Casino Canberra stands as the Australian Capital Territory's premier gaming establishment, offering an exceptional experience for players seeking table games and entertainment. Located at 21 Binara Street, Canberra ACT 2601, this venue presents a unique situation for pokies enthusiasts visiting the nation's capital. Unlike traditional Australian casinos, Casino Canberra operates under distinctive ACT legislation that shapes its gaming offerings in ways that set it apart from other venues across the country.
The establishment has built its reputation on providing European-style casino gaming with an intimate atmosphere that many players find refreshing compared to the massive gaming complexes in other Australian cities. Whether you're a resident or a visitor to Canberra, understanding what Casino Canberra offers—and where to find pokies nearby—will help you plan your gaming entertainment effectively.
Casino Canberra operates within a regulatory framework that makes it fundamentally different from other Australian casinos. The venue holds the only licence to operate gambling tables in the Australian Capital Territory, giving it a monopoly on table gaming in the region. However, this exclusivity comes with restrictions that directly impact pokies enthusiasts.
The casino features an impressive array of table games, including Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, and specialty games like Tiger Baccarat and Canberra Poker. The gaming floor showcases approximately 39 gaming tables where professional dealers create an authentic casino atmosphere. Players appreciate the lower betting limits compared to high-roller venues, making it accessible for casual gamers and serious players alike.
One distinctive feature is the Stadium Gaming area, which represents Canberra's only Stadium Gaming Experience. Every terminal connects to games hosted by live dealers, providing the thrill of live gaming with the comfort and privacy of individual gaming screens. This innovative approach bridges traditional table gaming with electronic convenience.
Gaming Option | Availability | Minimum Bet | Features |
Blackjack | Daily, 12 pm-4 am | $10-$25 | Multiple tables, dealer-hosted |
Roulette | Daily, 12 pm-4 am | $5-$10 | European and American variants |
Baccarat | Daily, 12 pm-4 am | $10-$25 | Dragon Bonus option available |
Stadium Gaming | Daily, 12 pm-4 am | $5-$10 | Electronic terminals with live dealers |
Poker Pit | Fri-Sat, 7 pm-late | $100-$500 buy-in | No Limit Texas Hold'em, Omaha |
For players specifically seeking pokies, Casino Canberra presents an unexpected reality. The casino does not currently operate poker machines on its gaming floor. This absence stems from ACT legislation that historically prohibited the venue from installing electronic gaming machines, despite authorising table games.
This regulatory situation developed because the ACT government designed gambling legislation to keep pokies concentrated in registered clubs rather than casino venues. While legislation passed in 2017 theoretically allows Casino Canberra to acquire up to 200 poker machines and 60 fully automated table games, the venue has not yet implemented these machines.
For pokies enthusiasts, this means Casino Canberra functions as a table games specialist rather than a pokies destination. Players seeking the spinning reels and electronic gaming machines that define much of Australian gambling culture will need to visit nearby registered clubs instead.
Reviews from players visiting Casino Canberra reveal mixed reactions, particularly regarding the absence of pokies. Experienced gamblers familiar with European-style casinos appreciate the table game focus, while pokies enthusiasts express disappointment at the limited electronic gaming options.
"It's a small casino, but it isn't tacky. It doesn't have poker machines and offers tables with roulette, poker, etc, croupiers, not machines. It is newly renovated," one TripAdvisor reviewer noted, highlighting the European casino aesthetic that appeals to traditional table game players.
Another visitor commented: "This is a great disappointment as a venue. No poker tables. No pokies. Some ugly machines that only play live Baccarat and Roulette." This review reflects the frustration some Australian players feel when expecting the pokies-heavy environment common in most domestic casinos.
Gaming experts observe that Casino Canberra occupies a unique niche in Australia's gambling landscape. The venue appeals to players who prefer skill-based table games over the pure chance mechanics of poker machines. Professional poker players particularly appreciate the Poker Pit, which operates Friday and Saturday evenings with No Limit Texas Hold'em cash games featuring 2/3 blinds and $100-$500 buy-ins.
Industry analysts note that the absence of pokies creates a more social gambling environment. Table games encourage interaction between players and dealers, fostering community rather than the solitary experience typical of electronic gaming machines. This atmosphere attracts tourists and locals seeking entertainment beyond mechanical repetition.
Players determined to enjoy pokies while visiting Canberra have excellent alternatives within short distances from Casino Canberra. The Australian Capital Territory features numerous registered clubs offering extensive pokie collections alongside dining, entertainment, and social amenities.
Located at 13 Moore Street, Canberra ACT 2601, the Hellenic Club sits just 600 metres from Casino Canberra—an easy 8-minute walk. This venue operates a substantial gaming room with dozens of poker machines featuring popular titles from Aristocrat and other leading providers. The club offers traditional Greek hospitality alongside modern gaming facilities.
Operating hours accommodate both daytime and evening players, with pokies available from late morning through to the early hours. The venue combines gaming with quality dining options, making it perfect for extended visits. Members and guests enjoy competitive loyalty rewards and regular promotional offers that enhance the pokies experience.
The City Labour Club, in various locations throughout Canberra, provides another excellent pokies alternative. These venues feature comfortable gaming lounges with spacious layouts that prevent the cramped feeling common in some pokies rooms. The machines include both classic fruit-themed titles and contemporary video pokies with bonus features and progressive jackpots.
Typical opening hours run from 9 am until late evening, seven days a week. The clubs emphasise responsible gaming while providing entertainment value. Players appreciate the bistro facilities that allow meal breaks without leaving the venue, plus the ability to watch sporting events on large screens throughout the premises.
Though further from the city centre, Raiders Belconnen represents one of Canberra's premier pokies destinations. This massive venue houses hundreds of electronic gaming machines across multiple rooms, giving players tremendous variety. The facility includes dedicated VIP gaming areas for higher-stakes players.
The venue operates extended hours with pokies typically available from 8 am until 4 am, accommodating shift workers and night owls. Raiders Belconnen combines gaming with extensive dining options, live entertainment, and sporting facilities, creating a complete entertainment destination.
Venue Name | Distance from Casino | Pokies Count | Operating Hours |
Hellenic Club | 600m (8 min walk) | 50+ machines | 10 am-2 am daily |
Canberra Labour Club | 1.2km | 80+ machines | 9 am-1 am daily |
Raiders Belconnen | 8km | 300+ machines | 8 am-4 am daily |
Canberra Southern Cross Club | 5km | 200+ machines | 8 am-3 am daily |
These registered clubs offer the pokies experience that Casino Canberra cannot provide. Players can easily visit Casino Canberra for table games and atmosphere, then move to nearby clubs for electronic gaming machines, creating a varied entertainment evening.
Casino Canberra's central location at 21 Binara Street makes it easily accessible by multiple transport methods. The venue sits adjacent to Crowne Plaza Canberra, near the National Convention Centre, placing it within Canberra's civic precinct.
By Car: Visitors driving to Casino Canberra find the journey straightforward from most Canberra locations. From Canberra Airport, the trip takes approximately 20 minutes via Morshead Drive and Constitution Avenue. Free parking is available at the National Convention Centre Canberra off Constitution Avenue, just steps from the casino entrance.
Public Transport: Canberra's bus network provides excellent access to the casino. Multiple routes stop near the Convention Centre and along Northbourne Avenue, within easy walking distance. From Canberra Airport, bus route R3 connects to the city centre, followed by a short walk or connecting bus to Binara Street. The total journey takes approximately 40-45 minutes.
Taxi and Rideshare: Taxi ranks operate throughout Canberra's city centre, with the casino address well-known to all drivers. Rideshare services, including Uber, function extensively in Canberra, offering convenient door-to-door transport. Expect fares between $20-$30 from outer suburbs, and $8-$15 from inner city locations.
Walking: For visitors staying at nearby hotels—particularly Crowne Plaza Canberra, directly adjacent—Casino Canberra is immediately accessible on foot. The venue sits within Canberra's pedestrian-friendly civic area, making it part of a pleasant evening stroll.
Casino Canberra operates the Infinity Rewards membership programme, providing benefits for regular visitors. Membership is free and instantly accessible, allowing players to accumulate points through gaming activity. The programme offers tiered benefits, with higher-frequency players receiving enhanced rewards.
Members receive exclusive promotional offers, invitations to special events, and access to members-only gaming areas. Points earned through table game play convert to casino credits, dining vouchers, and merchandise. The Infinity Rewards card also provides faster service when joining poker games at the Poker Pit.
Registration requires government-issued identification and takes just minutes at the membership desk. Australian residents and international visitors alike can join, though visitors must present passports. The programme includes responsible gaming tools allowing members to set limits and access support services.
Beyond gaming, Casino Canberra provides quality dining and entertainment that enhances the overall experience. The venue operates two distinct food and beverage outlets catering to different preferences.
Natural Nine presents authentic Chinese cuisine with contemporary flair. The restaurant features pop-Chinese dishes that blend traditional flavours with modern presentation. The menu includes dim sum, noodles, seafood, and meat dishes prepared by experienced chefs. Prices range from $15-$35 per main course, with set menus available for groups.
Onyx Sports Lounge offers casual dining with pub classics and an extensive beverage selection. The venue features multiple large screens broadcasting sporting events, creating a lively atmosphere during major matches. Menu highlights include burgers, steaks, pizzas, and sharing platters, with mains typically priced $18-$32. The Onyx Hour provides $7 beer, wine, and spirits, plus $14 cocktails during happy hour periods.
Entertainment programming includes live music performances on Friday and Saturday nights, with local and touring acts performing across various genres. The venue hosts special events for major sporting competitions, including UFC fights, boxing matches, tennis tournaments, and cricket seasons. New Year's Eve celebrations and themed parties occur throughout the year.
Casino Canberra maintains consistent operating hours throughout the week, accommodating both daytime and evening players. The venue operates seven days a week from 12 pm (noon) until 4 am the following morning. This schedule provides flexibility for various visitor preferences, though it differs from the 24-hour operations common at major metropolitan casinos.
Address: 21 Binara Street, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Phone: +61 2 6243 3700
Operating Hours: Daily, 12 pm - 4 am
Website: casinocanberra.com.au
The venue enforces a strict identification policy—"No ID, No Entry"—requiring all patrons to present government-issued photo identification regardless of apparent age. Acceptable documents include driver's licences, passports, and proof of age cards. This policy reflects Casino Canberra's commitment to responsible gambling and venue security.
Casino Canberra maintains a relaxed dress code compared to some high-end casino venues. The establishment welcomes smart casual attire, with most everyday clothing acceptable. Management requests that visitors avoid steel-toed boots and clothing that obscures faces. Neat jeans, casual shirts, dresses, and standard footwear are entirely appropriate.
The venue does not require formal wear such as suits or cocktail dresses, making it accessible for spontaneous visits. However, some visitors choose to dress up for special occasions, particularly when dining at Natural Nine or attending entertainment events. The atmosphere balances casual comfort with the elevated experience expected at casino venues.
All visitors must be 18 years or older—Australia's legal gambling age. The venue strictly enforces this requirement with mandatory identification checks at entry. No exceptions apply, regardless of whether visitors intend to gamble or simply dine and watch entertainment.
Visitors planning extended stays around Casino Canberra have excellent accommodation options through the venue's partnership hotels. These properties provide comfort and convenience within walking distance of the casino.
Crowne Plaza Canberra sits directly adjacent to Casino Canberra, making it the most convenient option for serious players. This upscale hotel features modern rooms, a 24-hour business centre, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and underground parking. Guests can walk to the casino in under two minutes, perfect for those planning multiple gaming sessions.
Meriton Suites Canberra offers spacious serviced apartments ideal for longer stays. The property provides self-contained accommodation with full kitchens, separate living areas, and modern amenities. Facilities include an indoor pool, spa, sauna, and fitness centre. The location allows easy access to both Casino Canberra and nearby pokies venues.
The Sebel Canberra delivers boutique luxury with personalised service. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms, modern fitness facilities, and proximity to Canberra's key attractions. A short walk connects guests to Casino Canberra and the surrounding entertainment precinct.
Room rates vary seasonally, typically ranging from $150-$300 per night depending on room type and booking period. Casino Canberra can assist with reservation inquiries and may offer gaming packages that include accommodation credits.
Casino Canberra's central location places visitors near numerous Canberra attractions worth exploring between gaming sessions. The venue sits within the Parliamentary Triangle, surrounded by national institutions and cultural landmarks.
The National Gallery of Australia stands just 1.5 kilometres away, housing extensive collections of Australian and international art. Parliament House sits atop Capitol Hill approximately 2 kilometres south, offering public tours of Australia's democratic heart. The National Museum of Australia, Australian War Memorial, and National Library provide additional cultural experiences within short distances.
Lake Burley Griffin borders the casino precinct, offering walking and cycling paths around its 35-kilometre shoreline. The lake hosts various water activities and provides scenic views of Canberra's major monuments. Commonwealth Park and surrounding green spaces create pleasant outdoor environments for daytime exploration.
Canberra's dining scene extends beyond casino restaurants, with numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants throughout the city centre. Braddon's Lonsdale Street precinct, just 2 kilometres away, offers trendy dining and nightlife options. Civic presents shopping, entertainment, and cultural venues within easy reach.
Casino Canberra emphasises responsible gaming as part of its operational commitment. The venue provides various support services for players who may experience gambling difficulties. Information about spending limits, self-exclusion programmes, and gambling counselling is readily available throughout the facility.
The ACT Gambling Counselling and Support Service operates a 24-hour helpline at 1800 858 858, providing confidential support for problem gamblers and their families. This free service offers counselling, financial advice, and practical assistance for those affected by gambling harm.
Casino Canberra staff receive training to identify signs of problem gambling and can direct patrons to appropriate support services. The venue participates in ACT government initiatives promoting safer gambling environments and reducing gambling-related harm throughout the territory.
Players can utilise various tools to manage gambling behaviour, including setting deposit limits, taking voluntary breaks, and accessing detailed records of gaming activity. These measures help maintain gambling as entertainment rather than allowing it to become problematic.
Throughout the year, Casino Canberra hosts special events and promotional activities that enhance the gaming experience. Major sporting events receive particular attention, with the venue creating viewing parties for UFC fights, boxing matches, international tennis tournaments, and cricket competitions.
The establishment typically offers promotional bonuses during these events, including enhanced reward points, prize draws, and special dining packages. Players can combine gaming with live sports entertainment, creating memorable experiences beyond standard casino visits.
Holiday periods bring themed celebrations, with New Year's Eve representing the venue's premier annual event. The casino organises countdowns, live entertainment, special menus, and exclusive gaming promotions to mark the occasion. Valentine's Day, Melbourne Cup, and other significant dates receive similar treatment.
Regular promotional periods offer bonus reward points, match play vouchers, and tournament opportunities. The Infinity Rewards programme provides members with advance notice of these promotions, allowing strategic planning to maximise benefits.
Casino Canberra regularly recruits staff across various departments, offering career opportunities in hospitality, gaming, food service, and management. The venue seeks dealers, floor supervisors, restaurant staff, bartenders, security personnel, and administrative professionals.
Employment at Casino Canberra requires certain qualifications, including Responsible Service of Alcohol certification, gaming licence requirements, and security clearances. The venue provides training for dealer positions, teaching table game procedures and customer service skills. Career progression opportunities exist for dedicated employees, with pathways from entry-level positions to management roles.
Interested applicants can find current vacancies on the Casino Canberra website under the Careers section. The venue's association with Iris Capital, which operates multiple hospitality and entertainment properties, provides broader career development possibilities within the group.
Working hours accommodate various preferences, with shifts covering the venue's daily 12 pm-4 am operating schedule. The casino environment offers dynamic, social workplaces appealing to hospitality professionals seeking something beyond traditional restaurants or hotels.
Casino Canberra does not currently operate poker machines on its gaming floor, despite legislation allowing up to 200 machines. The venue specialises in table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker variants. Players seeking pokies should visit nearby registered clubs such as Hellenic Club, Canberra Labour Club, or Raiders Belconnen, which offer extensive electronic gaming machine selections within short distances of the casino.
Casino Canberra operates seven days a week from 12 pm (noon) until 4 am the following morning. This consistent schedule applies throughout the year, including public holidays, though hours may vary during special events. The Poker Pit operates specifically on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 pm until late, offering cash games for poker enthusiasts.
Casino Canberra maintains a relaxed, smart casual dress code. The venue welcomes neat, everyday clothing, including jeans, casual shirts, dresses, and standard footwear. Management requests visitors avoid steel-toed boots and clothing that obscures faces. Formal wear is not required, though some guests choose to dress up for special occasions or fine dining at Natural Nine restaurant.
Membership in the Infinity Rewards programme is free and available to all visitors aged 18 and over. Simply visit the membership desk inside Casino Canberra with government-issued photo identification (driver's licence, passport, or proof of age card). Registration takes just minutes, and your card becomes active immediately, allowing you to earn points through gaming activity and receive exclusive promotional offers.
Free parking is available at the National Convention Centre Canberra, off Constitution Avenue, adjacent to the casino. The car park provides convenient access with just a short walk to the venue entrance. Additional street parking exists throughout the surrounding area, though availability varies. For visitors arriving by rideshare or taxi, drop-off zones operate directly outside the casino entrance on Binara Street.
Casino Canberra features two distinct dining venues. Natural Nine offers authentic Chinese cuisine with contemporary presentation, including dim sum, noodles, seafood, and meat dishes priced $15-$35 per main. Onyx Sports Lounge provides casual pub-style dining with burgers, steaks, pizzas, and sharing platters ranging $18-$32, plus happy hour specials featuring $7 beer, wine, and spirits alongside $14 cocktails during designated periods.
International visitors are welcome at Casino Canberra and can participate in all gaming activities. Visitors must present a valid passport as identification upon entry and when joining the Infinity Rewards programme. All gaming transactions occur in Australian Dollars (AUD), with currency exchange services available at nearby banks and exchange bureaus in Canberra's city centre.
Casino Canberra operates approximately 39 gaming tables featuring Blackjack, Roulette (European and American variants), Baccarat with Dragon Bonus option, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Tiger Baccarat, Canberra Poker, Pontoon, and the Money Wheel. The Stadium Gaming area provides electronic terminals connected to live dealer games, offering the convenience of individual screens with an authentic casino atmosphere. Table minimums typically range from $5-$25, depending on the game and time of day.