Melbourne has become an iconic destination, synonymous with elegance, excitement, and world-class entertainment.
2. Star City Casino
The Star Sydney, previously known as Star City Casino and Sydney Harbour Casino, is an impressive casino located in Pyrmont, Sydney. It is the second largest casino in Australia, following Melbourne’s Crown Casino. The Star offers a stunning view of Darling Harbour and is owned by the Star Entertainment Group. The complex features two gaming floors, multiple bars, three restaurants, 351 hotel rooms, and 130 serviced and privately owned apartments. It also includes renowned entertainment venues such as the 2,000-seat Sydney Lyric theatre and the 3,000-seat Event Centre, designed by the esteemed theatre design firm Scéno Plus. The Star’s operations are regulated by the New South Wales Casino Control Authority and hold the exclusive license as the only legal casino in New South Wales. The casino provides an extensive range of gaming options across its two floors, including table games, electronic gaming machines, and a dedicated poker room with 40 tables.
The Star is known for its exclusive areas, such as the Sovereign Room and Inner Sanctum, which cater to high rollers and international guests. In 2009, the casino underwent a significant refurbishment and expansion program called Project Star, which included a reorientation of the casino towards Sydney Harbour, resulting in a remarkable transformation of the entrance and overall experience. The project was completed in late 2012, solidifying The Star Sydney as a premier destination for entertainment and gaming in Australia.
3. Crown Perth
Crown Perth, previously known as Burswood Island Casino, Burswood Island Complex, and Burswood Entertainment Complex, is a magnificent resort and casino nestled in Burswood, Western Australia, near the scenic Swan River. The expansive resort offers an array of facilities, including a casino, a convention center with meeting rooms, a theater, two ballrooms, and an impressive selection of 32 restaurants and bars. Guests can also enjoy a nightclub and various recreational amenities. Crown Perth boasts three distinct hotels: Crown Metropol Perth, offering 405 luxurious rooms, Crown Promenade Perth, providing 291 stylish rooms, and the exquisite Crown Towers Perth, featuring a lavish 500-room luxury hotel that opened its doors in December 2016.
The casino at Crown Perth operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and holds the monopoly as the sole casino operator in Perth, Western Australia. While state laws prohibit the inclusion of traditional reel slot machines, the casino offers “electronic gaming machines” (EGMs) that visually resemble slot machines but operate within legal parameters, including the presentation, operation, and pace of play.
In addition to the EGMs, Crown Perth offers a variety of table games, including baccarat, mini baccarat, blackjack, roulette, poker (Texas hold’em, Omaha), three card poker, casino war, progressive Texas hold’em, pai gow, money wheel, sic bo, and Caribbean stud. With such an extensive selection of gaming options, Crown Perth caters to a wide range of preferences, ensuring a thrilling and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
4. The Treasury
Situated in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, the Treasury Casino, also known as The Treasury, is a vibrant destination that combines a casino, hotel, restaurants, bars, and a nightclub all under one roof. Operated by the Star Entertainment Group, the casino contributes one percent of its gross gaming revenue to the Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund, which supports various non-profit community-based groups. The Treasury Casino is housed in two magnificent heritage-listed buildings: the Treasury Building and the nearby Lands Administration Building, with the beautiful Queens Gardens separating them. The Treasury Building, dating back to the early 19th century, showcases stunning Edwardian-Baroque exterior designs, ornate colonnades, striking sandstone walls, and a grand six-story atrium. It features a three-level gaming emporium with 80 gaming tables, over 1,300 gaming machines, and a refurbishment in April 1995 transformed it into the Treasury Casino. The hotel section, known as Conrad Treasury Casino, is situated in the former Lands Administration Building, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
The Treasury Casino provides a diverse range of gambling options, including blackjack, Treasury 21 (a variant of Spanish 21), mini Baccarat, Treasury Wheel (Australian Big Six wheel), Caribbean Stud Poker, roulette, craps, 3-Card Poker, Sic Bo, and a wide selection of slot machines. Poker enthusiasts can also enjoy Texas hold’em and Omaha cash games, as well as regular poker tournaments in the dedicated poker room. The Treasury Casino’s versatile spaces cater to various functions, from elegant rooms featuring early 19th-century decor to modern business meeting rooms. Whether visitors are seeking thrilling gaming experiences, fine dining, lively entertainment, or a luxurious stay, the Treasury Casino in Brisbane offers a captivating and all-encompassing destination.
5. SkyCity Adelaide
Located on the northern edge of the Adelaide city center, Adelaide Casino, commercially known as SkyCity Adelaide, is a prominent casino and entertainment venue housed within the historic Adelaide railway station building on North Terrace. With 90 gaming tables and 950 gaming machines, the casino offers an extensive array of gambling options. Alongside the gaming facilities, Adelaide Casino boasts several bars, function areas, and restaurants, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience. As the only licensed casino in South Australia, it operates under the regulation of the Independent Gambling Authority and the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner. The casino is a significant contributor to the local economy, employing over 1,100 staff members and paying substantial taxes and charges to the state and federal governments.
Adelaide Casino opened its doors in December 1985, and since then, it has undergone various developments and ownership changes. In 2000, it was acquired by the SkyCity Entertainment Group, leading to a renaming of the property as SkyCity Adelaide. Over the years, the casino expanded its offerings and underwent interior redevelopment. In 2009, it reverted to its original name, Adelaide Casino. A significant milestone for the casino occurred in 2013 when it obtained an extended exclusivity period for table games until 2035, granting it a monopoly on such games in South Australia. Additionally, the redevelopment plans allowed for an increase in table and gaming machine capacities, further enhancing the casino’s offerings. Adelaide Casino continues to be a premier destination for gaming and entertainment in South Australia, attracting both locals and visitors with its diverse range of amenities and a captivating gaming atmosphere.
6. Canberra Casino
Casino Canberra, situated in the bustling Central Business District of Canberra, the capital city of Australia, holds the distinction of being the first legal casino in the Australian Capital Territory. Built on land separated from Glebe Park through a 99-year lease agreement with the territory government, Casino Canberra is relatively smaller compared to other casinos in the country and does not include accommodations, theaters, retail stores, or auditoriums. Interestingly, it is the only casino in Australia that does not hold a license to operate poker machines. The casino offers 39 gaming tables where patrons can enjoy blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other games. Additionally, Casino Canberra features a dedicated poker lounge and a sports lounge with TAB facilities for sports betting.
In 1992, after receiving permission from the Federal Government to issue a casino license, Casinos Austria International was selected as the preferred operator, despite opposition from Dr. Hector Kinloch of the Residents Rally. Casino Canberra Limited, a subsidiary company, was established for this purpose. As part of the agreement, Casinos Austria paid an upfront fee of $19 million for the lease of the land and an annual licensing fee of $500,000. The temporary casino commenced operations on November 14, 1992, at the National Convention Centre, and the permanent casino officially opened its doors on July 29, 1994. The grand opening event, hosted by Dr. Leo Walner, head of Casinos Austria at the time, saw esteemed guests such as former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and ACT Chief Minister Rosemary Follett. Hawke was even the lucky recipient of the golden roulette ball used for the first spin of the wheel at the temporary casino.
In 2014, the Aquis Group, headed by Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung, acquired control of Casino Canberra, signaling a new chapter in the casino’s ownership and future development.
7. The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast, previously known as Jupiters Hotel and Casino, is an impressive casino and hotel situated in the suburb of Broadbeach on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. As Queensland’s first casino, it holds a prime location next to the Nerang River and is operated by the renowned Star Entertainment Group. Originally opened in November 1985 as Conrad Jupiters, it underwent a rebranding in 2017 and emerged as The Star, Gold Coast. The casino contributes one percent of its gross gaming revenue to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, established in 1987 to support non-profit community-based groups and administered by the Government of Queensland. Spanning over seven acres, the complex offers a wide range of amenities, including eight bars, seven restaurants, conference facilities, a ballroom, theater, health spa, and gym. The hotel within the complex boasts 592 rooms across 21 floors, standing at an impressive height of 66 meters (216 feet).
Governed by the Jupiters Casino Agreement Act, the complex underwent significant renovations in 2006, investing $53 million to enhance the casino and overall facilities. The gaming floors were combined into one, effectively doubling the size, while the Gold Club room was introduced on Level Two. The renovation also included the addition of a new restaurant, balconies, and two bars. Furthermore, by 2008, a comprehensive refurbishment was completed on 442 hotel rooms at a cost of $16 million, complementing the renovation of the hotel’s front office and lobby bar. The Star Gold Coast continues to offer a premier gaming and hospitality experience, blending luxury, entertainment, and stunning surroundings on the vibrant Gold Coast.
8. Crown Sydney
Crown Sydney, also known as One Barangaroo, is a remarkable skyscraper located in Barangaroo, New South Wales, Australia. Designed by WilkinsonEyre, this iconic structure stands tall at a height of 271.3 meters (890 feet), making it the tallest building in Sydney and the fourth tallest building in Australia. Developed by Crown Resorts, the building predominantly comprises a luxurious hotel and residential apartments, while also housing a casino and various hospitality venues on its lower floors. Construction of Crown Sydney began in October 2016 and reached its pinnacle in March 2020. The tower was officially opened to the public in December 2020.
Crown Sydney plays a vital role in the urban revitalization of the Barangaroo area in central Sydney. It forms part of a cluster of skyscrapers alongside the adjacent One Sydney Harbour and International Towers complexes. The tower stands on the site of former industrial wharves, which were reclaimed and transformed over time into a concrete base on which the tower was constructed.
With a total floor area of 146,500 square meters (1,577,000 square feet), Crown Sydney offers a range of amenities. The podium of the tower houses the casino floor, along with bars, restaurants, and other hospitality venues. The lower levels of the tower (from levels 6 to 32), including the protruding lower southeast wing, are dedicated to Crown Resort’s prestigious six-star hotel. Private residential apartments occupy levels 33 to 63, while duplex penthouses are situated on levels 64 to 66. A public observation deck is located on a small section of level 66, providing breathtaking views. The upper levels of the tower (67 to 69) feature the hotel’s exquisite “sky villas,” while levels 70 and 71 are dedicated to utilities, completing the tower’s extraordinary design. Crown Sydney stands as a symbol of sophistication and luxury, offering residents and visitors an unparalleled experience in the heart of Barangaroo.
9. Wrest Point Hotel Casino
The Wrest Point Hotel Casino, located in Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania, holds the distinction of being Australia’s first legal casino. Its doors opened on 10 February 1973, marking a significant milestone in the country’s casino industry. Designed by architects Colin Philp and David Hartley Wilson, the original establishment, known as the Wrest Point Riviera Hotel, was a pinnacle of streamline moderne architecture. When it debuted on 5 December 1939, it was considered one of the most modern establishments of its kind in Australia. The hotel featured luxurious accommodations for 500 patrons, with additional attractions such as tiered garden beds, a heated saltwater bathing pool, tennis court, and a private jetty with the Arcadia steamboat offering scenic cruises.
During World War II, the hotel thrived and was subsequently sold to Federal Hotels, Australia’s oldest hotel group, in March 1956. In the 1960s, the Federal Group sought to obtain Australia’s first casino license, recognizing the potential of tourism for Tasmania. The development of the casino complex led to the construction of a landmark 17-story hotel tower with a revolving restaurant, designed by Sir Roy Grounds. This tower, known for its distinctive dodecagonal prism shape, remains the tallest building in Hobart.
Since its opening as the Wrest Point Hotel Casino, the establishment has played a significant role in shaping the casino industry in Australia. It served as a catalyst for the opening of 12 additional casinos across the country. In Tasmania, the success of Wrest Point led to the development of another Federal Group casino, the Country Club Casino, in Launceston in 1982. Over the years, the Wrest Point complex has undergone expansions, including the addition of a conference center in 1984 and the boardwalk in 1996.
In recent years, Wrest Point has embarked on an extensive multi-year redevelopment project, commencing in 2018. This project has brought new restaurants, gaming areas, and refurbished accommodations, ensuring that the iconic casino and hotel continues to offer a world-class experience for its guests.
10. Mindil Beach Casino & Resort
Mindil Beach Casino & Resort, situated in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, holds the distinction of being the sole casino in the city. The casino’s origins trace back to the Don Hotel on Cavenagh Street, which obtained a license as the “Don Casino” in 1979, becoming the first casino in Darwin and the second in Australia. In 1983, the license was transferred to the Mindil Beach Casino. However, in 1984, the Territory government acquired both the Mindil Beach Casino and the Alice Springs Casino from Federal Hotels for $50 million. A joint venture between Greate Bay Casino Corp. and Aspinall Holdings, an operator from the UK, was established to manage the two casinos. The Mindil Beach Casino was subsequently renamed as the Diamond Beach Hotel and Casino. Aspinall Holdings later acquired full ownership by buying out Greate Bay’s interest and the territorial government’s 17 percent stake. In 1995, the property was purchased by MGM Grand for US$75 million and rebranded as MGM Grand Darwin.
In 2004, SkyCity Entertainment Group acquired the hotel for $195 million. The ownership of the hotel changed hands once again in April 2019 when American company Delaware North bought it for $188 million. Delaware North then renamed the property as Mindil Beach Casino & Resort, paying homage to one of its previous names and emphasizing its contemporary resort facilities.
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