Brisbane Gambling Guide

Want to know more about gambling in Brisbane?

Wagering in Queensland is a big business and in 2014/15, Queenslanders spent $3.7 billion on gambling activities. From Bingo to sports and race betting, poker to the lotteries, with a population of 2.2 million people, Brisbane can account for much of this figure.

Here, we take a look at the gambling scene in the city of Brisbane, looking at the various ways you can place a wager including a little history of the gambling scene in Brissie.


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Gambling Laws in Brisbane

Gambling in Brisbane is legal for those aged over 18 who use a licensed bookmaker (registered TAB agency or TAB outlet), casino or registered gaming facility (including licensed Electronic Gaming Machines).

gambling in brisbane

Gambling in Brisbane comes in many forms; not just at the casino. Image via Pixabay.

Gambling legislation is looked after in the state of Queensland by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR). Under the OLGR, the following national Acts pertaining to gambling are fully legislated:

  • Brisbane Casino Agreement Act 1992
  • Casino Control Act 1982
  • Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999
  • Gaming Machine Act 1991
  • Interactive Gambling (Player Protection) Act 1998
  • Keno Act 1996
  • Lotteries Act 1997
  • Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Act 2016
  • Wagering Act 1998

These Acts cover charitable and non-profit gaming as well as casino, lotteries, Keno and wagering.

Gambling Scene in Brisbane

In Queensland, the average spend per capita on gambling is $1,032 per year which is lower than the national average by about 16.5%. However, the proportion of how this money is wagered varies from the rest of Australia as per the following stats:

Type of Gambling
Queensland (% of Gambling Expenditure)
Australia (% of Gambling Expenditure)
Electronic Gaming Machines
58%
51%
Casino
18%
23%
Race Betting
9%
12%
Lotto
9%
8%
Keno
3%
15%
Scratch Cards
2%
1%
Sports Betting
1%
4%

As can be seen from the above, people in Queensland spend more money on the pokies than any other form of gambling and spend five times less per capita than the national average on Keno.

Money spent on race betting and at the casino is also lower than the rest of Australia.

Gambling in Brisbane dates back to the original settlement of the city by the Europeans with the first race meeting held in 1843. However, it wasn’t until 1962 that the first off-course betting facilities were made available by TAB.

Queensland opened its first casino in 1985 with the Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast. The following year saw a second casino added with the Sheraton Townsville Hotel and Casino.

first casino queensland

An hour south of Brisbane, the Conrad Jupiters was the first casino to be opened in Queensland. Image via Wikimedia.

Six years later in 1992 and gaming machines were licensed for use in clubs, pubs and hotels.

In 1995, Brisbane welcomed the opening of its own casino (the Treasury, see below) and less than 12 months later, Cairns saw the Reef Hotel Casino open its doors to punters.

Over the last few decades, Brisbane has seen many changes in legislation which have been designed to promote responsible gaming.

Casinos

In keeping with the policy of single integrated resorts in Australia’s cities, there is only one casino in Brisbane. Owned by the Star Entertainment Group and funded by partners in China, the Treasury enjoys a prominent position in the city and is investing around $4 billion in plans to upgrade the development.

Treasury Casino

130 William St, Brisbane City QLD 4000,

www.treasurybrisbane.com.au

Treasury casino gambling in Brisbane

Due to be redeveloped and extended, the Treasury Casino in Brisbane is in prime position. Image via Wikipedia.

Situated in the heritage-listed old Treasury building, Brisbane’s only casino originally opened in 1995. The casino is split over three separate gaming floors with 1300 electronic gaming machines (pokies), 80 gaming tables and private poker rooms. The majority of poker games are played Texas Hold’em or Omaha style.

Table games include Blackjack, Roulette, Carribean Stud Poker, Sic Bo, 3 Card Poker as well as Craps.

The Treasury Casino and surrounding area is under development as of 2017 to extend the existing facilities. Due to be completed by 2022, the new complex will include five new luxury hotels, 50 restaurants and bars plus a new theatre. The details of the new casino have yet to be finalised but we can expect this venue to be even larger with many more gaming zones.

Race Courses

Horses

The first race meeting in Brisbane occurred in 1865 and was held at the historic Eagle Farm Racecourse. Ever since, horse racing has been a big spectator sport, enjoying its heyday during the 1960s and 1970s. Attendance at live events has fallen due to the advent of televised racing and the widespread availability of off-course TAB facilities but big events can still draw big crowds.

The city plays host to some important meetings including the Brisbane Cup, the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival and the Doomben Cup.

Doomben Racecourse

75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007

www.brc.com.au

horse racing brisbane

Home to the best horse racing in Brisbane, Doomben is the course of choice. Image via Wikipedia.

Just 7km outside of the CBD in the Ascot area of the city is Doomben Racecourse.

Opened in 1933 but upgraded in 1982, the course is home to the BTC Cup and the Doomben Cup. The latter is one of the best middle-distance flat races in the country and regularly attracts good crowds when it’s held in May.

Races are generally held on a Saturday with some midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) racing during the summer. A full calendar of events can be downloaded from the website.

TABs are available on site along with dining and bar facilities.

Midweek racing is free with Saturday general admission tickets costing $15.

Eagle Farm Racecourse

230 Lancaster Rd, Ascot QLD 4007

www.brc.com.au

The premier racing facility in Brisbane, Eagle Farm Racecourse was opened in 1863 and is a heritage-listed venue. It is situated across the Nudgee Road from the Doomben racecourse and shares many of the same facilities.

The history of the racecourse also shares similarities to Doomben and both were closed during the Pacific War to host American troops. Together the two courses were known as U.S. Camp Ascot.

Eagle Farm holds the prestigious events of the Queensland Oaks and the Queensland Derby in June. Both part of the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, you can also watch the Stradbroke Handicap, a $1.5 million thoroughbred race.

TAB services are provided on race days.

Ipswich Turf Race Club

219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba QLD 4304

http://ipswichturfclub.com.au/

For some midweek racing, you can head 30 minutes west of Brisbane to Ipswich Turf Race Club.

Formerly known as the Bundamba Racecourse, the Ipswich Turf Club dates back to 1848.

They hold 48 meetings each year including two Saturday events.

Their big event is the Ipswich Club, held in June each year. It’s not the most prestigious event in Queensland’s racing calendar but it is a very social occasion and there is some good racing to be had.

TAB and bar facilities are available on site.

Albion Park Harness Racing Club

Yulestar St, Albion QLD 4010

http://aphrc.com.au/

albion park brisbane gambling

The thrill of harness racing is half the draw…as well as some good wagering. Image via website.

Just 2.5km upriver from Fortitude Valley is Albion Park; home of harness racing in Brisbane.

Top pacers meet on a Saturday evening with weekday events on Tuesday and Friday nights.

There is a good community who regularly attend the course and the sport is definitely one for spectators who enjoy live action.

TABs are available on site.

Dogs

Greyhound racing in Australia has fallen into decline over the last few decades but Brisbane is currently enjoying a resurgence of public interest including with overseas visitors.

Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club

3 Amy St, Albion QLD 4010

www.brisgreys.com

greyhound racing brisbane gambling

Midweek racing attracts some good crowds and can offer some good returns. Image via website.

With midweek meets on Monday and Thursday nights, Wednesday afternoons plus racing on Sundays, the Albion Park raceway has plenty of live action.

You can catch the action trackside or watch indoors from the betting auditorium.

Admission is free.

Capalaba Greyhounds

Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba QLD 4157

www.capalabagreyhounds.com

Holding Saturday races with some midweek action on Tuesdays, Capalaba extends the dog racing calendar where the Brissie Greys club leaves off.

The club is about a 20 minute drive to the east of the CBD and is easy to reach by bus or car.

It’s not the largest dog track you will ever visit but it does have a good local following and punters are welcoming to new faces.

The track has the honour of being the location of the world record fastest greyhound in history. ‘Lincoln Stanley’ ran 366m in 19.51 seconds in 2006 recording a speed of 67.53 km/h; no other dog in history has officially been recorded at this speed.

capabala greyhounds brisbane gambling

The fastest greyhound in history, ‘Lincoln Stanley’ was recorded in Brisbane. Image via Greyhound Data.

Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club

81 Warwick Rd, Ipswich QLD 4305

www.ipswichgreyhounds.com

Half an hour outside of the city, in Ipswich, you can also enjoy dog racing on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings out in the sticks.

Admission is $5.50 and the track has TABs, snack bar and bar facilities.

Lotteries & Kenos

Queenslanders spend a little more than the national average on playing the lotto but considerably less on Keno.

The National Australian Lottery is held daily and is run by the Tatts Group. You can find full details of how to play the huge variety of games via the Official Lottery website. Tickets can be purchased online or via a licensed Lotto retailer.

Jackpots range from a few million to huge jackpots in excess of $10 million.

There aren’t that many places in Brisbane to play Keno but you can find details of the 37 venues where you can join in this lottery like, instant win game via the official Keno website.

Poker

The main venue for poker is, of course, the Treasury Casino (see above) where you can find WSOP satellite tournaments. Poker takes place on Level 1 on Mondays and Thursdays.

brisbane poker

Poker Leagues are played in the pubs and bars around Brisbane. Image via Pixabay.

Poker Leagues

In addition to the Treasury, you can also find poker events across the city being run by the Australian Poker League (APL), Australian Pro Poker (APP), World Poker Tour League (WPT), Deep Stack Poker (DSP) and 888. Most of the events are listed on the Poker Nights website with a summary of the best central Brisbane poker games listed below:

Mondays

League
Venue
District
Start Time
Buy In
APL
Wynnum Manly Leagues Club
Manly West
19:00
$ 12.00
WPT
Underdog Pub
Fortitude Valley
19:30
Free
WPT
Crown Hotel
Lutwyche
19:00
Free
APL
Crushers League
Grange
19:00
Free
WPT
Prince of Wales Hotel
Nundah
11:30
Free

 

Tuesdays

League
Venue
District
Start Time
Buy In
APL
Shafston Hotel
East Brisbane
19:30
$   2.00
888PL
Eye Candy Bar
Fortitude Valley
19:30
Free
APL
Everton Park Community Club
Everton Park
19:00
Free

 

Wednesdays

League
Venue
District
Start Time
Buy In
APL
Wynnum RSL Services Club
Wynnum
19:00
$ 12.00
APL
Stafford Tavern
Stafford
19:00
Free
APL
Red Lion Hotel
Moorooka
18:30
$ 12.00
WPT
Boundary Hotel
West End
20:00
Free
APL
Coorparoo RSL
Coorparoo
19:00
Free
APL
Stafford Tavern
Stafford
18:00
Free
888PL
Moorooka Sports & Social Club
Moorooka
19:00
Free

 

Thursdays

League
Venue
District
Start Time
Buy In
APL
Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club
Manly
19:00
$   2.00
WPT
The Melbourne Hotel
South Brisbane
19:00
Free
WPT
Crown Hotel
Lutwyche
19:00
Free

 

Fridays

League
Venue
District
Start Time
Buy In
888PL
Moorooka Sports & Social Club
Moorooka
19:00
Free
APL
Everton Park Community Club
Everton Park
19:00
Free
WPT
Prince of Wales Hotel
Nundah
11:30
Free
DSP
Club Chermside
Chermside
19:00
Free

 

Saturdays

League
Venue
District
Start Time
Buy In
APL
Royal Exchange Hotel
Toowong
18:30
$ 12.00
APL
Red Lion Hotel
Moorooka
13:00
$ 12.00
WPT
Underdog Pub
Fortitude Valley
13:00
Free
APL
Coorparoo RSL
Coorparoo
19:00
Free
DSP
Enoggera Bowls Club
Enoggera
19:00
Free
APP
Salisbury Hotel
Salibsury
19:00
Free

 

Sundays

League
Venue
District
Start Time
Buy In
WPT
The Melbourne Hotel
South Brisbane
13:00
Free
DSP
Club Chermside
Chermside
13:00
Free

 

Bingo

Bingo is a popular form of gambling in Brisbane. Although it doesn’t generate the same kind of revenue as other wagering, it regularly attracts good crowds for cash prizes across the city and the suburbs.

There are a couple of main bingo halls, each situated in a different suburb or Brisbane but all have good reputations for their facilities, cash prizes and warm welcome.

Southside Bingo

76 Mount Gravatt Capalaba Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt QLD 4122

www.southsidebingo.com.au

The biggest Bingo facility in Brisbane and one of the best facilities in Queensland, you can find 200 touch screen tablets to make bingo even quicker than normal.

Joining the modern revolution, this recently refurbished venue gives away $100k in prizes every week. No wonder it’s so popular!

Despite the upgrade, Southside retains its retro charm and offers a sports bar, dining area and café in addition to the large bingo hall. There are also 210 EGMs on site.

Sessions are run at Southside every day of the week with games played during the following times:

  • Monday to Wednesday: 10.00am to 1.00pm and 7.30pm to 10.30pm
  • Thursday: 10.00am to 2.30pm and 7.30 to 10.30pm
  • Friday: 10.00am to 2.30pm and 7.30 to 10.30pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 1.00pm to 4.30pm and 7.30 to 10.30pm

Dolphins Bingo

Klingner Rd & Ashmole Road, Redcliffe QLD 4020

www.redcliffeleagues.com.au/bingo

Located on Level 1 of the Redcliffe League’s Club you don’t have to be a club member to join in on the bingo sessions. You can use the club’s facilities whilst you are there with regular sessions throughout the week:

  • Tuesday 10.30am
  • Wednesday 10.30am & 7.30pm
  • Thursday 10.30am
  • Friday 7.30pm
  • Saturday 1.30pm & 7.30pm
  • Sunday 6.30pm
brisbane bingo gambling

You can go traditional or use the electronic bingo pads at Redcliffe. Image via website.

Nudgee Bingo

2199 Sandgate Rd, Boondall QLD 4034

www.nudgee.com

Situated in the grounds of the catholic boarding school of Nudgee College, the bingo hall at Boondall runs sessions as follows:

  • Wednesday: 7.30pm – 1 x Jackpot $1000 and 3 x Trebles $500 plus Star Game $10000
  • Thursday: 7.30pm – 1 x Jackpot $2000 and 8 x Trebles $1000 plus Star Game $10000
  • Saturday: 7.30pm – 1 x Jackpot $2000 and 3 x Trebles $500 plus Star Game $10000
  • Sunday: 1.00pm – 1 x Jackpot $2000 and 3 x Trebles $1000 plus Star Game $10000

Lucky numbers are drawn every night and there are good payouts in other games.

Swifts Sports Club

95A Brisbane Rd, Booval QLD 4304

www.swifts.com.au/

Swifts is a bit of a schlep outside of the city but if you are staying in the west of Brisbane then you could reach it in under 20 minutes.

The facilities at Swift Sports Club are extended to non-members during bingo events and you enjoy the bar and bistro prior to, or after, your games.

Swifts holds three bingo sessions each week:

  • Wednesday: 6.30pm
  • Thursday: 9.00am
  • Friday: 6.30pm

Electronic Gaming Machines (‘Pokies’/Slots)

There are almost 200 venues in Brisbane city that have electronic gaming machines (EGMs) with the most being situated at the Treasury Casino (1300 licensed pokies).

egm pokies brisbane gambling

‘Best Club of the Bayside’ – the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club has 300 EGMs. Image via website.

We’ve listed the venues below that have licenses for over 45 machines and where you can also get a decent drink at the same time:

Venue Name
Area of Brisbane
District
No. of EGMs
Arana Leagues Club
West
Keperra
300
Brisbane Broncos Leagues Club
Inner City
Red Hill (Qld)
300
Carina Leagues Club
South
Carina
300
Easts Leagues Club
South
Greenslopes
300
Kedron-Wavell Services Club Inc
North
Chermside
300
Queensland Lions Football Club
Ipswich
Inala – Richlands
300
Sunnybank Rugby Union Club
South
Macgregor (Qld)
300
Wynnum Manly Leagues Club
East
Manly West
300
Southside Sport Club
South
Upr Mt Gravatt
210
Sherwood Services Club Inc
West
Corinda
184
Aspley Australian Football Club
North
Carseldine
167
The Blue Fin Fishing Club Inc.
Ipswich
Inala – Richlands
158
Aspley Leagues Club
North
Aspley
146
RSL Queensland
West
Mitchelton
136
Geebung Rsl
North
Geebung
122
Wynnum Rsl Sub Branch
East
Wynnum
105
Yeronga Community Club Inc
South
Yeronga
95
Norths Devils Leagues Club
North
Nundah
93
Gallopers Sports Club
Inner City
Ascot
91
Moreton Bay Sports Club
East
Tingalpa
80
Sandgate RSL Club
North
Sandgate
80
Grange Community Sports Club
Inner City
Grange
76
Wynnum Manly Workers Sports Club
East
Tingalpa
75
Zillmere Sports
North
Zillmere
74
Southern Cross Sports Club
South
Upr Mt Gravatt
70
Algester Sports Inc.
South
Algester
60
Souths Acacia Leagues Club
South
Rocklea
56
Coorparoo Rsl And Community Club
South
Coorparoo
50
Acacia Ridge Hotel Motel
South
Rocklea
45
Albion Hotel
Inner City
Albion
45
Alderley Arms Hotel
Inner City
Alderley
45
Bracken Ridge Tavern
North
Bracken Ridge
45
Calamvale Hotel Motel
South
Calamvale
45
Camp Hill Hotel
South
Camp Hill
45
Centenary Tavern
Ipswich
Darra – Sumner
45
Everton Park Hotel
North
Mcdowall
45
Forest Lake Hotel
Ipswich
Doolandella
45
Glen Hotel
South
Eight Mile Plains
45
Gumdale Tavern
East
Wakerley
45
Hamilton Hotel
Inner City
Hamilton (Qld)
45
Holland Park Hotel
South
Holland Park West
45
Homestead Tavern-Boondall
North
Geebung
45
Hotel Colmslie
Inner City
Seven Hills
45
Hotel Richlands
Ipswich
Doolandella
45
Jindalee Hotel
West
Sinnamon Park
45
Nudgee Beach Hotel
North
Nudgee – Banyo
45
Pacific Golf Club
South
Carindale
45
Prince Of Wales Hotel
North
Nundah
45
Royal Exchange Hotel
Inner City
Toowong
45
Royal George Hotel
Inner City
Fortitude Valley
45
Runcorn Tavern
South
Runcorn
45
Salisbury Hotel
South
Salisbury – Nathan
45
Stafford Tavern
North
Stafford
45
Sunnybank Hotel
South
Sunnybank
45
Taigum Tavern
North
Taigum – Fitzgibbon
45
The Brook Hotel Motel
West
Mitchelton
45
The Junction @ Annerley
South
Annerley
45
Waterloo Bay Hotel
East
Wynnum
45

 

TABs: Social Clubs, Sports Bars and Hotels

TABs are licensed bookies that can take your racing and sports bets. As well as being situated in the city’s horse and dog race courses, you can find TABs in sports bars, social clubs and hotels around Brisbane. There are also TAB shops.

Social Clubs & Pub TABs

The following locations in Brisbane’s CBD and inner city area provide TAB facilities:

  • Brusnwick Hotel, 569 Brusnwick Street, New Farm, QLD, 4005
  • Caxton Hotel, 38 Caxton Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
  • Criterion Tavwern, Cnr Adelaide & George Streets, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
  • Gilhooleys Tavern, 124 Albert Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
  • Grand Central Hotel, Central Railway Centre 270 Ann Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4001
  • Hotel LA, 68 Petrie Terrace, Paddington, QLD, 4064
  • International Hotel, 525 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, QLD, 4004
  • Jubilee Hotel, 470 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
  • QA Hotel, 64 James Street, Teneriffe, QLD, 4005
  • Royal George Hotel, 327 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
  • Sofitel, 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
  • The Elephant Arms, 220-230 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley, Qld, 4006
  • The Exchange Hotel, 131 Edward Street, Brisbane, Qld, 4000
  • The Mill Hotel, 239 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, QLD, 4004
  • Trans Continental Hotel, Level 4 482 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
  • Victory Hotel, 127 Edward Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
  • Waterloo Hotel, Cnr Ann St & Commercial Road, Newstead, Qld, 4006

Agency TABs

The following locations provide only TAB services:

  • Adelaide Street TAB: 134-138 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
  • Milton TAB: Shop 6 16 Baroona Road, Milton, QLD, 4064
  • New Farm TAB: U4 98 Merthyr Road, New Farm, QLD, 4005

Other

Tattersalls Club

215 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

http://tattersallsclub.com.au/

Built at the turn of the 20th century, the Tattersalls Club on Queen Street is a heritage-listed building which is home to a private members only sports and racing club.

tattersalls club brisbane gambling

An historic and prestigious club, this is as close as most of us will get to the Tattersalls Racing Club. Image via website.

The building is elegant in design and sophisticated in its membership. The facilities include TAB sports and race betting as well as a health and wellness centre, bar and dining area plus billiards room, library and wine room.

The Tattersalls Club has its own race club which holds four meetings at the Doomben Racecourse.

Featured image via Pixabay.