Experiencing Pokies in Australia's Physical Casino Locations
It's widely understood that pokies, or slot machines, are a beloved pastime across Australia. So, it’s no shock there are tens of thousands of these gaming machines scattered across states in the country.
If you're considering a trip to any brick-and-mortar casino in Australia for a thrilling gaming machine experience, this guide is here to help. We'll walk you through what to expect, starting with the legal aspects surrounding pokie manufacturers and locations. Ready to dive in?
Australian Land-Based Gambling Regulations from 2001 Onwards
The Australian Government implemented the Interactive Gambling Act in 2001, which restricted foreign online casinos from offering their services to Australians. This caused a significant shift in the market, with many companies leaving, while those physically based in Australia continued their operations.
Things became even more regulated with the introduction of the Casinos Control Act in 2006, which allowed for legal operation of land-based casinos provided they adhered to existing gambling rules.
However, this act also provided some flexibility by permitting individual states and territories to regulate, license, and oversee gambling activities according to their own preferences, which was a welcome change.
As it stands, the regulations for land-based casinos in Australia have largely benefited the industry, which is booming as evidenced by the large numbers of gambling machines available. Those looking for a quick, exciting experience can find pokie machines in numerous local casinos, hotels, bars, and recreational venues across the country.
Companies Behind Australia's Pokie Machines
The pokie machines we enjoy wouldn't exist without the dedicated efforts of leading development companies. Here's a look at the most prominent manufacturers catering to Australian players.
Aristocrat
Among them is an Australian company renowned for creating top-notch pokies for both online and land-based platforms. Aristocrat is celebrated for its commitment to delivering exactly what players desire, making it one of the leading developers in Australia and beyond.
Besides physical machines, they also provide online B2B and B2C solutions for land-based casinos eager to expand into online gambling.
IGT
IGT stands out not only for producing pokie machines but also for offering maintenance and repair services. In the Australian market, they are the leaders, followed closely by Aristocrat Gaming.
Their success includes developing incredibly engaging pokie games and enhancing the overall gaming experience. Notably, the IGT Bluechip Neo-N improves user enjoyment, while the IGT Crystal Dual-I elevates the machines' graphical capabilities.
Ainsworth Gaming Technology
Ainsworth has been a staple in the pokie manufacturing scene since 1953, using their decades of experience to meet player needs effectively, which is evident in their innovative products.
Ainsworth takes pride in their unique jackpot games like the Double, Triple, and Quad shot titles, along with their elite Cabinet, Premium Plus, and Game Plus systems, found in machines worldwide.
Microgaming
Microgaming, known globally for outstanding pokie machine creation, had to withdraw from the Australian market after the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act. Their primary clients were international casinos, so the enforcement of the law meant that Australians can no longer access Microgaming's games.
Best Australian Online Pokies
The Sheer Number of Australian Pokie Machines
Australia boasts an enormous number of pokie machines. For those curious about specifics, we've broken down exactly how many machines are present in each state.
| State/ Territory | Number of Pokie Machines |
|---|---|
| Victoria | 27372 |
| Queensland | 50000 |
| New South Wales | 95000 |
| South Australia | 13113 |
| Tasmania | 3500 |
| Western Australia | 2500 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 2537 |
| Northern Territory | 1190 |
| Ashmore and Cartier Islands | 2233 |
| Christmas Island | 43 |
Top Land-Based Casinos in Australia
Now that you know the numbers per state, let's focus on the variety available in physical casinos. We've compiled the top five spots where you can immerse yourself in continuous gameplay, seamlessly transitioning between various machines. Choose your favorite from our table!
| Land-Based Casino | Number of Pokie Machines |
|---|---|
| The Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex | 2,500+ |
| Crown Sydney Casino | 1,000+ |
| Adelaide Casino | Over 950 |
| Country Club Casino | Over 500 |
| Casino Canberra | 200+ |