The Complete Pokies Guide

Want to know more about the pokies in Australia?

Slot machines, one-armed-bandits, electronic gaming machines (EGMs), ‘slots’, fruit machines or pokies’, these automated gambling devices are something of a national pastime and account for an annual turnover of around $142 billion each year. A fun and easy way to gamble, pokies have been around for decades and can offer some big wins.

In this guide, we take a look at the stats behind the pokies, where you can play them (state-by-state) and some alternative ways to playing with online slots.


Your Invitation to the Best Online Pokies in Australia

Like a punt on the slot machines?

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The Pokies Phenomenon: Australia’s Love Affair with the Slot Machine

Introduced to Australia in 1956, Queensland was the first state to license electronic gaming machines. Over the last sixty years, the number of EGMS has increased to an estimated 200,000 making Australia the country with the 4th highest density in the world. In fact, Australia’s proportion of gaming machines accounts for almost 20% of the world’s total.

pokies in australia history

Introduced over 60 years ago, most pokies are now digital and no longer of a ‘one-armed-bandit’ style. Image via Pxhere.

Of course, the highest number of machines are located in the United States. However, on a per capita basis Oz has five times the amount of pokies per person than America.

This huge density is a concern for opponents of gambling in Australia and many believe that the proliferation and ease of access to these machines is the basis for the country’s problem gambling phenomenon.

Responsible Gambling

It’s a chicken and egg situation for most observers and the issue of which came first is sure to be debated for years to come. What is true is that the average Australian spends $650 a year on pokies with an estimated 600,000 players regularly feeding the pokies on a weekly basis. With machines capable of taking up to $10,000 a time, there is certainly cause for concern in the minority.

There is no doubt that, for some, gambling can be an addiction and the pokies are not immune when it comes to the need for responsible gambling.

With 80% of the population engaging in some form of gambling, Australia has the highest rate in the world. It is estimated that the average Australian spends a total of $1,272 each year.

problem gambling australia

For the vast majority of Australians, gambling isn’t a problem, but for some the effects can be serious. Image via Flickr.

Serious problem gambling has been identified in at least 0.5% – 1% of the population with up to 2.1% experiencing moderate risk from the habit.

In an effort to tackle problem gambling, the Australian Government has introduced a range of legislation including restrictions on the advertising of gambling and a clampdown on illegal online wagering through offshore sites. The pokies aren’t exempt from the spotlight and, along with strict licensing policies governed by each state, some states are looking at restricting access to pokies to state licensed casinos only (see Tasmania, below).

Bans on machines that take $100 notes was brought into force in 2007 and also covered ‘auto play’ features. There is one exception to this piece of law which is in place at the Crown Casino in Melbourne where VIP players can still use an auto play feature.

At present, most venues are restricted in terms of their license numbers and have to prepare a local impact assessment report on their community before being granted a license.

Stats by State

Gaming machines are licensed and controlled by each individual state with some (like Western Australia and, soon to follow, Tasmania) restricting their licensing to the casinos.

Here’s how the states measure up when it comes to the key pokies stats:

State
Annual Turnover (Billions)
Per Capita Annual Spend
Total EGMs
ACT
$2.047
$551
4,635
NSW
$79.056
$1,023
94,408
NT
$0.931
$480
2,098
QLD
$24.186
$616
46,481
SA
$8.00
$535
13,301
TAS
$282
3,560
VIC
$28.287
$557
28,958
WA
2,190

Playing the Pokies

Pokies are one of the easiest and most accessible forms of gambling in Australia however you must be 18 years or over in order to take part.

The machines take many forms but principally offer the same way to play; three or more reels are spun by paying the minimum gaming stake with a combination of matching symbols offering prizes or the chance to play another game of luck (such as dice rolling).

pokies australia

Electronic gaming machines come in all shapes, sizes and types of game. Image via Public Domain Pictures.

Most machines in Australia are now digital and the games come in a huge variety of artwork and formats. Some are tied in to other forms of casino games such as poker whilst others are branded with tie-ins to sports, movies and popular culture.

The pay-out rates of machines vary state by state with Queensland operating a minimum of 85% whilst casinos must return 90%. The range of pay-out rates is in the region of 85% to 95% depending on where you play.

Cash wins also vary by venue; some EGMs have progressive jackpots with a club in Coffs Harbour netting one punter a take home of $350,000!

The biggest win in the world was taken home online by a UK ex-veteran when he won a progressive jackpot worth £13.2 million (AU $23 million). Certainly, online pokies can offer bigger jackpots due to the sheer volume of players (see Best Online Pokies Sites for Aussies, below).

australian pokies

Wins on pokies can be modest or life-changing depending on where you play and how lucky you are. Image via Caloundra RSL.

Best Online Pokies Sites for Aussies

Of course, if you don’t fancy leaving the house then you can always play the pokies online and, whilst the physical feel of dropping coins in the slot might not be for the purists, the odds are still good and the potential wins just as big.

The Interactive Gambling Act makes it illegal for online casinos not licensed in Australia to offer gambling service over the internet. However it isn’t an offence for players to access sites that are prepared to accept players from Oz.

A lot of the casinos host microgaming pokies which are operated across a network. This means that progressive prize pools can grow more quickly and allow the sites to offer huge jackpots. One such game is Mega Moolah, one of the biggest cash pokies prizes online.

These sites are all Aussie-friendly and have a good range of pokies, jackpots and payout rates:

Site
The Offer
gaming club online pokies australia - Copy
Gaming Club

One of the oldest online casinos in the world, Gaming Club was founded in 1994. Far from being too long in the tooth for the game, the site has advanced technology in operation and the site is slick, secure and easy to use.

Despite being a popular casino the Gaming Club offers some good sign up incentives particularly for the slots.

Some games are hosted with Flash for instant play but the majority of the site works best if you download the Gaming Club software to your PC. The site is also optimised for mobile play.

Reel games are varied and offer some great jackpots and most have stunning graphics and sound to really crank up the virtual reality.

As well as the pokies, you can also play almost every casino game going and there are even scratchies you can play.

Gaming Club has a high payout rate and accepts players from Australia along with AUD.

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House of Jack

This gaming site has some big welcomes bonuses to encourage online sign-up and a good loyalty program.

House of Jack is licensed in Curaco but makes deposit and withdrawal available in AUD (nice and easy for residents but expect to have to prove you ID).

There is a big range of slots available, some with sizable progressive jackpots which can pay out big. And pay-out rates are pretty good with most reports suggesting percentages of 96-98% which is higher than land-based slots.

As well as pokies, there is also a good range of casino games to keep the site ‘sticky;.

There isn’t an app but the site is mobile friendly, responsive and well-designed for playing on the go.

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Ignition Casino

Launched first in the USA in 2016, Ignition is new to the Australian market.

The site has some good sign-up offers but limited deposit and withdrawal options when compared to others.

The range of pokies is quite diverse and takes advantage of several developers meaning that gameplay is broader than some more traditional offerings. There are a few hundred titles to play with more in the offing.

Prize and stakes vary and some jackpots are progressive with wins in excess of $1 million reported on the site.

As well as slots, Ignition provides a good range of table games, video poker and other popular Australian games like Keno and Bingo.

The mobile site is quite good but needs some work to make it 100% compatible as some games either don’t work or are not quite as responsive.

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Jackpot City

With payouts reaching almost 98%, Jackpot City has a solid reputation for pokie play online.

Launched in 1998 and licensed in Malta, the site is both trusted and secure and many Australians call it the home of the jackpot.

One of several sites that hosts the Mega Moolah progressive jackpot game, Jackpot City has many huge wins under its belt. Players can opt for traditional or classic slots or try some new titles across the big range of games.

The site is a solid one for main gameplay and certainly one that should be considered as a back-up.

platinum play casino online pokies australia
Platinum Play

Licensed in Malta and providing a full range of casino games since 2004, Platinum Play markets itself to casino players who like interacting with real dealers.

Their pokies offering is definitely the main show here with table and card games now more of a side-show along with scratchies, Keno and video poker.

Payouts range from 94%-96% and games can be played via mobile or on instant play technology. The site is another that belongs to a network of microgaming which means that progressive jackpots can get pretty big.

Though they have a good range of pokies and prizes are good and regular, the overall design of Platinum Play is, for some, a little tired. For others this just means the games themselves take center-stage.

ruby fortune pokies site australia
Ruby Fortune

Operating since 2003, Ruby Fortune has been operating a tight ship since it won the Best New Online Casino award more than a decade ago.

Licensed in Malta and providing a good range of deposit and withdrawal options, the site offers more than 300 pokie games to play.

Payout rates are around 95-97% with some big jackpots available across all of their casino games including the slots.

The design of the site is good and features instant game play which is compatible with most mobile devices.

Overall, the site is slick, simple and quick to get going with some nice classic, plus some unfamiliar, titles.

spin palace best pokies site australia
Spin Palace

With a reported AU $5 million being paid out daily and deposits taken in AUD, the Spin Palace site ticks two boxes; big cash prizes and Aussie friendly.

The payout ratios across its 650+ games is high and is generally around 97-98% range.

Not only that but you can access your winnings within 48 hours via instant withdrawal via your preferred payment method.

The tech of the site gives the games good graphics and responsive play with the mobile version working well.

You can also access a range of other casino games including roulette, keno, blackjack and poker.

The site has been running since 2001 and has established a solid reputation for itself in the online pokie world. Spin Palace is licensed in Malta and offers 24/7 support for all players.

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Emu Casino

Launched in 2012, Emu Casino has a range of 800+ games including almost 500 pokies titles. The site has recently been relaunched (2017) and now features a more responsive game play which is compatible with mobile devices.

Welcome bonuses are pretty normal and won’t set the world on fire but the payouts will keep you coming back. Jackpots range from some standard cash prizes to some pretty big progressive jackpots. If that wasn’t enough to make you bookmark Emu Casino, they offer a loyalty program which lets you earn points every time you play; build up the points to bonuses like free spins, higher percentage wins and cash drops.

VIP members can also earn reductions in transaction fees, exclusive bonuses and offers as well as invitations to hospitality events.

Games range from traditional 3-reel slots and retro style play to bang-up-to-date 3D titles.Favorites like Tomb Raider, Hitman and Dark Knight prove just as popular online as they do in land based venues.

AUD is accepted and setting up an account is very straightforward so you can start playing quickly.

Overall, a good site with excellent support to service a great site.

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G’Day

There are no prizes for guessing that this is an Aussie friendly site and one that accepts deposits and withdrawals in AUD.

Licensed in the UK, the site was established in 2013 and also hosts players from a lot of international countries.

It’s a casino site with the usual table and card games as well as some sports betting. The slots are just one side of the offering and the sites staple diet when it comes to gameplay. There are three main varieties which include some good progressive jackpot games (Tiki Wonders, Mega Fortune etc).

Most self-respecting Aussies will bridle a little over  the stereotyping of the sites appeal and see through the crocs and roos but that’s the Brits for you.

G’Day is a site that may be trying to do too many things and there are definitely some elements (sports betting, layout and graphics) which could do with improvement. However, payout rates are good and the mobile version of the site works well with the pokies (seems to be all it works with).

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Guts

Launched in 2012 and licensed in Curacao, Guts accepts AUD and won the Best New Casino 2013.

The site has a good style and has become one of the go-to sites for many Australian players for a number of casino games including scratchies.

They run regular promotions for deposit bonuses and the initial sign up incentives are also pretty good.

Their range of pokies isn’t the largest but the site does cater for most tastes when it comes to game play styles and jackpots. A good payout rate is also a benefit.

slots millions best online pokes sites australia
Slots Million

Offering one of the biggest selections of over 1800 slot games, this site is one to bookmark for regular players.

Hosting games developed by almost 25 different games providers, the titles available on Slots Millions offer one of the best selections of pokies available online.

All games are launched with Flash technology so you don’t need to download any special software for play on a PC. However, you can download their app to access games on your portable device (iOS and Android). The app doesn’t have the same range of games available as the website but still more than most with 500+ titles (Game of Thrones, South Park: Reel Chaos and The Invisible Man).

Some of the jackpots are progressive and there is a Mega Moolah game which regularly pays out prizes in excess of $5 million.

Accounts are available in AUD and there are usually some great sign up bonuses for new users.

Slots Millions is a pokies online site so don’t expect any table or card games here.

mucho vegas casino best online pokies sites australia
Mucho Vegas

Launched in 2016, Mucho Vegas was an instant success in Australia offering a big slots collection including 3-reel, 5-reel and video games. Their stock offering of pokies are developed by some of the biggest names in 3D gaming and the quality shows.

There are plenty of sign-up perks and ongoing promotions to keep punters happy as well and is certainly one of the sites biggest draws.

The site is well-designed, very responsive and works well on mobile.

Deposits and withdrawals can be made in AUD and there are some good payout rates as well as big prizes. The only drawback to the site is its high wagering conditions on those bonuses. Get that fixed and Mucho Vegas could become one of the top go-to pokies sites in Oz.

 

Where to Find Pokies

Each state issues licenses for pokies for venues in its jurisdiction, these can be held by pubs, clubs, hotels and bars as well as (in some states) casinos. The number of licenses held by any establishment doesn’t always mean they run a full quota of machines but we have pulled together our lists of those venues in each major Australian city with a good selection of licenses.

Australian Capital Territory

There are more than 4500 pokies in the ACT making this Australian state one of the highest per capita home of the slots with one machine per 88 residents.

Canberra

Most of the slots in the ACT are situated in the state capital of Canberra but, unusually, there is no license for any pokies in the city’s casino. The decision by the authorities to protect the gaming interests of smaller clubs and bars is one that is welcomed by the communities who benefit from them. This includes social clubs where money generated from the slots are re-injected into their own projects.

egms canberra pokies

Unlike many states, none of the ACT’s pokies are in the city’s casino. Image via Pixabay.

The best places to play the pokies in the city are no doubt the Belconnen Labour Club which currently has a license for 282 machines and also has a schedule of good bingo nights plus a sports bar with TAB services.

The Tradies has slightly more pokies with 309 machines.

Bars and clubs across the city and its surrounding suburbs have a varying number of licensed pokies but those that have more than 50 are listed below:

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Canberra Tradesmen’s Union Club
2 Badham St, Dickson ACT 2602
309
Canberra Labor Club
Chandler St, Belconnen ACT 2617
282
Southern Cross Club
Pitman St & Holwell Street, Greenway ACT 2900
280
Raiders Gungahlin
23 Hibberson St, Gungahlin ACT 2912
232
Erindale Vikings Club
6 Ricardo St, Wanniassa ACT 2903
229
Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club
110 Gundaroo Dr, Nicholls ACT 2913
225
Hellenic Club of Canberra
Matilda St, Phillip ACT 2606
205
Ainslie Football & Social Club
52 Wakefield Ave, Ainslie ACT 2602
198
Vikings, Town Centre Sports Club
80 Athllon Dr, Greenway ACT 2900
183
Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong
92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip ACT 2606
174
Raiders Belconnen
Hardwick Cres, Holt ACT 2615
168
Mawson Club
10 Heard St, Mawson ACT 2607
165
Viking, Chisholm Sports Club
Benham St, Chisholm ACT 2905
150
Southern Cross Club Jamison
Bowman St, Macquarie ACT 2614
140
Lanyon Valley Rugby Union
Heidelberg St, Conder, ACT 2906
132
Burns Club
8 Kett St, Kambah, ACT 2902
130
Woden Tradesmen’s Union Club
Launceston Street, Woden, Phillip ACT 2606
120
Calwell Club
1 Were St, Calwell, ACT 2905
114
Raiders Weston
1 Liardet St, Weston ACT 2611
102
Ginninderra Labor Club
40 Lhotsky St, Charnwood ACT 2615
95
Eastlake Football Club
3 Oxley St, Canberra ACT 2603
88
Magpies Sports Club
76-80 Hardwick Crescent, Holt ACT 2615
85
Sports Club Kaleen
16 Georgina Cres, Kaleen ACT 2617
84
Belconnen Soccer Club McKellar
Cnr William Slim & Owen Dixon Drives, McKellar
77
Belconnen Soccer Club Hawker
Cnr Belconnen Way & Springvale Drive, Hawker
67
City Labor Club
16 Petrie Plaza, Canberra ACT 2601
62
Weston Creek Labor Club
Teesdale Cl, Stirling ACT 2611
50
The RUC at Turner
54 McCaughey St, Turner ACT 2612
50

 

New South Wales

There are around 100,000 pokies in New South Wales making it the state with the highest number of slots in all of Oz (or one for every 77 residents). In fact, the only place in the world with more EGMs is in Las Vegas.

sydney pokies

Star City, Sydney is home to 1.5% of NSW’s pokie population. Image via Pinterest.

The states casinos have a good deal of these licenses but there are also several thousand pokies situated in smaller pubs, clubs and hotels.

However, regulations in the state mean that hotels can only have a maximum of 30 machines with those having more than ten required to have a separate gaming room. Clubs are not restricted by total number but those who wish to have more than 450 must demonstrate that the presence of these pokies will not have a negative impact.

Sydney

The Star Casino has a license to operate up to 1500 EGMs and the gaming floor has plenty of variety to keep pokie fans happy. Situated in the heart of Pyrmont, the casino is a popular place to game.

The top 25 pubs in New South Wales with the highest profits from the pokies are all based in Sydney. Together they make a total profit of $253 million. The top five of these being the El Cortzez, Railway, Markets, Eastwood and Cross Roads Hotels.

However, there are plenty of smaller venues around the Harbour City where you can play the Pokies. Here is out list of the best venues in Sydney (note: unlike other state governments, the New South Wales Department of Industry doesn’t publish a list of the numbers of pokie licenses):

Venue Address
Address
Licenses
Belmore Hotel
383 Burwood Rd, Belmore
Burwood Hotel
121 Burwood Rd, Burwood
Cambridge Tavern
11 Alan St, Fairfield
Campsie Hotel
372 Beamish St, Sydney
Canley Heights Hotel
274 Canley Vale Rd, Canley Heights
Chuchill’s Sports Bar
532 Anzac Pde, Kingford
Club Hillsdale
49 Rhodes St, Hillsdale
Club Totem
195 Condamine St, Balgowlah
Cross Roads Hotel
Corner of Hume Hwy & Camden Valley Way, Casula
Dove & Olive
156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills
Eastwood Hotel
115 Rowe St, Eastwood
El Cortez Hotel
Corner of Avoca Rd & Canley Vale Rd, Canley Heights
Ermington Club Hotel
1 River Rd, Ermington
Greenfield Tavern Hotel
Corner of Mimosa & Greenfield Rd, Greenfield Park
Hurstville Ritz Hotel
350 Forest Rd, Hurstville
Kinselas Hotel
383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst
Markets Hotel
286 Parramatta Rd, Flemington
Meridian Hotel
220 Forest Road, Hurstville
Oasis On Beamish
165 Beamish St, Campsie
Pritchard’s Hotel
360 Elizabeth Dr, Mt Pritchard
Pyrmont Bridge Hotel
96 Union St, Pyrmont
Railway Hotel
2 Joseph St, Lidcombe
Scruffy Murphy’s
43-49 Goulburn St, Sydney
Sir John Young Hotel
Corner George St & Liverpool St, Sydney
The Bank Tavern
1-3 Belgrave St, Kogarah
The Light Brigade Hotel
Corner of Oxford St & Jersey Rd, Woollahra
The Sly Fox Hotel
199 Enmore Rd, Enmore
Three Swallows Hotel
342 Hume Hwy, Bankstown
Twin Willows Hotel
739 Hume Hwy, Bass Hill

 

Northern Territory

A total number of licenses for pokies of around 2,000 is permitted in the Northern Territory with caps on hotels and bars of just 20 machines and a maximum of 55 allowed in clubs. Only venues that hold a liquor license can hold an EGM license.

The two casinos, Sky City Darwin and Alice Spring’s Lasseter’s Casino, hold the majority of licensed pokies with almost 1000 between them.

With a population of just 244,000, this means NT has the highest density of pokies in the country at a rate of one machine per 131 residents.

darwin gaming machines

One of two casinos in the Northern Territory, Darwin’s Sky City is a popular place to play the pokies. Image via Wikimedia.

Darwin

The majority of the NT’s pokie licenses are held by the casino at Sky City with around 600 machines on the premises. You can find the rest in pubs, hotels and clubs with our pick being as follows:

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Sky City Casino
Mindil Beach, Gilruth Avenue, Darwin NT 0820
600
Adelaide River Inn
106 Stuart Hwy, Adelaide River NT 0846
>20
Barrow Creek Hotel
Davenport NT 0872
>20
Beachfront Hotel
342 Casuarina Dr, Rapid Creek
>20
Buff Club
57 Stuart Hwy, Stuart Park
>55
Casuarina All Sports Club
269 Trower Rd, Casuarina Square
>55
Corroboree Park Tavern
Marrakai NT 0822
>20
Crossways Hotel
23 Katherine Terrace, Katherine NT 0850
>20
Daley Waters Historic Pub
16 Stuart St, Daly Waters NT 0852
>20
Darwin Central Hotel
21 Knuckey St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Discovery
89 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Ducks Nuts Bar & Grill
76 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Elliott Hotel
1 Stuart Hwy, Elliott NT 0862
>20
Gapview Resort Hotel
123 Gap Rd, Alice Springs NT 0870
>20
Glen Helen Resort Outback Hotel
1 Namatjira Dr, Alice Springs NT 0872
>20
Grove Hill Heritage
Goldfields Rd, Douglas-Daly NT 0822
>20
Heavitree Gap Tavern
1 Palm Circuit, Alice Springs NT 0870
>20
Hidden Valley Tavern
Lot 1058, 644 Stuart Hwy, Berrimah NT 0828
>20
Hotel Darwin
39 Mitchell St, Darwin City
>20
Howard Springs Tavern
280 Whitewood Rd, Howard Springs NT 0835
>20
Humpty Doo Hotel Motel
Arnhem Hwy, Humpty Doo NT 0836
>20
Karama Plaza Tavern
Kalyminos Dr, Karama
>20
Kulgera Roadhouse Hotel
Lot 2869 Stuart Hwy, Ghan NT 0872
>20
Litchfield Pub
365 Darwin River Rd, Darwin River NT 0841
>20
Mandorah Beach Hotel
11 Pak Pl, Wagait Beach NT 0822
>20
Monsoons
46 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Nguiu Club
Wurrumiyanga NT 0822
>20
Nightcliff Sports Club
11 Camphor St, Nightcliff
>55
Novotel Atrium Darwin
100 The Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Parap Tavern
15 Parap Rd, Parap
>20
Pint Club
165 Abala Rd, Marrara
>20
Precinct Tavern
7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Quality Hotel Frontier Darwin
3 Buffalo Ct, Darwin City NT 0801
>20
Rorkes
22 Smith St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Saville Park Suites Darwin
88 The Esplanada, Darwin, NT 0800
>20
Schooner’s Bar & Grill
51 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah NT 0820
>20
Shenanigans Hotel
69 Mitchell St, Darwin City
>20
Squires Tavern
3 Edmunds St; Darwin, NT 0800
>20
The Cavenagh
12 Cavenagh St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
The Deck Bar
22 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
The Firkin & Hound
21 Hartley St, Alice Springs NT 0870
>20
The Heartbreak Hotel
Cnr of Carpentaria and Tablelands Highways, McArthur NT 0852
>20
The Lizard Bar and Restaurant
105 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
The Tap on Mitchell
58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
The Victoria Hotel
 27 Smith St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Threeways Roadhouse
Stuart & Barkly Highways, Tennant Creek NT 0852
>20
Throb
1/64 Smith St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20
Todd Tavern
 1 Todd St, Alice Springs NT 0870
>20
Town & Country Tavern
75 Todd Ml Alice Springs, NT 0871
>20
Tracy Village Sports & Social Club
28 Tambline Terrace, Lyons
>55
Uncles Tavern
20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs NT 0870
>20
Virginia Tavern
30 Virginia Rd, Virginia NT 0835
>20
Winnellie Hotel
34 Winnellie Rd, Winnellie
>20
Wisdom Bar & Café
 48 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
>20

 

Queensland

There are more than 46,000 licensed pokies in Queensland. With a population of just under 5,000,000 that equates to one pokie per 110 residents.

Spread across 1,188 venues, you can find EGMs in a wide variety of venues including hotels, bars, clubs and the casinos.

Brisbane

The Treasury Casino has the majority of Brisbane’s pokie machines with a total of 1300 licenses. Situated in the heart of the city, there are plans to replace the current site with a purpose-built multi-purpose leisure complex. Due to be constructed by 2022, it is likely that the new casino will have larger gaming facilities with many more pokie machines.

brisbane pokies

Some of the pokies at the Treasury Casino, Brisbane. Image via Treasury Casino.

There are 8,200 other licensed machines in the city itself with those having 45 pokies or more being listed below:

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Arana Leagues Club
247 Dawson Parade, Keperra QLD 4054
300
Bronco Leagues Club
98 Fulcher Rd, Red Hill QLD 4059
300
Carina Leagues Club
1390 Creek Rd, Carina QLD 4152
300
Easts Leagues Club
40 Main Ave, Coorparoo QLD 4151
300
Kedron-Wavell Services Club
21 Kittyhawk Dr, Chermside QLD 403
300
Sunnybank Rugby Union Club
470 McCullough St, Sunnybank QLD 4109
300
Wynum Manly Leagues Club
92 Wondall Rd, Manly West QLD 4179
300
Club Southside
76 Mount Gravatt Capalaba Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt QLD 4122
210
Sherwood Services Club
1 Clewley St, Corinda QLD 4075
184
Apsley Hornets Football Club
50 Graham Rd, Carseldine QLD 4034
167
Apsley Leagues Club
29 Kirby Rd, Aspley QLD 4034
146
Gaythorne RSL
534 Samford Rd, Mitchelton QLD 4053
136
Geebung RSL
323 Newman Rd, Geebung QLD 4034
122
Wynnum RSL
174 Tingal Rd, Wynnum QLD 4178
105
Yeronga Services Club
391 Fairfield Rd, Yeronga QLD 4104
95
North Devils Leagues Club
Franklin St, Nundah QLD 4012
93
Gallopers Sports Club
Nudgee Rd & Lancaster Road, Hamilton QLD 4007
91
Moreton Bay Sports Club
175 Boundary St, Tingalpa QLD 4173
80
Club Sandgate
50 Keogh St, Sandgate QLD 4017
80
Bros. Grange Community Sports Club
41 Agincourt St, Grange QLD 4051
76
Wynum Manly Workers Club
35 Bognor St, Tingalpa QLD 4173
75
Zillmere Sports Bar
340 Zillmere Rd, Zillmere QLD 4034
74
Southern Cross Sports Club
51 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt QLD 412
70
Algester Sports Club
41 Endiandra St, Algester QLD 4115
60
South Acacia Bowls Club
Brandon Park Reserve, Mortimer Rd, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110
56
Coorparoo RSL Club
45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo QLD 4151
50
Acacia Ridge Hotel
1386 Beaudesert Rd, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110
45
Albion Hotel
300 Sandgate Rd, Albion QLD 4010
45
Alderley Arms Hotel
2 Samford Rd, Alderley QLD 4051
45
Bracken Ridge Tavern
154 Barrett St, Bracken Ridge QLD 4017
45
Calamvale Hotel
678 Compton Rd, Calamvale QLD 4116
45
Camp Hill Hotel
724 Old Cleveland Rd, Camp Hill QLD 4152
45
Everton Park Hotel
101 Flockton St, Everton Park QLD 4053
45
The Glen Hotel
24 Gaskell St, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113
45
Gumdale Tavern
277 Tilley Rd, Gumdale QLD 4154
45
Hamilton Hotel
442 Kingsford Smith Dr, Hamilton QLD 4007
45
Holland Park Hotel
945 Logan Rd, Holland Park QLD 4121
45
Homestead Tavern
114 Zillmere Rd, Boondall QLD 4034
45
The Colmslie Hotel
Wynnum Rd & Junction Rd, Morningside QLD 4170
45
The Jindalee Hotel
Sinnamon Rd, Jindalee QLD 4074
45
Nudgee Beach Hotel
Nudgee Rd & Approach Road, Nudgee QLD 4014
45
Pacific Golf Club
430 Pine Mountain Rd, Carindale QLD 4152
45
Prince of Wales Hotel
1154 Sandgate Rd, Nundah QLD 4012
45
Royal Exchange Hotel
10 High St, Toowong QLD 4066
45
Royal George Hotel
327 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
45
Runcorn Tavern
124 Gowan Rd, Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109
45
Salisbury Hotel Motel
668 Toohey Rd, Salisbury QLD 4107
45
Stafford Tavern
51 Webster Rd, Stafford QLD 4053
45
Sunnybank Hotel
275 McCullough St, Sunnybank QLD 4109
45
Taigum Tavern
217 Beams Rd, Taigum QLD 4018
45
Brook Hotel
167 Osborne Rd, Mitchelton QLD 4053
45
The Junction @ Annerley
Ipswich Rd & Annerley Rd, Annerley QLD 4103
45
Waterloo Bay Hotel
75 Berrima St, Wynnum QLD 4178
45
The Elephant Hotel
230 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
42

 

Gold Coast

star casino gold coast pokies

Some of the new pokie games at Star Casino, Gold Coast. Image via Star Entertainment.

Long known as the playground of Queensland, the Gold Coast is home to almost 6,000 pokies in addition to the 1,600 located at the Star Gold Coast Casino.

You can find those venues with more than 45 pokies here:

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Southport Sharks Football Club
Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport QLD 4215
300
Club Southport
154A Scarborough St, Southport QLD 4215
265
Burleigh Heads Bears Leagues Club
80 Pacific Ave, Miami QLD 4220
220
Club Helensvale
20-28 Discovery Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212
220
Currumbin RSL
165 Duringan St, Currumbin QLD 4223
199
Nerang RSL
69 Nerang St, Nerang QLD 4211
188
RSL Club Southport
36 Scarborough St, Southport QLD 4215
180
Club Burleigh
1640 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
110
Musgrave Hills Bowls Club
Musgrave Ave & Kumbari Ave, Gold Coast QLD 4215
100
Kurrawa Surf Club
‘Beachside’ Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach QLD 4218
80
Paradise Point Bowls Club
22 Thrush Ave, Paradise Point QLD 4216
72
Runaway Bay Junior Leagues Club
225 Morala Ave, Runaway Bay QLD 4216
70
Surfers Paradise RSL Club
1/9 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
70
Burleigh Sports Club
111 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
60
Club Talle
1505 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach North QLD 4221
59
BMD Northcliffe Surf Club
51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
58
The Surf Club Cooangatta
Marine Parade & Dutton Street, Coolangatta QLD 4225
57
Labrador Tigers AFL Sports Club
28 Ashton St, Labrador QLD 4215
50
Palm Beach Surf Club
117 Jefferson Ln, Palm Beach QLD 4221
50
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218
49
Arundel Tavern
226 Napper Rd, Arundel QLD 4214
45
Ashmore Tavern
161 Cotlew St, Ashmore QLD 4214
45
Benowa Tavern
117 Ashmore Rd, Benowa QLD 4216
45
Burleigh Heads Hotel
4 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
45
Burleigh Town Tavern
Tsipura Dr & Township Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4222
45
Coolangatta Sands Hotel
1 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
45
Coomera Tavern
Coomera City Centre, 2 City Centre Dr, Upper Coomera QLD 4209
45
Diamonds Tavern
Christine Ave, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
45
Dog and Parrot Tavern
2 Scottsdale Dr, Robina QLD 4226
45
Dublin Docks Tavern
Harbour Town Dr, Biggera Waters QLD 4216
45
Ferry Road Tavern
Cnr Ferry Road & Cotlew Street East, Southport QLD 4215
45
Helensvale Tavern
8 Sir John Overall Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212
45
Hinterland Hotel
53 Station St, Nerang QLD 4211
45
Miami Tavern
2043 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami QLD 4220
45
Oxenford Tavern
179 Old Pacific Hwy, Oxenford QLD 4210
45
Pacific Pines Tavern
8 Hotham Dr, Pacific Pines QLD 4211
45
Palm Beach Hotel
1118 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
45
Parkwood Tavern
Olsen Ave & Wintergreen Dr, Parkwood QLD 4214
45
RQ’S Tavern
361 State Route 7, Robina QLD 4226
45
Runaway Bay Tavern
516 Lae Dr, Runaway Bay QLD 4216
45
Shearers ArmsTavern
23 Peachey Rd, Ormeau QLD 4208
45
Southport Surf Club
MacArthur Parade, Main Beach QLD 4217
45
Surfers Paradise Tavern
Cavill Avenue, Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
45
Broadbeach Tavern
Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
45
Lone Star Tavern
Markeri St, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218
45
Treetops Tavern
7 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
45
Wallaby Hotel
45 Railway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
45

 

Sunshine Coast

Another popular location for pokies is across the Sunshine Coast where you can find more than 3,500 EGM’s. Licensed venues range from clubs to taverns, hotels and bars.

Our selection of the largest venues with 45 or more licenses are as follows:

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Caloundra RSL
19 West Terrace, Caloundra QLD 4551
300
Maroochy RSL
Memorial Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
300
Nambour RSL
14 Matthew St, Nambour QLD 4560
240
Tewantin Noosa RSL
1 Memorial Ave, Tewantin QLD 4565
195
Alex Surf Supporters Club
167 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572
131
Club Kawana Bowls Club
476 Nicklin Way, Wurtulla QLD 4575
120
Caloundra Power Boat Club
2 Lamerough Parade, Golden Beach QLD 4551
80
Maroochy Surf Club
34/36 Alexandra Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558
70
Caloundra Bowls Club
Cnr Arthur St & Bingera Terrace, Caloundra QLD 4551
69
Dicky Beach Surf Club
1A Coochin St, Dicky Beach QLD 4551
62
Coolum Surf Club
1775-1779 David Low Way, Coolum Beach QLD 4573
48
Bli Bli Tavern
Cnr 2-6 Bli Bli Rd & David Low Wy, Bli Bli QLD 4560
45
Buderim Tavern
81 Burnett St, Buderim QLD 4556
45
Caloundra Hotel
12 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
45
Coolum Beach Hotel
David Low Way, Coolum Beach QLD 4573
45
Golden Beach Tavern
32 Bowman Rd, Caloundra QLD 4551
45
The Alex Hotel
98-110 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572
45
Kawana Hotel
Nicklin Way, Buddina QLD 4575
45
Villa Noosa Hotel
19 Mary St, Noosaville QLD 4566
45

 

South Australia

South Australia has a total of around 13,000 licenses for electronic gaming machines with 1000 of these being licensed to the casino in Adelaide, Sky City.

With a population of 1.7 million people, the density of one pokie per 131 residents in the state is low at 0.007.

adelaide gaming machines

Though South Australia’s pokie rate is low, uptake is high. Image via AdelaideCasino

Adelaide

Adelaide has a good mix of venues to play the pokies, other than the Sky City Casino. Most are hotels or bars with a couple of clubs thrown in to the mix.

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Sky City Casino
North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
1000
Ambassadors Hotel
107 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
40
West End Tavern
255 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000
34
Pulteney Pokies/Jackpot
471 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000
33
The London Tavern
175 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
32
Talbot Hotel
104 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000
32
Woolshed On Hindley
94-100 Hindley Street, Adelaide SA 5000
32
Black Bull Hotel
58 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000
32
Rosemont Hotel And Pokies
160 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000
32
Hotel Richmond
128 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000
32
Aces Bar & Bistro
61-63 Grote St, Adelaide SA 5000
30
Strathmore Hotel
129 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
29
James Place Hotel
21 James Pl, Adelaide SA 5000
28
Metropolitan Hotel
46 Grote St, Adelaide SA 5000
25
Mansions Tavern
21 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000
20
Wakefield Hotel
76 Wakefield St, Adelaide SA 5000
20
The Office on Pirie
110 Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000
20
Silks On Grenfell Hotel
12-14 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA 5000
20
Arab Steed Hotel
241 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000
20
Benjamin On Franklin Hotel
233 Franklin St, Adelaide SA 5000
20
Saracen’s Head
82 Carrington St, Adelaide SA 5000
20
Griffins Head
38 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide SA 5000
20
Rob Roy Hotel
106 Halifax St, Adelaide SA 5000
20
The A Club
109- 111 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
18
Union Hotel
70 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
15
Seven Stars Hotel
187 Angas St, Adelaide SA 5000
12
Gilbert Street Hotel
88 Gilbert St, Adelaide SA 5000
11
Duke Of York Hotel
82 Currie St, Adelaide SA 5000
10
Earl Of Aberdeen Hotel
316 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000
10
General Havelock Hotel
162 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000
8
Elephant & Castle Hotel
179 West Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
7
Cumberland Arms Hotel
205 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
5

 

Tasmania

The island state of Tasmania has a total of 3,550 pokies with 1,185 of these being licensed to the two casinos; Wrest Point in Hobart and the Country Club Casino, Meander Valley. At a rate of one pokie per 59 citizens, the island does alright with the per capita number of licenses.

australia pokies hobart tasmania

This pokie player at Wrest Point, Hobart has either won pretty big or someone needs to check this EGMs wiring! Image via Wrest Point Casino.

However, a bold and controversial move by the current Labor government has proposed that the state is to follow the example set by Western Australia and become pokie-free by 2023 (with the exception of a monopoly license held by the casinos).

Hobart

For the time being, you can still enjoy pokies at a couple of locations across Hobart, including:

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Wrest Point Hotel Casino
410 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay
650
Black Buffalo Hotel
14 Federal St, North Hobart
30
Central Hotel Hobart
73 Collins St, Hobart
30
Queens Head Hotel
400 Elizabeth St, North Hobart
25
Welcome Stranger Hotel
58 Harrington St, Hobart
24
Hobart Midcity Hotel
96 Bathurst St, Hobart
20
Marquis Of Hastings Hotel
209 Brisbane St, West Hobart
15
Waratah Hotel
272 Murray St, Hobart
15

 

Victoria

With a population that exceeds 6 million people and only 29,000 pokies, the density of EGMs in the state is just 1 pokie per 207 residents. Most are situated in and around the state capital with almost 10% of the total licenses being assigned to the state casino.

All licenses issued are currently valid until 16 August 2022 when the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation is due to review its pokies policies.

At present, licenses are issued to different regions with caps in place for both Melbourne and Geelong.

Melbourne

The Crown Casino, Melbourne located at 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006 holds 2500 pokies licenses and is by far one of the more popular venues to play on the slots in the city.

crown casino pokies melbourne

Holding almost 10% of Victoria’s pokie license, the Crown, Melbourne is one of the largest pokie venues in the state. Image via Flickr.

There are various hotels, bars and clubs that also hold pokies licenses with the pick of these being listed below:

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Bourke Hill’s Welcome Stranger
128 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
100
Clocks @ Flinder St. Station
17 Flinders Street Railway Station, Melbourne
100
Mercure Grand Hotel
195 Swanson Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
90
Mail Exchange Hotel
688 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
80
Flemington Race Course HQ Tavern
448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031
80
Player’s on Lygon
186-200 Lygon Street, Melbourne VIC 3053
75
Golden Nugget Hotel
117 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
60
The Meeting Place
315 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
56
Shanghai Club
242-244 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
48
Celtic Club
316-320 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
46
Batman’s Hill on Collins
623 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
22

 

Geelong

Just an hour outside of Melbourne in the state’s second largest city you can find another 1400+ pokies around town.  Split across a mix of hotels and clubs, the following licenses have been issued:

Venue Name
Address
Licenses
Combined Leagues Club
54 Fellmongers Road, Breakwater VIC 3219
105
Norlane Hotel
2-8 Princes Hwy, Norlane VIC 3214
84
Grovedale Hotel
236-258 Torquay Road, Grovedale VIC 3216
80
The Shell Club
76 Purnell Rd, Corio VIC 3214
77
Waurn Ponds Hotel
1154 Princes Hwy, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216
70
Sphinx Hotel
2 Thompson Rd, North Geelong VIC 3215
67
Portarlington Golf Club
130 Hood Rd, Portarlington VIC 3223
65
Ocean Grove Bowling Club
18 The Terrace, Ocean Grove VIC 3226
60
Geelong Football Club
370 Moorabool Street, South Geelong VIC 3220
60
Lord of the Isles Tavern
3 W Fyans St, Newtown VIC 3220
60
Peninsula Hotel
195 Bellarine Hwy, Newcomb VIC 3219
55
Lara Sporting Club
Mill Rd & Alkara Ave, Lara VIC 3212
50
Gateway Hotel
218-230 Princes Hwy, Corio VIC 3214
50
Jokers on Ryrie
211 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220
47
Geelong RSL
50 Barwon Heads Rd, Belmont VIC 3216
42
Lara Hotel
10 Hicks St, Lara VIC 3212
40
Clifton Springs Golf Club
92-94 Clear Water Dr, Clifton Springs VIC 3222
40
Great Western Hotel
177 Aberdeen St, Newtown VIC 3220
36
Polish Club, White Eagle Club
46/48 Fellmongers Road Breakwater 3219
35
St George Workers Club
212 Pakington St, Geelong West VIC 3218
35
Leopold Sportsman’s Club
135 Kensington Rd, Leopold VIC 3224
35
Queenscliff Bowling Club
118 Hesse St, Queenscliff VIC 3225
30
AHD Croatian Club
93 Separation St, Bell Park VIC 3215
30
Valley Inn Hotel
120 Fyans St, South Geelong VIC 3220
29
Phoenix Hotel
59 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC 3220
28
Bell Park Sports Club
34-70 Calvert St, Hamlyn Heights VIC 3215
28
Fyansford Hotel
67 Hyland St, Fyansford VIC 3221
27

 

Western Australia

Perth

In a reverse situation to that of the ACT, there are no licensed venues operating pokies outside of the state’s only casino.

You can find the Crown Casino at Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, WA 6100.

perth pokies

The casino has a monopoly on all pokie play in Western Australia. Image via Crown, Perth.

So, there you have it; a complete guide to the pokies in Australia. Just remember that however and wherever you play the slots in Oz, always gamble responsibly.

Featured image via Flickr.