Asia's southern frontier: a guide to Australian casinos

This article first appeared in the Sep/Oct 2011 issue of World Gaming magazine.

Australia is a country born on gambling and there are many world-class venues where you will feel right at home.

Compared to Asia, Australia has followed a more European model when it comes to casinos. Every large city now boasts a casino, but there is only one per city. Some argue this lack of competition is not a good thing, but the upshot is the casinos are large, safe, generally well-run and opulent venues that will look after every level of player. Most also offer plenty of attractions away from the tables.

Here is a showcase of the best of Australia’s 13 casinos with a few pointers on how to get the most out of your trip.

Star City

Star City is Sydney’s casino. You won’t find a more picturesque setting for a casino anywhere in the world. Located in Pyrmont in the central city you can expect wonderful views of Sydney Harbour and one of Australia’s most iconic images: the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s easy to get to and everyone knows where it is.

It features all the games you have come to love along with a large poker room and a new sports bar that shows sport from all over the world in cinema quality seating. Great dining, shows and bars along with one of the city’s finest five star hotels are just a few of its attractions. You are a short stroll from the famous areas of Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and The Rocks and a short ferry, bus or train ride to some of the best city beaches in the world.

Sydney is a world-class city with a world-class casino. Star City has consistently improved its services over the years.

Casino Canberra

Canberra is Australia’s capital and lies between Sydney and Melbourne – Australia’s two largest cities. It’s a small city with a population of around half a million.

The city is not on the popular tourist track but it is a quiet, clean and safe city with a fantastic little casino.

Casino Canberra is very European in its feel and offers a boutique service. All of your favorite games are here and they also have arguably the oldest card room in the country. If you want to grab a host and play larger stakes you will be well looked after.

Canberra has some great hotels and restaurants and it is always a relaxing place to visit. If you are looking for a bit of culture with your gaming there are plenty of options.

The city features the National War Memorial, Australia’s Parliament House and the National Art Gallery and Museum.

Adelaide Casino

Adelaide is on the coast of the state of South Australia, and is known as the city of churches. It has beautiful gardens and features one of Australia’s oldest casinos right in the heart of the city.

The medium-sized casino was built in an old railway station, giving it a unique feel. It features all of the table games you could ever want to play. It also has a great poker room that originally opened in the 1980s. The poker room closed its doors for a few years in the 2000s but it’s now back bigger and better than ever before.

Off the table there are a host of wonderful things to do in Adelaide. You must check out the famous Adelaide Oval, which is considered by many to be the most picturesque cricket ground in the world. You are a stone’s throw from some of the world’s best wineries, producing wines such as Penfolds Grange Hermitage and Henschke Hill of Grace. Gambling at night and visiting wineries by day – it doesn’t get any better than that.

Treasury Casino

Treasury Casino is located in the heart of Brisbane, the capital city of the state of Queensland. It opened its doors in 1995 and houses a hotel, five restaurants, seven bars and a nightclub, all in one of Australia’s grandest heritage buildings.

The three-level gaming emporium has 80 gaming tables and over 1,300 gaming machines. The casino has two VIP areas offering a more relaxed and stylish atmosphere.

There is plenty to do away from the tables. There are numerous high-end fashion shops and designer boutiques in the area or you can take a tour of the direct outlet shopping centres. Why not take a river cruise or visit the man-made beach at Southbank?

Jupiters

Jupiters hotel and casino is situated on Queensland’s Gold Coast and is only a short drive from the world famous Surfers Paradise beach. This area of Queensland has over 30km of picturesque coastline offering crystal clear waters and golden white beaches.

Jupiters offers more than 70 table games and over 1,300 gaming machines. The main gaming floor is all on one level, and there is an upstairs VIP room. The poker room has recently been renovated and is now one of Australia’s finest poker venues.

The complex has seven restaurants, five bars and over 600 guest rooms and suites. There are plans to spend AU$350 million on redevelopment transforming the property into a world-class leisure and entertainment destination.

Need a rest from the tables? You can choose to visit one of the many theme parks, take a day trip to the nearby mountains or maybe go to the beach and soak up the sun.

Crown

Crown casino is one of the largest casinos in the world and is situated on the banks of the Yarra river in the heart of Melbourne. Crown Casino (and Melbourne in general) has a very European feel and if you like fine dining, cafés and culture you have come to the right place.

The casino gaming floor is huge and it’s easy to find a table. Many private gaming areas are available if you play high limits. Make sure you speak to a host as soon as you arrive if you intend to play in these areas.

The Crown poker room is the largest in the country and lays claim to being one of the largest in the world with over 50 permanent tables. It is also home of the region’s biggest poker tournament, the Aussie Millions, held in January every year. It has three of Melbourne’s best hotels on site, plenty of acclaimed restaurants and all of the wonders of the city are right at your doorstep.

Melbourne is said to be the sporting capital of the world with its centerpiece being the Melbourne Cricket Ground that holds 100,000 spectators.

Grand Slam Tennis, Formula 1, the Melbourne Cup horseracing carnival, Australian rules football, Bells Beach, international cricket – what more could you want? If you aren’t a sports lover you can spend time in the casino then wine and dine in the city’s countless bars, cafés and silver service restaurants.