Australia’s Best Land-Based Casinos: A Tourist’s Guide

Best Land-Based Casinos in Australia: The 2025 Visitor's Guide

Australia offers a casino experience that is distinct from the neon overload of Las Vegas or the historical opulence of Monte Carlo. Here, the model is built around massive, integrated entertainment complexes. Usually, you will find just one major operator per city, holding an exclusive license. This monopoly system means that Australian casinos are enormous, serving as hubs for dining, luxury accommodation, and nightlife, not just gambling.

For visitors, these venues are top-tier attractions. They are located in prime waterfront positions and house some of the country’s best restaurants. However, recent regulatory changes have shifted how they operate. From the massive floors of Melbourne to the harbour views of Sydney and the new developments in Brisbane, here is what you need to know about the best physical casinos in Australia.

Crown Melbourne: The Giant of the South

If you only visit one casino in Australia, it will likely be Crown. Located on the Southbank of the Yarra River, Crown Melbourne is not just a casino; it is the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere and a city within a city.

The scale of Crown is difficult to overstate. It spans two city blocks and includes three hotels (Crown Towers, Crown Metropol, and Crown Promenade). For the general public, the main gaming floor stretches seemingly forever, featuring thousands of electronic gaming machines (pokies) and hundreds of table games.

The Atmosphere
Crown is loud, busy, and unapologetically flashy. Every hour after dark, the signature "Gas Brigades"—massive fireballs on pillars along the riverwalk—erupt into the sky, drawing crowds of tourists. Inside, the venue caters to everyone. You will find casual punters in the sports bar watching the AFL, alongside serious baccarat players in the dedicated Asian gaming precincts.

What to Play
You will find every standard game here: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Craps. Crown is also the home of the Aussie Millions (though tournament schedules have fluctuated recently), making its poker room legendary. Be aware that table minimums can be high on Friday and Saturday nights. If you are looking for lower stakes, you might be directed to "stadium gaming" terminals, where you bet on a live dealer via a screen.

The Star Sydney: Harbourfront Luxury

Sydney’s answer to Crown is The Star. Located in Pyrmont, it sits just across the water from the CBD and Darling Harbour. While it feels slightly more compact than its Melbourne rival, The Star recently underwent massive renovations to keep up with the market.

The Star is divided into distinct zones. The main gaming floor is energetic and crowded, packed with the latest slots and rapid-roulette terminals. For those with a higher budget, the Sovereign Room offers a more secluded and premium experience, though entry is strictly controlled based on membership tiers.

Dining and Entertainment
For many Sydneysiders, The Star is a dining destination first and a casino second. It houses Momofuku Seiobo (though concepts rotate) and the popular buffet, Harvest. It is also connected to the Lyric Theatre, meaning the floor often fills up with theatre-goers looking for a post-show drink.

The Competition: Crown Sydney
It is important to note that Sydney now has a second casino: Crown Sydney at Barangaroo. However, this is a "VIP-only" facility. You cannot simply walk in off the street to play pokies. Membership is required, and it focuses entirely on high-roller table games. For the standard tourist experience, The Star remains the primary choice.

Brisbane’s New Era: The Star Brisbane (Queen’s Wharf)

For decades, the Treasury Casino was the icon of Brisbane gambling, housed in a beautiful heritage-listed government building. However, 2024 and 2025 marked a massive shift with the opening of the Queen’s Wharf precinct.

Gaming operations have transitioned from the old Treasury building to the new, purpose-built The Star Brisbane. This development has changed the city’s skyline. Situated on the river, it mimics the integrated resort style of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, complete with a sky deck.

If you are visiting Brisbane, do not go to the old Treasury building expecting to find the main gaming floor as it was years ago. Head to Queen’s Wharf. The new venue offers a significantly larger gaming area, fresh open-air bars, and a thoroughly modern aesthetic that replaces the dark, old-world charm of the Treasury.

Notable Mentions: Adelaide, Perth, and Tasmania

While the east coast giants dominate the headlines, other cities offer unique experiences.

  • SkyCity Adelaide: Located inside the historic Railway Station building, this casino has recently expanded. It is arguably the most architecturally interesting venue, blending 1920s heritage grandeur with a modern glass expansion. It feels more boutique and relaxed than Melbourne or Sydney.
  • Crown Perth: Situated in Burswood, this is a resort-style complex. It features a massive pool lagoon and feels more like a holiday destination. It is the only place in Western Australia where you can play pokies (as they are banned in WA pubs).
  • Wrest Point (Hobart): A piece of history. Opened in 1973 in Tasmania, this was Australia’s first legal casino. Its distinctive circular tower dominates the Sandy Bay waterfront. It is smaller and quieter, offering a retro charm you won’t find in the big mainland cities.

The Rules: What Tourists Need to Know

Australia has tightened its gambling regulations significantly in recent years. If you are visiting from overseas, do not expect a "Wild West" environment. Here is the practical information you need to avoid being turned away at the door.

Identification is Mandatory

This is the most common stumbling block for tourists. Australian casinos are incredibly strict about ID. Security guards scan IDs at the entrance of most major venues.

If you look under 25, you will be challenged. If you are an international visitor, bring your passport. Foreign driver’s licenses are often rejected because security staff are not trained to verify them. A digital copy or a photo of your passport on your phone will not be accepted. You need the physical document.

Furthermore, recent anti-money laundering laws mean that if you win a certain amount (often over $1,000 or $2,000 depending on the venue), the casino must verify your identity before paying you out. No ID means no money.

Dress Code: The "Smart Casual" Standard

Australian casinos are not black-tie affairs, but they are not beach bars either. The standard is "Smart Casual," but interpretation varies by time of day.

Before 6:00 PM: The rules are relaxed. You can usually get away with neat shorts and sneakers.
After 6:00 PM: The standards go up. Do not wear:

  • Thongs (flip-flops) or slides.
  • Singlets or sleeveless shirts (for men).
  • Ripped or dirty denim.
  • Camouflage clothing (often banned due to club policies).
  • Swimwear.

The Star Sydney and Crown Melbourne are particularly strict about footwear in the evenings. Clean sneakers are generally fine, but running shoes or dirty trainers might get you stopped.

Currency and Tipping

Currency: All machines and tables operate strictly in Australian Dollars (AUD). You cannot use USD or Euros. There are ATMs everywhere, and cashier cages can exchange foreign currency, though the rates are rarely competitive compared to a bank.

Tipping: Unlike in the US, tipping dealers is not mandatory in Australia. In fact, for a long time, it was prohibited. Nowadays, you can tip a dealer if you have a big win, and it is appreciated, but it is absolutely not expected. Dealers earn a full living wage. You will not receive worse service if you do not tip.

Smoking and Drinking

Smoking is banned inside all Australian public buildings, and casinos are no exception. However, the major casinos have built "High Roller" or "Gaming" balconies—outdoor areas that are technically outside but feature gaming machines and tables where smoking is permitted. If you are on the main fully-enclosed floor, you cannot smoke.

regarding alcohol, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) laws are rigorously enforced. If you appear intoxicated, security will remove you immediately. They do not negotiate. It is common for security to ask you to walk in a straight line or talk to them if they suspect you have had too many drinks. If you are kicked out, you are usually barred for 24 hours.

Summary

Australia’s land-based casinos are world-class entertainment precincts. Whether you are watching the fireballs at Crown Melbourne or checking out the new skyline at Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane, the experience is safe, regulated, and high-quality. Just remember to pack your passport, wear decent shoes, and be prepared for strict entry checks.