The Old Spot Hotel stands as a cherished establishment in Salisbury Heights, offering punters one of the most engaging pokies experiences in northern Adelaide. Located at 1955 Main North Road, Salisbury Heights SA 5109, this venue has become synonymous with quality gaming entertainment, featuring 40 of the latest electronic gaming machines alongside excellent dining and accommodation facilities. For pokies enthusiasts searching for a reliable venue with modern machines, extended operating hours, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Old Spot Hotel delivers an outstanding gaming experience that keeps players returning week after week.
The Old Spot Hotel boasts two spacious gaming rooms that house 40 new-release pokies machines, ensuring players have access to the latest titles and gaming technology available in South Australia. The venue's commitment to maintaining current equipment means patrons can enjoy contemporary gaming features, including note acceptors, ticket-in-ticket-out systems, and the newest game releases from premier manufacturers like Aristocrat, IGT, and Ainsworth Gaming.
The gaming rooms operate on generous hours that accommodate both early birds and night owls. Monday through Friday, the pokies are available from 9:00 AM until 2:00 AM, giving players an impressive 17-hour window to enjoy their favourite machines. Saturday hours extend even further, with gaming available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 AM, whilst Sunday operations run from 9:00 AM to midnight. This extensive schedule makes the Old Spot Hotel one of the most accessible pokies venues in the Salisbury area, perfect for players who prefer morning sessions, afternoon entertainment, or late-night gaming.
Beyond the pokies themselves, the gaming rooms feature SA Lotteries products, including X-Lotto, Oz Lotto, Powerball, and Keno, providing additional gaming variety for patrons. Complimentary tea and coffee facilities are available within the gaming areas, and the venue's full bar service ensures players can enjoy beverages whilst they play. The gaming attendants at Old Spot Hotel have built a reputation for exceptional service, maintaining a friendly and professional atmosphere that enhances the overall gaming experience.
Whilst the Old Spot Hotel doesn't publicly list every machine title, venues of this calibre in South Australia typically feature popular pokies including Dragon Link, Lightning Link, 5 Dragons, Where's the Gold, More Chilli, and Big Red. These Aristocrat titles remain perennial favourites among Australian players, offering engaging bonus features, free spin rounds, and the potential for substantial jackpots. The hotel's commitment to stocking 40 current new-release machines ensures a rotating selection of the latest games alongside classic favourites.
Players at Old Spot Hotel can expect machines with various denomination options, typically ranging from one cent to one dollar per line, allowing both conservative players and high rollers to find games matching their budget preferences. The note acceptors on modern machines accept Australian currency notes, making cash handling convenient and secure.
The Old Spot Hotel maintains an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 from over 1,000 reviews, reflecting a venue that consistently delivers value to its patrons whilst maintaining room for improvement. Gaming enthusiasts appreciate several key aspects of the Old Spot experience.
One satisfied patron noted: "Great staff, always friendly and good friendly people to have a drink with and have a merry time. Good atmosphere." This sentiment about the welcoming environment appears repeatedly in reviews, with players highlighting the importance of staff friendliness in creating an enjoyable gaming session.
A recent review from November 2024 praised the venue comprehensively: "The best pub with the absolute best service. Karen behind the bar is A1 & quite humorous & since Ainslie has come on board, it seems the place has a new lease on life. Food is consistently great, prices are awesome & the outdoor space is where you want to spend your arvos after work." This review touches on multiple aspects that contribute to a quality pokies venue – excellent service, good food at reasonable prices, and comfortable spaces to relax between gaming sessions.
Another patron attending the 2024 Melbourne Cup Luncheon commented: "Such a fabulous hotel with super friendly staff. We have just attended a 2024 Melbourne Cup Luncheon and couldn't be happier with the food, service, decor and organisation. Great menu, reasonable prices for food and wine, refurbished decor and plenty of parking."
However, some reviews indicate mixed experiences, particularly regarding food consistency. One local player expressed: "I try this place every 12 months or so. I always hope it will get better as it's my local pub. Unfortunately, it always fails to disappoint. If you can't get a schnitzel right, there's not much hope. Great venue, it's a shame the pokies seem to be the only thing you're interested in."
From an expert perspective, the Old Spot Hotel represents a solid mid-tier gaming venue typical of suburban South Australian hotels. With 40 machines, it sits comfortably in the average range for SA hotels, which can hold between 20 and 60 machines depending on their entitlements. The venue's extended operating hours demonstrate a commitment to serving the gaming community, particularly valuable in an area where 24-hour venues are limited. The combination of gaming, accommodation, dining, and the adjoining Sip'n Save bottleshop creates a complete entertainment destination rather than a gaming-only facility.
Players exploring pokies options around Salisbury Heights have several quality alternatives within reasonable driving distance. Understanding the local gaming landscape helps players find backup venues when their preferred location is crowded or when they fancy a change of scenery.
Located in central Salisbury, The Salisbury Hotel features 40 of the latest gaming machines, including popular titles like Dragon Cash, Lightning Cash, and Golden Cash. The venue boasts a newly renovated gaming room with ample car parking, a private gaming entrance, spacious room layout with privacy screens, and disability access. The Salisbury Hotel's central location and modern refurbishment make it a strong alternative for Old Spot Hotel patrons seeking variety.
Situated in Salisbury, Eureka Tavern offers another 40 gaming machines alongside SA Lotteries products and a substantial dining menu. The venue markets itself as "Salisbury's favourite" and features a dedicated kids' area, UBET facilities, and a reputation for quality food and beverages. The tavern's family-friendly approach, combined with serious gaming facilities, appeals to a broad demographic of players.
The Stockade Tavern in Salisbury features 40 of the latest gaming machines, including the newest Lightning and Dragon Cash machines. The venue operates a Ticket In Ticket Out system, streamlining the gaming experience for regular players. The tavern's focus on maintaining cutting-edge equipment ensures patrons can access the newest game releases as they become available.
Located nearby in Smithfield, this venue provides additional gaming options for players willing to travel slightly further afield. The northern Adelaide region offers numerous pokies venues, creating a competitive environment that benefits players through better service, newer machines, and attractive promotions.
Venue Name | Location | Number of Machines | Special Features |
Old Spot Hotel | Salisbury Heights | 40 | Extended hours, accommodation, Sip'n Save bottleshop |
The Salisbury Hotel | Central Salisbury | 40 | Renovated gaming room, privacy screens, and disability access |
Eureka Tavern | Salisbury | 40 | Kids area, UBET, family-friendly atmosphere |
Stockade Tavern | Salisbury | 40 | Latest Lightning/Dragon Cash machines, TITO system |
The Old Spot Hotel enjoys an excellent location on Main North Road (also designated as Highway A20), one of Adelaide's primary arterial roads connecting the northern suburbs to the CBD. This positioning ensures easy access for both residents and travellers from further afield.
By Car: Driving to the Old Spot Hotel is straightforward for motorists. From Adelaide CBD, head north on Main North Road (A20) for approximately 23 kilometres, taking roughly 25-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The venue provides ample parking facilities, with reviewers consistently noting the abundance of parking spaces – a significant advantage over inner-city venues where parking can be challenging and expensive.
From Adelaide Airport, the journey covers approximately 30 kilometres, taking 30-35 minutes via Port Wakefield Road and Main North Road. Interstate visitors arriving by air will find the hotel easily accessible without navigating Adelaide's city centre.
By Public Transport: Adelaide Metro services the Salisbury area extensively. Bus routes along Main North Road provide direct access to stops near the Old Spot Hotel. The 287 and other northern corridor routes serve the area regularly throughout the day and evening. However, players planning late-night gaming sessions should verify last bus times, as public transport services reduce significantly after 9:00 PM on weekdays and earlier on Sundays.
The Salisbury Interchange, a major public transport hub, sits approximately 2.5 kilometres from the hotel. The interchange connects multiple bus routes and the Gawler railway line, making the area accessible from various parts of Greater Adelaide. A short taxi or rideshare journey from the interchange provides an economical solution for players using public transport.
By Taxi or Rideshare: Services like Uber, DiDi, and traditional taxis operate throughout the Salisbury area. The hotel's prominent Main North Road location makes it easy for drivers to locate. Players enjoying extended gaming sessions or planning to consume alcohol should absolutely utilise these services – South Australia's drink-driving laws are strict, and responsible gambling includes safe travel arrangements.
For interstate visitors, country SA residents visiting Adelaide, or local players seeking an overnight stay, the Old Spot Hotel offers seven comfortably furnished rooms, all featuring private en-suites. This accommodation option proves particularly valuable for gaming enthusiasts who want to enjoy an extended session without worrying about driving home afterwards.
The hotel offers two room categories with competitive pricing that represent excellent value in the Adelaide accommodation market:
Standard Rooms (5 available)
Configuration: One double bed and one single bed (twin share arrangement)
Nightly rate: $130 per night
Weekly rate: $650 per week (effectively paying for five nights and receiving two free)
Maximum occupancy: Up to two adults
Premium Rooms (2 available)
Configuration: One queen bed and one single bed (twin share arrangement)
Nightly rate: $150 per night
Weekly rate: $750 per week (pay for five nights, get two free)
Maximum occupancy: Up to two adults
Room Type | Configuration | Nightly Rate | Weekly Rate | Quantity Available |
Standard Room | Double + Single bed | $130 | $650 | 5 rooms |
Premium Room | Queen + Single bed | $150 | $750 | 2 rooms |
All rooms at Old Spot Hotel come equipped with essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay:
Television: Entertainment for downtime between gaming sessions or meals
Air Conditioning: Crucial for South Australian summers, which regularly exceed 35°C
Refrigerator: Store drinks, snacks, or takeaway meals
Microwave: Heat meals from the hotel restaurant or purchased from the adjacent bottleshop
Toaster: Prepare simple breakfasts in your room
Kettle: Make tea or coffee at your convenience
Private Ensuite: Every room includes a private bathroom with shower facilities
These amenities create a self-contained environment perfect for extended stays, particularly for workers on contracts in northern Adelaide or gaming enthusiasts planning multiple-day visits to explore the area's various pokies venues.
The weekly rates represent outstanding value, effectively providing a 28% discount compared to nightly bookings. For pokies players planning a focused gaming holiday or workers requiring temporary accommodation near northern Adelaide employment centres, these weekly rates compare favourably with serviced apartments and budget motels whilst offering the convenience of on-site dining and gaming.
Booking enquiries can be made by calling (08) 8258 2096 during business hours or via the hotel's website reservation system.
Quality food enhances any gaming experience, and the Old Spot Hotel delivers an à la carte menu available seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. The kitchen operates during lunch service from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and dinner service from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, providing convenient meal times around gaming sessions.
Reviews consistently mention generous portion sizes and reasonable pricing, typical of South Australian pub fare. Popular menu items include classic Australian pub favourites such as schnitzels, steaks, burgers, and parmigianas. Several reviews specifically praised the roast dinners, with one patron noting: "The roast is tender, and the mash is yummy," whilst another highlighted a special: "I ordered the king avocado chicken schnitzel (special), which was absolutely divine. The chips were nice and crunchy, too. Meals are always spot on."
The venue accommodates special events, including Melbourne Cup luncheons, with the 2024 event receiving particular praise for food quality, service, décor, and organisation. The hotel's function capabilities make it suitable for birthday celebrations, corporate events, and group gatherings – all convenient for players who want to combine social occasions with gaming entertainment.
Outdoor dining areas provide an alternative to indoor seating, particularly appealing during Adelaide's mild autumn and spring seasons. Multiple reviews mentioned the outdoor space as a drawcard: "the outdoor space is where you want to spend your arvos after work," suggesting a pleasant environment for relaxing between gaming sessions.
For players wanting quick refreshments without leaving the gaming floor, the venue's full bar service operates directly in the gaming rooms, ensuring drinks are readily available without interrupting play. The complimentary tea and coffee facilities also allow players to stay refreshed during extended sessions without additional cost.
Adjacent to the hotel, the Sip'n Save bottleshop provides comprehensive takeaway alcohol options, particularly noteworthy for craft beer enthusiasts. The bottleshop specialises in craft beer selections, regularly stocking limited-release beers and hosting weekly tastings. Following their Facebook and Instagram accounts keeps beer enthusiasts informed about new arrivals and special releases.
The drive-through facility operates on extensive hours:
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to midnight (16-hour service)
Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (12-hour service)
These hours exceed most standard bottleshop operations, providing exceptional convenience for customers. Players staying in the hotel accommodation can easily stock their in-room refrigerators with preferred beverages, whilst locals appreciate the extended hours for last-minute purchases.
The drive-through option particularly appeals to customers wanting to purchase takeaway alcohol without leaving their vehicles – valuable during Adelaide's hot summers or rainy winter weather. The combination of extensive hours, drive-through convenience, and craft beer specialisation differentiates this bottleshop from standard liquor retailers.
The Old Spot Hotel's Salisbury Heights location provides access to numerous local amenities and attractions beyond gaming entertainment.
Shopping and Services: The Salisbury area features substantial retail precincts, including Centro Salisbury and Hollywood Plaza, offering major supermarkets, specialty stores, and service providers. Players can easily combine gaming visits with shopping errands or dining at various restaurants beyond the hotel.
Medical Facilities: Lyell McEwin Hospital, one of Adelaide's major metropolitan hospitals, sits approximately 5 kilometres from the hotel. Numerous GP clinics, pharmacies, and medical centres operate throughout Salisbury, providing reassurance for visitors requiring healthcare services.
Recreation: The Little Para River runs through nearby areas, offering walking and cycling paths for those wanting outdoor activities between gaming sessions. Various sports facilities, including the Salisbury Recreation Centre with swimming pools and fitness facilities, operate in the region.
Employment Centres: Northern Adelaide hosts significant manufacturing, logistics, and defence industries. The hotel's accommodation serves workers from these sectors, whilst the pokies provide entertainment for shift workers with irregular hours who appreciate the venue's extended operating times.
Other Entertainment: Multiple cinemas, bowling alleys, and sporting venues operate throughout the Salisbury district. The Salisbury Bowling Club, various football clubs, and cricket clubs attract sports enthusiasts, many of whom visit local hotels like the Old Spot for post-match refreshments and gaming.
Playing pokies at the Old Spot Hotel or any SA venue operates under strict regulatory frameworks administered by Consumer and Business Services South Australia. Understanding these regulations helps players appreciate the licensed, monitored environment, ensuring fair gaming.
Licensing Requirements: All gaming venues must hold gaming machine licences and gaming machine entitlements for each pokie in their possession. The Old Spot Hotel's 40 machines operate under appropriate entitlements, ensuring legal compliance. SA regulations restrict where gaming machines can operate – you'll find them in hotels, clubs, and the Adelaide Casino, but not in restaurants, cafes, or retail establishments like some other states permit.
Responsible Gambling: South Australia takes problem gambling seriously, requiring venues to provide information about gambling help services and maintain responsible gambling practices. The Old Spot Hotel displays problem gambling helpline information (1800 858 858), and staff receive training in identifying concerning gambling behaviours.
Operating Standards: Gaming machines in SA must meet strict technical standards for fairness and randomness. Regular testing and auditing ensure machines operate within approved parameters for return-to-player (RTP) percentages, typically ranging from 85-98% depending on the specific machine and configuration.
Age Restrictions: Players must be 18 years or older to access gaming areas. Venues enforce these restrictions strictly, with staff checking identification when necessary. Parents cannot bring children into gaming rooms, even if the children aren't gambling themselves.
Many South Australian gaming venues operate loyalty programs rewarding regular players with points, cashback, or special promotions. Whilst the Old Spot Hotel's specific membership program details aren't extensively published, players should enquire with gaming staff about any loyalty schemes available. Typical programs throughout SA venues offer:
Points per dollar played: Accumulate points based on gaming expenditure
Cashback percentages: Receive small percentages of losses returned as play credits
Members' promotions: Access exclusive jackpots, prize draws, or bonus point periods
Birthday bonuses: Special credits or offers during your birthday month
Food and beverage discounts: Reduced prices at the venue's restaurant and bar
Joining loyalty programs costs nothing and provides value for regular players. Even casual visitors benefit from member pricing and promotion access, making signup worthwhile if you plan to visit multiple times.
Experienced players maximise their Old Spot Hotel visits through several practical strategies:
Set a Budget: Before entering the gaming room, decide how much you're comfortable spending and stick to that limit. Never gamble with money needed for bills, rent, or essential expenses. Treat pokies as entertainment with an associated cost, not as income generation.
Understand the Games: Modern pokies include detailed help screens explaining paylines, bonus features, and special symbols. Spend time reviewing these before playing significantly sized bets. Understanding how free spin triggers work, what wild symbols do, and how bonus rounds activate helps you appreciate wins when they occur.
Manage Your Time: Extended gaming sessions can blur judgment. Set time limits as well as financial ones. Taking regular breaks helps maintain perspective and prevents the immersive gaming environment from distorting your sense of time passage.
Try Various Machines: With 40 machines available, experiment with different games rather than fixating on one machine. Different games offer varying volatility levels – some pay smaller amounts frequently, whilst others offer larger wins less often. Finding games matching your preference enhances enjoyment.
Utilise Amenities: Take advantage of the complimentary tea and coffee, order meals from the restaurant, and use the comfortable seating. Gaming sessions become more enjoyable when you're comfortable, refreshed, and fed.
Know When to Stop: Whether winning or losing, recognise when to end your session. Chasing losses rarely succeeds, whilst stopping while ahead preserves winnings for another visit.
Gamble Responsibly: If gambling stops being fun or causes financial stress, seek help immediately. Gambling Help Services (1800 858 858) provide free, confidential counselling 24 hours daily. Problem gambling isn't a moral failing – it's a recognised condition with effective treatments available.
Old Spot Hotel
Address: 1955 Main North Road, Salisbury Heights, SA 5109, Australia
Phone: (08) 8258 2096
Email: info@oldspothotel.com.au
Website: www.oldspothotel.com.au
Operating Hours:
Service | Monday–Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
Gaming Room | 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM | 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Lunch Service | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
Dinner Service | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
Bottleshop Drive-Thru | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
The venue remains open seven days a week for food, beverages, sports bar entertainment, and gaming, providing consistent access regardless of work schedules or weekend plans.
Old Spot Hotel features 40 pokies machines spread across two spacious gaming rooms. The venue maintains current new-release machines, ensuring players have access to the latest gaming technology and popular titles from manufacturers like Aristocrat, IGT, and Ainsworth Gaming.
The gaming rooms operate Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM until 2:00 AM (17 hours), Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 AM (18 hours), and Sunday from 9:00 AM to midnight (15 hours). These extended hours accommodate players across various schedules, from morning enthusiasts to late-night gamers.
Yes, Old Spot Hotel provides seven furnished rooms with private en-suites. Standard rooms cost $130 per night ($650 weekly), whilst premium rooms cost $150 per night ($750 weekly). All rooms include a television, air conditioning, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and kettle. Weekly rates effectively provide two free nights, representing excellent value for extended stays.
Absolutely. The hotel operates full bar service directly in the gaming rooms, with complimentary tea and coffee facilities available. The restaurant serves à la carte lunch (12:00 PM - 2:30 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM) seven days weekly. Players can order meals and have them in the gaming area or dine in the restaurant between gaming sessions.
Yes, several quality venues operate nearby, including The Salisbury Hotel, Eureka Tavern, and Stockade Tavern, all featuring 40 gaming machines with modern equipment. These alternatives provide options when seeking variety or if Old Spot Hotel's gaming rooms are particularly busy.
Yes, the venue provides ample parking facilities, consistently praised in customer reviews. Unlike inner-city venues where parking can be expensive and limited, Old Spot Hotel offers convenient, free parking for patrons, making it accessible for motorists from across northern Adelaide and surrounding areas.
The gaming machines at Old Spot Hotel feature note acceptors that take Australian currency notes. Modern machines typically accept $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes. Many venues now operate Ticket In Ticket Out (TITO) systems, though players should confirm current payment methods with gaming staff upon arrival.
Whilst specific details aren't extensively published, players should enquire with gaming staff about any membership or loyalty programs available. Many SA venues offer points-based systems rewarding regular play with cashback, promotions, or benefits. Joining such programs costs nothing and provides value for anyone visiting multiple times.