Where Can I Play Pokies in Sydney?

A friend and former bouncer working at a hotel in Sydney spoke with us about a few of the commercial reasons behind the recent explosion of Pokies in Sydney and the rest of Australia. Here are places to play pokies in Sydney.

Site of Captain James Cook’s initial landing on the Australian continent, site of the first permanent European settlement, and capital is the heart of the nation and a great place for locals and tourists to enjoy the unstoppable phenomena that is Pokies!

Pokies and Gambling Laws in New South Wales

The office of Liquor and Gaming governs the regulatory framework for all gaming and wagering activities within NSW.

There are several acts of law which control gaming within the state, including the Casino Control Act 1992, Gambling (Two-up) Act 1998, Gambling and Liquor Administration Act 2007, Gaming Machine Act 2001, Gaming Machine Tax Act 2001, Lotteries and Art Unions Act 1901, Public Lotteries Act 1996, Registered Clubs Act 1976 and the Unlawful Gambling Act 1998.

Wagering comes under the Betting and Racing Act 1998 which outlines who may offer betting services, the events on which betting is permitted as well as additional requirements that betting service providers must comply with.

It is believed that out of all the world’s gaming machines, 20 per cent are within Australia. Currently, there are 93,364 registered gaming machines within the state, with a record $73 billion pumped through them throughout the 2014-2015 financial year.

The local area with the highest turnover was Fairfield, with gamblers pushing $7.6 billion through 3300 machines during the same period. Pokies machines in NSW must pay back 85 per cent of the money wagered on it per annum.

Star City Casino in Sydney

The casino is the second largest casino in Australia with Melbourne’s Crown Casino the biggest. Operating since November 1997 – five months ahead of schedule – Star City was developed by Leighton Properties and built by CPB Contractors.

You will find here over 1,500 pokies and 160 gaming tables. It is unparalleled as the ultimate gaming venue within the state. Additionally, it also features the 2,000-seat Lyric Theatre, a 900-seat showroom, seven restaurants, five bars, a nightclub, a private gaming room, shopping and food outlets, corporate meeting rooms, a hotel and residential facilities as well as an underground carpark catering for 2,500 vehicles.

Aristocrat the leading pokies manufacture at this casino

The pokie machines on offer at Star City Casino are dotted all around the casino floor and come in all different shapes and sizes, ranging all the way from your basic playing classic slots all the way through to the all action bonus video slots. Numerous leading pokies manufacturers also call Star City home including Aristocrat – the number one land based machine manufacturer in Australia.

Boasting high-end restaurants, brilliant bars, luxurious accommodation, an exquisite day spa, a thriving nightclub and a world-class casino, Star City is fast becoming one of the major attractions offered in the Harbor City. However, Star City is not the only venue which offers gaming – and specifically pokies – with most licensed pubs and clubs around the city featuring a variety of your favourite slots games.

Table games at Star City

There is plenty on offer at Star City besides gaming machines, with a stack of classic casino games such as blackjack, craps, baccarat, poker and roulette featured on the gaming floor – all with different stakes levels to suit all types of players.

There are also niche games to enjoy at Star City, with Pai Gow, Big Wheel, Casino War and Sic Bo also available to be played 24/7.

For the big time players, Star Casino also has a lavish world of private gaming worlds for their VIP players – however these are invitation only. You can apply for membership as an international, interstate or local member of Star City, with eligible members entitled to the premium membership access and benefits.

Top 10 Pubs and Clubs with Pokies to Play!

10. Light Brigade Hotel

The Light Brigade Hotel is the first stop on our tour of pokies hot spots in Sydney. A great place for groups – it boasts a trendy, modern atmosphere and is well known for serving some of the best food and drinks in Woollahra .

9. The Sly Fox Pub

It is located on Enmore Rd, is a great destination for anyone looking to have a few beers, munch on some good food, and play a few rounds on their several dozen, modern pokies machines. The Sly Pub also offers Sydney’s largest “Lesbian Night” every Wednesday, if you are feeling daring! Newly renovate, this blue collar mecca is sure to be a favorite for both locals and travellers on holiday.

8. Tradies off of Manchester Road

Considered one of the of the best venues for some good old fashioned pub and chophouse style food. Don’t let the name fool you, this is a very chique establishment. Newly remodeled and renovated, it would be the perfect place to bring that special someone to dinner and get in a little pokies action at the same time!

7. Snake Creek Cattle Company Restaurant

It is a great place for families to go and get a bite to eat. The average price for a family of four to eat is about $85 but there are daily specials to help lasso in that price. What sets Snake Creek Cattle Company apart from the rest is the fact that the kids can enjoy a good meal while Mom sneaks off to play some pokies and Dad enjoys a few brews at the fully-feature pub. A great place indeed!

6. Hillsdale Bowling Club

With a name like this, you would almost expect a dive establishment but that is quite the contrary! The Hillsdale Bowling Club is one of the premier venues for the sport of king’s BOWLING and also has a great selection of food, wine & beer, spirits, and most important of all – POKIES!

5. La Tapa Guapa Spanish Restaurant

As the name implies is a premier Spanish themed restaurant that offers Meditteranean cuisine on par with anything you would find on the Southern Coast of Espana. Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Syndey, it can be found at the Sir John Young hotel on the corner of George and Liverpool.

4. The Dove & Olive

One of our reviewer’s favorite spots for “comfort foods” (and pokies) has been a perennial favorite among locals and tourists for years. Complete with bottle shop, this pub and restaurant is sure to satisfy your cravings for both food and pokies.

3. Pyrmonth Bridge Hotel

Sydney located in Surry Hills offers a bistro/brasserie, pub, modern Australian cuisine and atmosphere, and a host of the best new pokies machines.

2. Forty Baskets Restaurant

Trying to define the Forty Baskets Restaurant is very difficult. Because this establishment encapsulates so many diverse entertainments under one roof. Modern Australian cuisine is featured alongside some of the freshest seafood in Sydney. A Sports and RSL club, and plenty of machines to offer even the most discriminating player plenty to do after they eat their meal.

And finally, our number one destination in Sydney is…

1. The Bank Tavern

This is a great place for business meetings by day and hip, trendy dining well into the evening. Open on all major holidays; The Bank Bistro has great prices. It has meeting facilities, a romantic, intimate atmosphere for lovers, a great wine list; and a beautiful view of the District. All this comes together to make The Bank Tavern our favorite place to play pokies in Sydney.

Alternatives to playing the pokies at Sydney venues

Do you feel like experiencing the thrill of winning from the comfort of your own home? If so, you are in luck; because the world of online casinos is booming; giving gamblers the opportunity to play their favourite games anywhere, anytime on their computer, mobile phone or tablet.

Playing for free or real money, there are a multitude of options out there waiting for you. Whether you love slots, poker, blackjack, roulette – or any other game offered at a brick-and-mortar casino, we guarantee there is an online alternative just waiting for you.

1. Slots Million

This is the premium specialist pokies casino available online for Australian bettors. With over 1300 pokies games available; they range from your classic three-reel slots; through to your modern five reel games as well as progressive jackpots which offer millions of dollars in prizes.

2. G’Day

This Aussie themed-casino supports the best providers in the business as mentioned above; with a generous unlimited welcome deposit bonus to maximise your chances of winning big.

3. Guts

This is one of our top rated online casino for Australian and international pokies aficionados who want to play for real money. Founded in 2013, it has quickly established long-standing reputation for quality and safety among Australian pokies enthusiasts.