Australia has always had a special place in my heart. My first visit a decade ago was filled with sun-soaked afternoons, laid-back coffee culture, and unforgettable surf sessions. Now, returning for my second trip, I was eager to revisit those highlights – but this time, I had another mission in mind: exploring Australia’s gambling scene.
Melbourne and Sydney’s glitzy casino floors each have their own energy, while Australia’s online gaming options offer a different kind of fun. This trip was all about discovering what makes gambling in Australia unique.
In this article, I’ll take you along for the ride, sharing my firsthand experience at some of the country’s best land-based casinos and the most talked-about online casino sites.
Best Online Casinos Australia
- Mr Pacho: Top choice overall – $750 welcome bonus
- Casino Infinity: Runner-up
- Neospin: Awesome live dealer titles
- 50 Crowns: Huge jackpots
- SkyCrown: Great for tournaments
What I Did in Australia
My idea was to visit three of Australia’s biggest cities – Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide – soak in the local vibes, check out the best bars and restaurants, and rock up at the top casinos. I wanted to see some old friends, relax, and maybe catch some waves.
I tried my luck at Crown Casino in Melbourne, The Star in Sydney, and wrapped up my casino tour at Adelaide’s SkyCity.
I also watched a cricket match and an A-League soccer match, wandered around Sydney Harbour, and swam at the beach.
In my downtime, I distracted myself from my sunburn by joining a couple of online casinos recommended by the locals, including Mr Pacho and Casino Infinity.
I was especially curious to see how these Aussie online casinos compared to land-based venues and whether playing online casino games could replicate the thrill of a real casino floor.
How did I get on? That’s neither here nor there (Hint: I’m not a millionaire just yet). However, what I want to share with you throughout the rest of this article are my personal experiences at the three land-based casinos and my thoughts on the top Australian online casinos.
Let’s start with the online casinos.
Online Casinos I Tried in Australia
Online casinos are an alternative to land-based casinos for anyone who prefers convenience and wants to be able to play at their leisure.
As long as you join licensed Australian online casino sites, you can be sure they’re safe and secure. Many Aussie online casinos provide a vast selection of pokies and table games and allow you to play online casino games in a more relaxed setting than their land-based counterparts.
Mr Pacho
Mr Pacho has everything I could ask for from a top online casino site: great games, regular bonuses, and trusted payment methods.
It also has sleek animations and a laidback feel. It’s very “me.”
To get started, I opted in for the $750 welcome bonus. This is a 100% match deposit bonus that also comes with 200 free spins, although exactly how many spins you’re entitled to will depend on how much you deposit.
Then, I took a look at the games, which are divided into two main sections – a live casino and a regular online casino – and then further divided into subcategories, including slots, bonus buys, exclusive games, and table games. In total, there are just over 500 games.
I loved the cute little graphics accompanying each subcategory, such as the joystick for the instant play games.
In terms of the selection of games, I could hardly argue with what was on offer: Wolf Gold is a classic online pokies game, while Caribbean Poker and Zoom Roulette were among the table games. The software ran smoothly, and I could play all the games for real money or in demo mode.
There’s a VIP program here, which gives you access to an array of perks, though naturally I didn’t have the time to join it. Still, the hassle-free sign-up process, a solid range of deposit options (including Interac, Skrill, and VISA), and round-the-clock customer support kept me coming back for more.
Casino Infinity
Listen – I’m a sucker for anything that has the word ‘infinity’ in it, and I, therefore, couldn’t wait to sign up for Casino Infinity. With so many promotions and game options, it quickly became one of my favorite Australian online casino sites to play online casino games from the comfort of my hotel room.
Did I expect it to have an infinite selection of games or infinite possible ways to win?
Maybe that was a bit ambitious, but one thing’s for sure – Casino Infinity doesn’t stop plying you with bonuses. I could even choose my own welcome bonus: a 100% deposit match up to $10,000 or 10% cashback. And the offers kept rolling in after that.
I could complete weekly challenges to earn “coins” that could be redeemed for bonuses, including free spins and bonus bets – a perk you won’t find at a land-based casino.
Other offers included a $1,050 weekly reload bonus and 15% weekly cashback.
A slight drawback? Some of these promos come with fairly steep minimum deposit requirements.
But if they boost your bankroll so you can dive into the 1,000+ games, including progressive jackpots, popular pokies like Big Bass Vegas Double Down Deluxe, and live dealer games like Super Wheel Game Show and Speed Roulette, then who’s complaining?
NeoSpin
If I had to pick the best real money online casino in Australia for live dealer games, I’d go with NeoSpin.
For anyone unfamiliar, live dealer games feature real-life professional dealers streamed directly to your device. The games are the same ones you’d find at a land-based casino like Melbourne’s Crown (such as roulette), and they come with flexible bet limits.
You can even chat to the dealer in real time as I did at NeoSpin.
Okay, NeoSpin can’t quite rival Crown when it comes to five-star luxury hotel rooms. But I treated myself to the 100% deposit match up to $10,000 and tested multiple live casino games, including Blackjack VIP, Keno, Poker, and Wheel of Fortune.
On that note, NeoSpin does something a land-based casino like Crown doesn’t: it lets you play live game shows.
I also entered a couple of pokies tournaments here but was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices – NeoSpin offers over 5,000 games.
Not that I was complaining, especially with same-day payouts available.
50 Crowns
Okay, I admit it—I went after a few jackpots at 50 Crowns and probably got a bit greedy. After winning $1,021, I kept playing, chasing one of those “life-changing wins” we always hear about.
This time, I didn’t hit it big, and by the time I wrapped up my session, I had withdrawn $235.
But you know what? I had a blast.
What I liked about 50 Crowns – besides the jackpot games, including the chance to win $2,000,000 a month via Drops & Wins – is how smooth the whole experience is. Signing up takes less than a minute, and withdrawals are processed instantly.
It also seems like this casino is ideal for high rollers, with options to place large bets.
When I was playing, the total jackpot stood at nearly $1,900,000. The jackpot games are divided into three main categories – Major, Minor, and Prime – so you can either chip away at the Minor games for more frequent, smaller wins or go all-in on the Prime games for a shot at the biggest payouts.
Of course, you’re not limited to jackpot games. 50 Crowns also offers regular pokies, classic table games like roulette and blackjack, and a huge variety of payment methods, including SticPay and ecoPayz.
SkyCrown
By the time I got around to testing SkyCrown, I was looking for something a little different. It wasn’t that I was bored of playing the usual casino games – I just wanted something that really stood out.
I found it here in the form of tournaments, which are constantly kicking off at SkyCrown. I jumped into an $80K Free Spins Showdown, competed in the $18,000 Sunday Blast (held every Sunday), and even tried to break hearts by chasing a piece of the $3,000,000 Valentine’s Drop prize pool.
As exciting as land-based casinos are, they simply don’t offer these kinds of competitions.
Beyond the tournaments, SkyCrown is home to 7,000+ casino games, ensuring there’s something for everyone – from thousands of pokies to a huge variety of live dealer games, table games, and game shows.
Payouts are instant, customer support is available 24/7, and if you prefer mobile gaming, you can do what I did—download and install the app for an even smoother experience.
Land-Based Casinos I Visited in Australia
The Crown, Melbourne
The first city I visited was Melbourne, where the coffee is truly divine. Pellegrini’s is the spot to be, but honestly, you’ll find a top-notch coffee shop on just about every corner.
Did I remember from ten years ago how quickly the temperature swings up and down in Melbourne? Absolutely not.
So when I left my hotel to cruise down to The Crown in the early evening – just as the sun was starting to set – I immediately regretted not bringing a jacket.
Never fear, though! Once I stepped into the swanky building, I warmed up fast.
What It’s Got
Let me start by saying that The Crown is Australia’s biggest casino. It’s massive. At one point, I walked so far that I thought I was going to end up in the Outback.
It’s more than just a casino – it’s also home to restaurants, bars, and a luxury hotel with parking (not cheap, by the way). You could easily stay here your entire trip and never set foot outside if your main goal is gambling.
There’s even a spa, which I fully intended to visit – if I got lucky at the roulette table.
Location-wise, The Crown is hard to beat. It lines the Yarra River, which shimmered with yellows and oranges as I arrived at dusk. It’s easy to reach and not far from the airport if you’re considering flying in for a day trip.
The bar is a little costly, with some beers costing over $15. It’s probably to stop folk like me from getting carried away.
You need to sign up for a membership card to play the casino games. There was a bit of a queue when I arrived on a Friday night, but within 30 minutes, I was fully signed up. I spent some time chatting with a husband and wife in the queue who told me they come here at least once a year.
How I Did
The Crown offers a poker room, blackjack and roulette tables, e-games, and pokies machines. The pokies area was the loudest, with the constant hum of machines and celebratory dings bringing back memories of funfairs I visited as a kid.
I started on the pokies and raised $50 immediately after placing a $1 bet. It’s not a bad start.
I’m not a massive poker player, but I’ll always give it a go if the opportunity presents itself.
That opportunity came a little too quickly. The roulette and blackjack tables were packed by 9 PM, and I had no room.
No problem – I paid $300 to enter the Friday night No Limit Hold’em tournament, jumping in at Level 2. Unfortunately, my luck ran out, and I was eliminated within 20 minutes. I could have rebought, but I decided to explore the casino instead.
Eventually, I found a seat at a minimum-bet blackjack table, where I played for over an hour and walked away with a $120 profit before breaking even on roulette.
Overall Impressions
Undoubtedly, The Crown is one of the plushest casinos I’ve ever visited. Its riverbank location, luxury amenities, and high-end atmosphere stand out. If you need a break, you can dip in the pool, grab a bite to eat, or even book a massage.
I’d probably splurge on a room and on-site parking if I visit again. For now, I was happy to walk away with a bit of profit, but next time, I’d avoid Friday nights – it got a little too busy (and rowdy) for my tastes.
The Star Casino, Sydney
Next up was The Star in Sydney, Australia’s second-largest casino after Crown, so I expected another massive venue packed with pokies and dealer tables.
Since I’d never been to Sydney before, I planned a few things to do before hitting the casino. Fortunately, The Star – like The Crown – is part of a five-star luxury hotel, so I checked in, dropped off my bags, and spent the next 48 hours exploring this incredible city.
I relaxed in Wendy’s Secret Garden across the river from the famous Opera House, rode the Manly Ferry along Sydney Harbour, and fulfilled a lifelong dream – I saw koalas at Taronga Zoo. I probably stared at them a little too long.
By Wednesday night, it was time to hit the casino.
What It’s Got
The Star has two gaming floors – one primarily for pokies and e-games and the other for dealer tables like blackjack, poker, and baccarat. There’s also an invite-only VIP gaming area called The Sovereign Room.
You could stay at the hotel like I did. It’s a 5-star luxury hotel with 351 rooms and valet parking.
There are also three restaurants and a couple of bars – I treated myself to a steak and a glass of red wine before buying some chips.
The Star oozes class. As you enter, a receptionist welcomes you along a marble-floored entrance, a chandelier hangs overhead, and fresh flowers sit on a nearby table while you fill out your membership details. Mirrored walls add to the sense of luxury.
I genuinely felt like I was about to interview at a top Wall Street firm.
Did any of this prepare me for the fact that my first wager was going to be a $1 bet on a pokies game? Absolutely not. Which is why I changed my mind and headed straight for the blackjack tables.
How I Did
Let me be clear: I arrived at The Star on a Wednesday evening, expecting it to be moderately busy. It wasn’t. It was very busy.
I had already booked myself into a poker tournament at 8:30 PM, and since I arrived at 7:45 PM with my freshly minted membership card, I had some time to kill.
I found an open Pontoon blackjack table. After an easy sign-up, I was in a good mood – so was the guy next to me, and I think that helped both of us take the dealer to the cleaners.
By the time my poker game came around, I was already $200 up.
Like all the other tables, you must pay with chips, not money, at the poker tournaments. On my way over there, I passed couples taking selfies, guys with entourages winning what looked like fortunes at the craps tables, and young groups of friends discussing how they had already “blown” all their roll.
As I’ve mentioned, I’m more of a casual poker player—and it showed. The tournament was packed, and I didn’t last long.
After that, I moved on to the pokies room, which was less crowded and occupied mainly by older players and a few solo gamblers. Compared to the high-energy dealer tables, the atmosphere here was much quieter.
Still, I gave a few pokies games a go, chasing glory on one for over 20 minutes. After an hour of not getting anywhere, I cut my losses at $25 down for the night.
Overall Impressions
I later realized that The Star seemed so busy because not all the tables were open. Apparently, they run at full capacity on weekends but not during the week.
Another thing I wasn’t expecting? A mandatory photo for facial recognition ID when signing up for a membership. Not ideal, but unavoidable.
It’s a minor gripe that can’t take away from the stupendous decor at this place. When The Star markets itself as a ‘premium casino,’ you’ve gotta believe them.
While my initial impressions were one of luxury and elegance, I must admit that the gaming rooms themselves were much like those at many casinos. Sure, the dealers were friendly, the concierges were helpful, and the atmosphere was electric.
Would I return? The Star’s location next to Pyrmont Bay gives you a great evening vibe. But if I had to choose? I’d take Crown.
SkyCity, Adelaide
The one thing that bummed me out a little when planning my trip Down Under was knowing I’d miss the Adelaide Grand Prix by just three weeks.
Still, I’m a massive sports freak in general, so while I didn’t get to watch the F1 in Adelaide, I did manage to catch Adelaide United beating Melbourne City in the A-League.
That was the night before I visited SkyCity, a cool-looking casino located within the bowels of an old railway station next to a busy road. I could smell gasoline in the hot summer air, and I channeled my hipster spirit as the sun finally broke through what had otherwise been a grey day.
It was a Saturday night, so – as you’d expect – the place was lively. I saw couples, groups of friends, and some sports fans heading in and out of the building, all with various expressions. Some looked excited and eager, some looked a little down (after a few losses?), and some were dancing out of place, fist-pumping the air (after a big win?!).
What It’s Got
SkyCity – also known as Adelaide Casino – has about 90 dealer tables, almost 1,000 pokies, and other games.
There are bars and restaurants here but – unlike the other 2 casinos I visited in Australia – this one isn’t part of a hotel complex.
On the other hand, it’s pretty old and was converted from a railway station into a casino in 1985. I could smell the whiff of nostalgia as I walked in. How many people have won and lost here? Who has rolled the dice in desperation, betting their last one hundred dollars on black?
There were ghosts of the past all around me!
Make no mistake, though, this is a very modern casino that was recently renovated and expanded, turning it into an entertainment hub. But since it’s not part of a luxury hotel, I got the feeling I could dress down a little.
How I Did
Okay, I won’t lie: The fact that there were only 9 gaming tables here disappointed me a bit. It meant that getting a seat was difficult, and I spent most of my time playing pokies.
At one point, I got chatting with a fellow customer sitting next to me who had been playing the same game for the last 20 minutes. He told me that SkyCity “used to be much better before the renovation” and that they’d gotten rid of most of the dealer tables.
Still, I had fun playing pokies, which are, after all, my favourite game. I triggered multiple bonus rounds and—over the course of five separate games spanning two hours—I banked $500.
Not bad, huh?
Around 10 PM, I figured I’d give the gaming tables another shot after poking my head into the Poker Room (no good— they have Texas Hold’em but all seats were taken).
Instead, I managed to find space at a roulette table and chanced my arm a couple of times. After an hour, I was $300 down and decided to return to the eGames, where I finished the night playing electronic versions of blackjack and baccarat.
Fortunately, I had more luck with these and ended the evening past midnight, $430 up.
Overall Impressions
For me, Adelaide’s SkyCity lacks the class and luxury feel of The Star and The Crown. I don’t think this is a personal opinion – I think it’s a fact. There aren’t as many tables, there’s no chandelier, and there are way more machines than tables.
Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun here. I had a good time playing pokies, I got chatting to a few locals and I don’t have a bad word to say for any of the dealers, who were all super professional.
The location ensures SkyCity is easy to access too, with car parks just a couple of minutes away. And because it isn’t part of a luxury hotel complex, you don’t feel any pressure to get suited and booted.
Things I Found Out While Playing Casino Games in Australia
Sadly, while I saw a koala, I didn’t get to hug one or adopt one. Maybe next time.
On the flip side, I learned a few things about playing at casinos – both online and offline – Down Under. If you’re thinking of visiting this amazing country to have a flutter, here are my best tips:
You Need a Budget
Okay, maybe you won’t do what I did and visit three different cities. Maybe you’ll stick to just Melbourne or Sydney.
But as I hopped between cities, it quickly became clear that I needed two separate budgets: one for casinos (bankroll) and one for travel.
Flights can be fairly cheap, but each one still costs at least $100.
You Don’t Need to Book a Room at the Casino
I figured this out before I flew to Australia, but I’d argue it helps if you stay at a hotel/casino complex like The Crown in Melbourne. It’s just more convenient.
The only issue? These places aren’t cheap. So, if your budget is tight, don’t hesitate to stay at a more affordable hotel down the road.
Talk to People for Advice
I’m a bit of a people person, which means I’ll happily open my big mouth and talk to the first person who even glances at me.
But even if you’re not super confident, don’t hesitate to ask the people around you for help if you’re struggling in a casino.
Trust me, there’s always some seasoned player more than willing to share advice – whether it’s about cashing out chips, game etiquette, or general tips for winning.
Book In Advance
If you plan to enter a poker tournament, know these fill up fast. Also, be aware – there are some sharks out there.
The main thing? Put your name down early. Don’t just saunter into the casino at night expecting a seat – otherwise, you might have no room at the inn.
Claim the Offers
Some land-based casinos have a membership system that lets you unlock rewards, such as The Crown. However, you’d have to be a regular visitor to take full advantage of this.
That’s why I recommend you a) sign up for some of the best online casinos in Australia and b) claim their offers, which include welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, cashback, and more.
Plus, all the best online casinos have a rewards scheme (usually a VIP program) that gives you exclusive perks.
Australia’s Gambling Scene is Dripping With Sunshine & Fun
Look, I know plenty of countries get as much sunshine as Australia. But the Down Under is hard to top when it comes to a place where vibrant cities, rich culture, and good vibes collide.
I had a blast hopping from city to city, playing casino games, and soaking up the luxury at some incredible hotels. Next time, I’d bring a bigger bankroll and take online gambling a bit more seriously – because I wasn’t playing to win most of the time.
And whenever I had some downtime – whether in my hotel room or kicking back at one of Melbourne’s famous coffee shops – I could log in to an Australian online casino, like Mr Pacho, the best online casino in Australia, to play a few more games, grab bonuses, and rack up rewards.
Best Online Casinos in Australia – FAQs
Before I leave you, I want to wrap things up with an FAQ that covers some of the most common questions I hear about online casinos in Australia.
Is There a Dress Code at Aussie Casinos?
Yes, but it depends on the casino.
At SkyCity in Adelaide, you can probably get away with a sports jersey and casual wear, though shoes are preferred.
However, at more upscale venues like Melbourne’s The Star, you’ll need to dress smart or smart casual—shoes, a nice outfit, and definitely no sports jerseys.
What’s the Best Time To Go To Australian Casinos?
Evenings, especially on weekends, are the best time to visit casinos in Australia.
That’s when casinos come alive. If you go during the day, you’ll have an easier time getting a seat, but the atmosphere will not be as lively.
What Bankroll Should I Set When Gambling at Australian Online Casino Sites?
Set a bankroll based on what you can afford to lose and what won’t upset you.
If you can afford to lose $500 and you know it won’t upset you, a $500 bankroll could work fine, especially if this is a big trip you’ve planned.
Are Australian Online Casinos Safe?
Yes, Australian casino sites are safe as long as you stick to licensed and reputable sites.
For me, Mr Pacho is the best online casino in Australia — its website is SSL-secure, it supports trusted payment methods, and it won’t disappear with your money. Always check for licenses and a solid track record before signing up.
What Online Casinos Are Available in Australia?
The best online casino available in Australia is Mr Pacho, but other top choices include Casino Infinity, NeoSpin (great for live games), 50 Crowns, and SkyCrown.
Each has its own strengths, but they all offer popular games, pokies, reliable payouts, and regular bonuses.
Gambling is risky. 21+ only. Please call 1-800-GAMBLER or seek help at gamblersanonymous.org if you have a gambling problem.
