Casinos in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was called Federal Capital Territory (FCT) till 1938. It is the only landlocked territory of Australia, surrounded on all sides by New South Wales. Australia’s capital Canberra is in the Australian Capital Territory.
As it is the center of the administrative activities in Australia, it is home to all government institutions, including the High Court of Australia, the Parliament of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and the Australian Defense Force Academy.
ACT is also the home of the University of Canberra, the Australian National University, the Australian Catholic University, the Charles Strut University, and the University of New South Wales.
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Size of the ACT |
2,358 square kilometers |
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Most Populated Area |
The most thickly populated city in the ACT is Canberra, but townships like Naas, Williamsdale, Tharwa, and Hall are also thickly populated. |
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Population |
4.31 million |
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Important Gaming Laws |
Gambling and Racing Control Act of 1999 Gaming Machine Act 2004 Casino Control Act 2006 Casino Control Regulations 2006 Unlawful Gambling Act 2009 Interactive Gambling Act 1998 Gambling and Racing Control Regulation of 2002 |
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Licensed Casinos |
Casino Canberra |
Legality of Casinos in the Australian Capital Territory
The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission licenses and regulates all casino gaming activities according to the territory's gambling laws.
The only company with a license to offer casino gaming services to residents of the ACT is Aquis Canberra Pty Limited. Its Casino Canberra is at 21 Binara Street, Civic. The only casino holding a gambling license in the ACT is Casino Canberra.
The Commission must approve all amendments to existing games and all new games before they are offered to residents. The Commission approves the games and game rules only after ensuring the games are fair and offer a reasonable return to player (RTP) percentage.
Casino officials can exclude residents from entering the casino by giving them an oral or written exclusion notice.
The Casino (Electronic Gaming) Act of 2017 legalizes all gambling machines, including fully automated table games in licensed casinos.
A casino has to receive an authorization certificate from the Commission before operating gambling machines on its premises. While applying for a certificate, casinos have to provide a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), which assesses the social and economic impact of the gambling machines.
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ACT Gambling Information Portal |
https://www.gamblingandracing.act.gov.au/about-us/legislation |
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Legal Games |
Casino gaming, wagering, lotteries, and gaming machines, private gaming, Two-up on Anzac Day, approved charity gaming |
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Unlawful Games |
You can play poker and all its variants, Money Wheel or Big Six with real money prizes, Blackjack, Twenty-One, Pontoon, Pai Gow Poker, Craps, Sic Bo and all its variants, Baccarat, Punto Banco, Mini Baccarat, and American Roulette only at home or at a licensed casino. They become unlawful games if you play them for real money at an unlicensed venue. |
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Gambling Regulator in ACT |
The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission |
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Responsibilities of the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission |
The Commission licenses and regulators operations of casinos in ACT according to the Casino Control Act 2006, the Gambling and Racing Control (Code of Practice) Regulation 2002, and the Casino Control Regulation 2006. The regulatory body has the following duties:
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ACT Minimum Gambling Age
ACT residents must be at least 18 to legally play casino games for real money.
On June 17, 2022, the Government of ACT declared that masks and vaccination certificates are no longer mandatory at hotel casino resorts. However, betting agencies, gambling venues, and casinos have to develop and adhere to a COVID Safety Plan. They should provide the plan to an authorized officer whenever required.
List of Land-based Casinos in Western Australia
You can play casino games at many hotels, clubs, and pubs across the Australian Capital Territory. But only Casino Canberra offers the full-fledged casino gaming experience. The only licensed casino in the ACT is Casino Canberra.
You can browse a library of 200+ electronic gambling machines and 45 table games at Casino Canberra. Popular titles include Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Baccarat - Dragon Bonus, Canberra Poker, Money Wheel, and Blackjack.
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Casino |
Address |
Contact Info |
About |
Poker |
Other Games |
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Casino Canberra |
21 Binara Street Canberra ACT 2601 |
+61-2-6243 3700 Online contact form |
Casino Canberra, a part of the Aquis Entertainment family, has revolutionized gaming and entertainment in the ACT. In addition to offering casino games, Casino Canberra offers fine dining options, luxury hotel stays, poker games, loyalty rewards, and event spaces. |
Yes, but it reopens only in September 2022. You can play cash games like PL Omaha, Faro Poker, NL Texas Hold'em, Fixed Limit Manila, and Full Pot 7-Card Stud. |
200+ electronic gambling machines and 45+ table games |
Best Casinos in Australian Capital Territory in 2023
The only and the best casino in the Australian Casino Territory is Casino Canberra, where you can enjoy the best electronic gambling machines and table games in a sophisticated gaming environment.
Here are the highlights of the casino:
Most Exciting Games
You can play exciting games like Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Baccarat - Dragon Bonus, Money Wheel, Blackjack, and Canberra Poker at Casino Canberra.
The casino also teaches beginners how to play the games. All you have to do is click on the how to play link below each game icon to view its rules.
Sophisticated Stadium Gaming Experience
Casino Canberra offers the only stadium gaming experience in Canberra. The stadium has terminals connecting to games hosted by live croupiers. You can enjoy live games in privacy on sophisticated gaming screens.
ACT Casinos with Bonuses
ACT casinos do not disappoint players looking for bonuses, discounts, offers, happy hours, tournaments, jackpots, prize draws, and others. You will find such offers across all services at Casino Canberra.
Click on Promotions in the main menu on the official website of Casino Canberra to view a list of its special offers.
The table below details some of these offers.
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Bonus |
What Gives |
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Low Limit Weekends |
Play eligible table games and electronic gambling machines at low limits every Friday and Saturday from 7:30 p.m. |
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Happy Hour |
Get a beer or spirits and wines at $5 and cocktails at $10 every day from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Onyx Lounge. |
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NRL |
Are you an NRL fan? Enjoy the action loud and live at Casino Canberra. |
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Infinity Rewards |
Join Infinity Rewards, a loyalty program, and get points for playing casino games. You can redeem your points for exclusive dining and accommodation offers, gifts, and more. 100 infinity points equal a dollar at Casino Canberra. |
History of Gambling in the ACT
Information about the history of gambling in the Australian Capital Territory is scarce because nobody has researched it so far. However, the history of Casino Canberra sheds light on the history of gambling in the territory.
The Government of the ACT decided to grant a gambling license to Casinos Austria International on January 31, 1992. The company created a subsidiary called Casino Canberra Limited for this purpose. It launched a temporary casino at the National Convention Center on Nov 14, 1992. The temporary casino became permanent on July 29, 1994.
In 2014, the Acquis Group acquired the casino.
Guide for New Visitors to the Australian Capital Territory Casinos
You can play pokies at several hotels, clubs, and pubs in the Australian Capital Territory. Each venue has rules & regulations and dress codes.
If you are visiting Casino Canberra for the first time, here are a few tips to help you.
- Go with Friends: If you have never visited Casino Canberra before and do not know what to expect, your best option is to go with a friend or friends who are familiar with the casino. Your friends will guide you and prevent you from making mistakes.
- Browse the Casino Website: Spend some time studying the official website of Casino Canberra before you visit. The website will tell you everything about the features and services available at Casino Canberra.
You will get the directions to the online casino, details of casino etiquette, dress codes, and rules & regulations on the website. If you have doubts, you can call the casino and ask for information or clarification.
- Learn the Game Rules: Click on the how to play link below each game icon and read the game rules. We recommend playing games for free at a licensed online casino before trying them out for real money at Casino Canberra.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Avoid blowing your entire bankroll playing casino games. Instead, implement effective bankroll management strategies. Set win and loss limits and end your gaming session when you have won or lost the pre-determined amount.
Avoid chasing losses because it leads to frustration. Also, avoid mixing alcohol with gambling because it impacts your judgment and makes you prolong your gaming session.
- Dress Code: Before visiting any casino or gambling establishment in the Australian Capital Territory, find out if it has a dress code. Even if casinos do not specify dress codes, they expect you to dress neatly and refuse to entertain patrons wearing dirty, untidy, and torn clothes.
Why People Choose Casinos in the Australian Capital Territory
Gambling enthusiasts can play pokies and bet on sports or racing in any Australian state. Still, they choose the Australian Capital Territory for the following reasons.
Canberra is called Bush capital for its farmland, natural reserves, and forests. In addition to the Casino Canberra, Canberra has places of interest like the Lake Burley Griffin featuring kayaks and sailboats.
You can try the following activities when you are not gambling at Casino Canberra:
- Go hiking in the Namadgi National Park.
- Visit Bywong to experience a bit of history and learn about gold mining.
- Wander around the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra.
- Visit the Australian War Memorial on ANZAC Day.
- Admire 160,000 paintings from all over the world in the National Gallery.
FAQ
Is poker illegal in the Australian Capital Territory?
Poker is legal in the Australian Capital Territory, provided you play it for real money only in licensed venues. Casino Canberra, the only licensed casino in the ACT, offers cash games in its Poker Pit.
Which is the best place to play casino games in the Australian Capital Territory?
Although pokies are available in several clubs, pubs, and hotels across Canberra, Casino Canberra is the best place to play electronic gambling machines and table games in the ACT. You can choose from over 200 gambling machines and 45 table games, including Canberra Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, and others.
Is online gambling legal in the ACT?
You can make bets on sports events online at licensed online bookies in the ACT. But make sure that they hold a valid ACT sports bookmaking license. Online casino gaming is illegal in the ACT. You can sign up and play at offshore online casinos, but make sure that they are licensed and not on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) block list.
How does the ACT help problem gamblers?
Players experiencing gambling harm or suspecting that they have become problem gamblers can call the ACT Gambling Support Service at 1800-858-850. The helpline is available 24 hours per day. The support service providers offer professional counseling free of cost. You can also get financial counseling from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday if you call the helpline at 1800-007-007.
Are lotteries legal in the Australian Capital Territory?
Lotteries such as trade promotion lotteries, housie, raffles, card jackpot raffles, lucky envelop raffles, and Calcuttas are legal in the ACT.