Casinos in South Australia
South Australia occupies the southern central part of Australia and comprises most of its driest parts. The state shares borders with the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Great Australian Bight. South Australia is famous for its cultural festivals and fine wine. The agricultural, educational and manufacturing industries contribute the most to its economy.
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Size of South Australia |
984,321 square kilometers |
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Most Populated Area |
The most populated city is Adelaide, where 77% of South Australians reside. Mount Gambier has a population of 28,684. |
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Population |
Sparsely populated 1.77 million |
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Important Gaming Laws |
Gambling Administration Act 2019 Gambling Administration Regulations 2020 Casino Act 1997 Casino Regulations 2013 Gaming Machines Act 1992 Gaming Machines Regulations 2020 |
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Licensed Casinos |
Adelaide Casino |
Legality of Casinos in South Australia
South Australia has two casino laws:
- Casino Act 1997
- Casino Regulations 2013
Gaming licensees, employees, and managers must remain up-to-date with South Australia gaming regulations. Updates are available at www.sa.gov.au.
In South Australia, providers of gambling services can refuse to pay winnings to patrons if they come to know that the patron is subject to a barring order, the gaming machine or the game the patron played is not in proper functioning order, or the patron is a minor.
Licensed casinos in South Australia must have a gaming manager on duty 24/7 to manage and supervise gaming operations.
The Consumer and Business Services (CBS) calculates the gaming tax licensed operators must pay every month.
Gambling licensees cannot advertise or offer benefits and rewards that encourage people to gamble more than they wish to. They can legally provide or offer the following:
- Acceptable rewards program
- Acceptable trade promotion lottery
- Free non-alcoholic refreshments and drinks
- Free gambling products
However, they cannot encourage guests to gamble by offering discounted or free meals and vouchers that require them to play gambling games.
Also, providers of gambling services in South Australia cannot encourage guests to gamble by offering them free bets with conditions requiring them to spend their money.
The following table provides details of the legalities of gambling in South Australia.
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South Australia Gambling Information Portal |
https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/gambling-legislation-and-regulations https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/business-and-trade/gambling |
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Legal Games |
Horse betting, sports betting, gaming machines, trade promotion lotteries |
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Unlawful Games |
Betting on eSports is banned in South Australia |
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Gambling Regulator in South Australia |
Independent Gaming Authority Liquor and Gambling Commissioner of the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) |
South Australia Minimum Gambling Age
South Australians must be 18 years old to play real money casino games.
You no longer need to provide proof of vaccination to enter SkyCity Adelaide. The Government of South Australia revoked the Major Emergency Declaration Covid-19 on May 24, 2022. The directives in force at the time have now become a part of the South Australian Public Health Act, 2011.
Safe check-in is required only in hospitals, correction facilities, residential prisons, and residential aged care facilities.
List of Land-based Casinos in South Australia
South Australia has several racecourses that accept bets. Also, you can play pokies in many clubs, pubs, and hotels. But the SkyCity Adelaide is the only place in South Australia offering the ultimate betting experience.
The hotel casino remains open 24/7 and offers 1000+ gaming machines and 100+ table games like Roulette, Craps, Blackjack, Pai Gow, Poker, and Baccarat.
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Casino |
Address |
Contact Info |
About |
Poker |
Other Games |
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SkyCity Adelaide |
North Terrace, Adelaide GPO Box 1918 Adelaide SA 5001 Australia |
+61-8-8212-2811 |
SkyCity Adelaide is along the banks of River Torrens in the historic Railway Station Building. It is the best entertainment and gaming venue in Adelaide. SkyCity Adelaide belongs to the SkyCity Entertainment Group based in Auckland. The hotel casino is the 10th largest employer in the city and generates $19 million in tax revenue every year. Launched in 1985, SkyCity Adelaide has undergone several upgrades over the decades. SkyCity Adelaide offers a robust casino and poker room, luxury stays at Eos by SkyCity, plenty of fine dining options, and sophisticated event spaces. |
Yes |
1000+ gaming machines, 100+ table games, and VIP gaming in the Grange Room, the BLACK Room, and the Opal |
Best Casinos in South Australia in 2023
SkyCity Adelaide is South Australia’s only licensed casino. The casino offers 1000+ electronic gambling machines and 100+ table games, including poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and many other casino favorites. Playing in its sophisticated automated table game stadiums, featuring huge on-screen action and live dealers, is a world-class experience.
The casino offers the most popular and the newest pokies with the biggest jackpots in South Australia. You can also participate in SkyCity Rewards, a loyalty program with great benefits, exclusive promos, discounts, and entries to exclusive events.
Other exciting casino features are VIP rooms, gaming salons, and suites. The casino supports responsible gambling and encourages patrons to gamble only at levels they can afford. Eighteen is the legal gambling age in South Australia.
Gambling Machines
SkyCity Adelaide offers 1000+ gaming machines, including the most exclusive and the newest games in two levels. The jackpots and betting limits are the highest in South Australia. You can play cashless or with notes or coins. As a member of SkyCity Rewards, you can earn points for playing games in the casino.
Table Games
SkyCity Adelaide offers 100+ table games in a sophisticated and thrilling environment. You can choose from exciting games like Caribbean Stud, Blackjack, Baccarat, Vegas Star Roulette, Rapid Roulette, Texas Hold'em, Roulette, Rapid Baccarat, and Rapid Roulette.
The District Poker
The credit for introducing Texas Hold’em to Australians over two decades ago goes to Adelaide. Many consider Adelaide to be “the traditional home of Australian poker.”
Located in the northwestern corner of the first level, the District Poker offers cash or ring games and tournaments. You can play NL Texas Hold'em tournaments with buy-ins starting at only $200 every Tuesday. And every Thursday, District Poker hosts the $80 Freeze Out Tournament.
The District Poker Jackpot has a seed value of $40,060. You can win it by getting a Royal Flush at an eligible table. Moreover, District Poker gives away $250 to the player who creates the highest hand before 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
VIP Gaming
SkyCity Adelaide offers a rewarding and exclusive VIP gaming program in the BLACK, Opal, and Grange Rooms. VIP gaming machines and VIP table games are available in the VIP rooms.
The casino expects patrons to dress neatly for the VIP area. It does not permit thongs, Ugg boots, tank tops, and singlets, but allows beanies, caps, and hats.
South Australia Casinos with Bonuses
You will always find discounts, bonuses, offers, happy hours, opportunities to win cars and jackpots, and more at SkyCity Adelaide. The table below provides details of the bonuses and promotions available at the casino.
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Bonus |
What Gives |
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SkyCity Rewards |
SkyCity Rewards is a free-to-join rewards program, allowing members to earn generous discounts and exclusive offers whenever they use their Rewards card. Members of the rewards program earn points when they spend money in the casino and the bars, hotels, and restaurants. You can redeem your points on food, drink, hotel stays, and games. |
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The District Poker Freezeout |
Participate in the $80 Freeze Out Tournament every Thursday night. |
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Checkout Tuesdays |
SkyCity Adelaide holds a draw every half hour from 12:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Bronze, Silver, and Gold members of SkyCity Rewards can win shopping vouchers. |
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$10k Saturdays |
Every Saturday, SkyCity Adelaide holds three draws and chooses three lucky winners. Two boxes have a cash prize of $1000 each, and one box has a cash prize of $10,000. Visit SkyCity Adelaide from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and scan the promotional QR code to enter the lucky draw. |
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Daily Rewards |
Bronze and Silver members of SkyCity Rewards can claim daily rewards. |
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Primetime Perks |
Enjoy free parking at the Festival Car Park, $9.90 meals at Central Cafe, $5 Happy House on house drinks at Central Cafe, and the Primetime Cash Draw. |
History of Gambling in South Australia
No one knows much about the history of gambling in South Australia, but the following are a few noteworthy events:
- The first race meeting in Adelaide was held in 1838.
- Thoroughbred racing and two more racing sports appeared in South Australia in the late 19th century.
- In 1879, lawmakers in South Australia adopted the totalisator system to replace bookmakers. Although the tote raised revenue, it failed to eliminate bookmakers.
- In 1883, South Australia banned racetrack gambling. As a result, the racing industry ran into a loss, clubs shut down, the Morphettville racetrack changed ownership, and the Adelaide Cup moved to Melbourne.
- South Australia re-introduced the tote in 1888.
- The state passed several laws to empower the police force to stop off-course betting from 1902 to 1907.
- In 1966, South Australia passed off-course TAB legislation.
- In December 2000, South Australia passed the TAB (Disposal) Act of 2000 and the Authorized Betting Operations Act of 2000.
- Today, a network of clubs organizes racing in South Australia.
- In 1833, the House of Assembly passed the Casino Act of 1983. The Lotteries Commission of South Australia received the first casino license.
- In March 1991, South Australia legalized keno and video card games.
- In 1993, the state legalized electronic gambling machines.
- In June 2000, SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited became the new owner of the state casino.
- According to the Casino Act of 1997, the Independent Gambling Authority and the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner became the gaming regulatory bodies in South Australia.
Guide for New Visitors to South Australia Casinos
South Australia gives you the option of betting at racecourses and playing pokies in hotels and clubs. But you have to visit SkyCity Adelaide for the ultimate casino gaming experience.
Here are a few tips for first-time visitors to the casino.
- Explore the SkyCity Adelaide Website: Visit skycityadelaide.com.au to get an idea of what to expect in the casino, hotel, bars, and restaurants. In addition to playing poker, electronic gambling machines, and table games, you can enjoy a comfortable stay at Eos by SkyCity. Explore the official website of SkyCity Adelaide to find out about the dress code, rules and regulations, and everything else you need to know before visiting the casino.
- Manage Your Bankroll: If you aren’t careful, you will use your bankroll in no time. Play games carefully, and end your gaming session when you win or lose a previously determined amount. Avoid betting more than your bankroll permits. Above all, do not mix drinking and gambling because it can impact your judgment and force you to chase losses.
- Dress Code: SkyCity Adelaide has a comfortable environment in which patrons can enjoy themselves without disturbance from people who dress inappropriately and misbehave. Avoid wearing gang patches, torn clothes, clothes with offensive imagery or language, and dirty clothes and footwear.
On special occasions, you have to follow the Game Day dress code. You can wear tank tops, hats, casual shorts, t-shirts, and all footwear, including thongs and sneakers. However, you cannot wear bikinis, sarongs, and bathers.
- Casino Etiquette: Guests at SkyCity Adelaide have to behave appropriately. The hotel casino staff reserves the right to ask you to leave if you get drunk or abuse or threaten other customers and staff members. SkyCity Adelaide does not tolerate begging and loan sharking. The hotel casino may even ban customers who do so from its premises.
- Responsible Gambling: SkyCity Adelaide encourages safe gambling and does everything possible to minimize chances of guests experiencing harm related to alcohol or gambling. SkyCity Adelaide also has a team to help customers 24/7. You can enter the casino only if you are 18 years old.
Why People Choose Casinos in South Australia
South Australia attracts more nature lovers and artists than gamblers. The state has a stunningly beautiful coastline, sprawling forests, plenty of parks and gardens, and iconic structures.
The state is also a paradise for foodies because it offers the best seafood, hand-made cheese, and fresh fruits. Apart from playing casino games at SkyCity Adelaide, there are plenty of things to do in South Australia.
- Visit Kangaroo Island and interact with seals, penguins, koalas, sea lions, and hundreds of varieties of birds.
- Visit the art galleries, museums, gourmet restaurants, and gardens of North Terrace.
- Go on a day trip to Barossa Valley.
- Explore the picturesque Skilly Hills, eat at restaurants and cafes, and visit the gift shops, art galleries, and local markets of Clare Valley.
- Visit Glenelg Beach and plunge into aquatic activities.
FAQ
Where can I play pokies in South Australia?
Clubs, pubs, and hotels across South Australia offer thousands of electronic pokie machines. You can play over 1000 pokies, including the latest and the most popular ones, in SkyCity Adelaide.
Can I play poker in South Australia?
The best place to play poker in South Australia is District Poker at SkyCity Adelaide. You can participate in ring games or cash games and plunge into the tournament action to win your share of big prize pools. District Poker also offers a poker jackpot, which you can win by creating a Royal Flush at any eligible table.
What is the future of gambling in South Australia?
The gambling industry has a bright future in South Australia, especially if the state legalizes online casinos. Currently, players can play pokies legally at any hotel, club, or pub that offers them. Sophisticated gaming experiences are available at SkyCity Adelaide, the only hotel casino in South Australia.
Why does South Australia have only one casino?
South Australia is the third largest state in Australia, but the second most sparsely populated. Moreover, South Australia attracts visitors for its natural beauty and fine food. We assume that these could be reasons South Australia has only one casino.
What bonuses and promotions does SkyCity Adelaide offer?
SkyCity Adelaide offers several time-bound bonuses and promotions. You can participate in lucky draws and happy hours to win exciting prizes. Or you can join SkyCity Rewards to earn points whenever you spend money at the hotel casino. You can later redeem these points for free play, hotel stays, or food and drinks.