Casinos in Victoria
Victoria, a state in southeast Australia, is its second-smallest state. Despite its small size, it is the most thickly populated state in Australia.
Victoria shares its borders with New South Wales, South Australia, Bass Strait, Great Australian Bight, and the Tasman Sea. Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, and Bendigo, four of the biggest cities in Australia, are in Victoria.
The state is the second-largest economy in Australia. Melbourne is famous for art galleries, museums, and theatres. It is also called the “sporting capital of the world” and is home to Australian rules football and Australian cricket.
|
Size of Victoria |
Second smallest Australian state 227,444 square kilometers |
|
Most Populated Area |
The most thickly populated area is in the central south area around Port Philip Bay. Three-quarters of the population resides in the metropolitan area of Greater Melbourne. |
|
Population |
6.6 million |
|
Important Gaming Laws |
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011 Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act of 2011 Gambling Regulation Act 2003 Casino Control Act 1991 Casino (Management Agreement) Act 1993 Gambling Regulations 2015 Gambling Regulation (Loyalty Scheme and Pre-commitment) of 2014 Casino Control (Fees) Regulations 2015 Interactive Gambling Act 2001 |
|
Licensed Casinos |
Crown Melbourne |
Legality of Casinos in Victoria
The gambling regulator in Victoria is the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), created under the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act of 2011.
The Gambling Regulation Act of 2003 fosters responsible gambling to minimize the harm caused by problem gambling and accommodate players who gamble responsibly.
The Casino Control Act of 1991 governs the operations of licensed casinos in Victoria. So far, Victoria has granted a license to only one casino operator, Crown Melbourne.
Licensed gambling venues must comply with Ministerial directives, orders, and guidelines from the Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation. These directives are related to self-exclusion programs, gambling codes of conduct, and responsible gambling codes of conduct.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation has approved guidelines and directions that equipment manufacturers, commercial licensees, and their associates and nominees must follow.
The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 prohibits online gambling, but permits licensed Australian companies providing sports betting and horse betting services and supplying lottery tickets to accept bets online.
Showing gambling advertisements while broadcasting live sports on pay TV, free TV, and radio is illegal. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) also prohibits gambling advertisements while streaming live sports online.
Victoria bans betting advertisements on public transport, roads, and within 150m of schools. The state also prohibits static betting advertisements, including outdoor billboards on roads, stations, noise walls, embankments, bridges, and public transport.
|
Victoria Gambling Information Portal |
https://www.vgccc.vic.gov.au/gambling/casino/understand-your-permit/gambling-legislation-and-regulations |
|
Legal Games |
Wagering and betting, raffles, bingo, trade promotion lotteries, and gaming machines |
|
Unlawful Games |
Unlawful gambling is any gambling activity that is not authorized by any law. |
|
Gambling Regulator in Victoria |
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) |
|
Responsibilities of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) |
The VGCCC will retain all the responsibilities and powers of the former VCGLR till the liquor regulation transfers to Community Safety and the Department of Justice later this year. Here are the responsibilities of the VGCCC:
The VGCCC was born when the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation merged with the Director of Liquor Licensing and Responsible Alcohol Victoria. |
Victoria Minimum Gambling Age
Residents of Victoria should be at least 18 to gamble legally.
Crown Melbourne, the only licensed hotel casino in Victoria, prioritizes the safety and security of its patrons. The hotel casino maintains appropriate safety and hygiene measures throughout its complex.
The hotel casino implements a COVIDSafe Plan to create a safe venue for guests and a safe workplace for employees.
The principles of this plan include:
- The use of face masks
- Physical distancing
- Enhanced cleaning and hygiene
- Covid-19 response and contact tracing
In April 2022, Victoria scrapped isolation rules for close contacts, vaccine requirements, and mandatory mask rules. So you do not have to provide vaccination proof or wear a mask when you visit Crown Melbourne.
List of Land-based Casinos in Victoria
Victoria has only one licensed hotel casino, Crown Melbourne. However, you can play pokies in several hotels, clubs, and pubs across Victoria. The following are a few hotels, clubs, and pubs that offer pokies:
- Shanghai Club Pokies
- Bakers Arms Hotel
- The Golden Nugget Hotel
- Pokies
- Bayswater Hotel
- Berwick Springs Hotel
- Golden Point Hotel
- Epping Hotel
Crown Melbourne is the place to go if you want a robust casino gaming experience. The casino at Crown Melbourne offers several gaming options in a sophisticated environment. You can also learn to play popular table games without risking your money.
The casino at Crown Melbourne has features like Crown Rewards, exciting table games and electronic gambling machines, private poker packages, and more.
The following table presents an overview of Crown Melbourne in Victoria.
|
Casino |
Address |
Contact Info |
About |
Poker |
Other Games |
|
Crown Melbourne |
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006 |
(03) 9292 8888 |
Established in 1997, Crown Melbourne is an integrated resort with three hotels, a casino, award-winning restaurants, function rooms, and shopping and entertainment facilities. Crown Melbourne has played an important role in driving tourism in Australia. The hotel casino resort has the license to operate 2,628 electronic gaming machines and 540 table games. Its casino license will remain valid till 2050. |
Yes |
2,500 electronic gambling machines and 540 table games |
Best Casinos in Victoria in 2023
The only licensed hotel casino resort in Victoria is Crown Melbourne, which offers a variety of games in a sophisticated gaming environment. The gaming floors accommodate 2500 electronic gaming machines and 540 table games. Crown Melbourne also teaches you how to play the games.
The following are the features of Crown Melbourne Casino:
Crown Rewards
You can join the Crown Rewards loyalty program for free. You only have to visit a Crown Rewards desk and show them an acceptable identification document. The Crown Reward desk is on the main casino floor and is open 24/7.
Show your Crown Rewards Card while playing, dining, and staying at Crown Melbourne to get points. You can later redeem the points for unrivalled experiences like dining, shopping, hotel stays, playing table games, and much more.
Private Poker Packages
Would you like to play poker with your friends, family members, or coworkers? Crown Melbourne allows you to arrange and participate in private poker tournaments.
YourPlay
Are you worried about playing more than your bankroll permits? Crown Melbourne encourages its players to set individual time and money limits.
Crown Deposit Account
You can deposit your money with Crown Melbourne to play casino games. You can withdraw your deposits in the form of chips and use them on table games and electronic gambling machines. Request a staff member at any cashier to help you open your account.
The most exciting games at Crown Melbourne are Mississippi Stud, Big Wheel, Casino War, Poker, Pai Gow, Three Card Poker, Sic Bo, and WSOP Bonus Texas Hold'em.
Victoria Casinos with Bonuses
Crown Melbourne has special offers in its restaurants, bars & nightclubs, hotels, casino, shopping, and entertaining. You can also enjoy general offers like free WiFi on the casino floor, Crown Rewards, new member offers, and the Crown Gifts store, where you can purchase gifts for your loved ones.
You can enjoy the following offers in the casino:
|
Bonus |
What Gives |
|
Poker Play |
Earn Crown Rewards points and get free multi-level parking while playing any poker game. |
|
Tag Heuer Watch |
This June, you can win one of two Tag Heuer watches worth $8,100 each playing your favorite electronic table games. |
|
Winter Giveaway |
You have a chance to win your share of more than $300,000 in instant win prizes. |
|
Maple Cash Wheel |
Crown Melbourne holds a lucky draw to choose players who can spin the Maple Cash Wheel and win prizes. |
History of Gambling in Victoria
Victoria legalized pokies in 1991 and allowed a duopoly to introduce poker machines in local clubs and hotels.
Later, Victorian governments tried to minimize the harmful effects of pokie gaming by limiting the number of poker machines to 30,000. They also reduced the maximum bet, removed ATMs from gambling venues, and imposed trading-hour and smoking restrictions to prevent residents from spending too much on pokies.
Despite this, around 30,000 residents are serious problem gamblers, and 30,000 others have experienced the harmful effects of gambling.
Guide for New Visitors to Victoria Casinos
Are you visiting Crown Melbourne for the first time? Here are some tips for first-time visitors to the casino.
Explore the Website: Visit crownmelbourne.com.au to find out what to expect at the casino. In addition to a lively and sophisticated casino, Crown Melbourne offers restaurants, bars & nightclubs, hotels, shopping, and entertainment. Get familiar with the rules & regulations, dress code, and casino etiquette before visiting Crown Melbourne.
Plan Your Bankroll: Bankroll management is important while visiting the casino. Playing electronic gaming machines can deplete your bankroll in no time, especially if you mix drinking and gambling.
Implement effective bankroll management strategies and end your gaming session when you lose or win a certain amount. A feature called YourPlay helps you to play safely by setting bankroll and time limits.
Learn to Play: Avoid betting real money on games you do not know. Instead, learn the games before playing them. Crown Melbourne teaches its guests how to play games before sending them to the gaming floors.
Take Advantage of Offers: Special offers help you get more than your money's worth. Start by grabbing the new member offer at Crown Melbourne. When you become a Crown Rewards member, you get a status credit, member pricing and offers at selected restaurants, and free parking on the day of signing up.
Dress Appropriately: Crown Melbourne expects residents to dress appropriately. You have to remain neat throughout your stay at the casino. The casino does not accept the following:
- T-shirts with offensive words and designs
- Torn, soiled, or ripped clothing
- Active sporting attire
- Camouflage clothing
- Work tank tops or work singlets
- Torn, untidy, or unclean footwear
- Ugg boots and rubber gum boots
- Manual work clothes or boots
Why People Choose Casinos in Victoria
Pokie enthusiasts in Victoria can play their favorite games in hotels, clubs, and pubs. Crown Melbourne is the place to visit for those looking for a full-fledged casino gaming experience. Victoria, however, is not the gamblers' paradise. The state attracts culture and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. Its castles, museums, and rose gardens remind you of Britain.
When you are not playing at Crown Melbourne, you can try the following activities:
- Visit Philip Island Penguin Parade to interact with the penguins
- Wander along Little Malop Street and enjoy contemporary street art and exciting food.
- Visit the 12 Apostles and enjoy the beauty of the sunset.
- Go on a 7-km hike to Mt Sturgeon
- Watch the salt lakes change from bright white to deep pink at Murray Sunset National Park.
FAQ
Is gambling a legal activity in Victoria?
Victoria permits all types of gambling, with a few exceptions. The state has legalized sports betting, betting, raffles, electronic gaming machines, poker, and more. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) is an independent authority that regulates all legalized gambling activities in Victoria. The authority also educates and informs the public and the industry about regulatory requirements and practices.
When did Victoria legalize pokies?
The Labor government, under the leadership of Joan Kirner legalized pokies in Victoria in 1991, permitting Victorian pubs, clubs, and hotels to offer poker gaming machines on their premises.
Are there proposals for a second casino in Victoria?
John Haddad, the casino developer, has proposed a $1 billion hotel casino project on the waterfront of Geelong. A casino project may boost Geelong's flailing economy. But the government will find it difficult to approve the project because of strong opposition from anti-gambling groups.
Is Crown Melbourne Casino in trouble?
In October 2021, an independent investigation revealed that Crown Melbourne was unfit to run a casino as it exploited problem gamblers, permitted money laundering, and underpaid taxes. But the Government of Victoria did not revoke its license. Instead, Crown Melbourne got two years to clean up its business practices and save its casino. If Crown Melbourne fails to satisfy the authorities, it may lose its license after two years.
How does Victoria help problem gamblers?
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation supports individuals experiencing gambling harm. It focuses on prevention, early intervention, and support for vulnerable groups. Also, it works with organizations all over Victoria and provides the required funds for Gambler's Help services for problem gamblers and their family members.