Raiders Belconnen stands as one of the most popular gaming and entertainment venues in Holt, Australian Capital Territory, offering an exceptional pokies experience alongside quality dining and community-focused amenities. Located at 155 Hardwick Crescent, Holt ACT 2615, this not-for-profit leagues club has established itself as a premier destination for both residents and visitors seeking entertainment, particularly those passionate about pokies gaming.
Operating 24 hours a day from 9 AM to 4 AM the following day, seven days a week, Raiders Belconnen provides unparalleled accessibility for pokies enthusiasts. The venue's commitment to offering a family-friendly yet exciting gaming atmosphere has earned it a solid reputation with a 4.0-star rating from over 1,100 reviews on Google Maps.
The heart of Raiders Belconnen lies in its impressive gaming facilities. The club features a substantial selection of electronic gaming machines (pokies) from leading Australian providers, including Aristocrat, IGT, and other renowned manufacturers. The gaming floor is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and excitement, with modern machines featuring the latest technology and popular game titles.
Raiders Belconnen attracts pokies players with its extensive range of betting options suitable for all budgets. Whether you prefer penny slots or higher denomination machines, the venue caters to diverse gaming preferences. The gaming area maintains a vibrant yet comfortable atmosphere, with adequate spacing between machines to ensure player comfort and privacy.
The venue stocks many of Australia's most beloved pokies titles. Based on industry standards and similar ACT venues, players at Raiders Belconnen can typically enjoy games such as:
Game Title | Key Features | Provider |
Lightning Link | Hold & Spin feature, progressive jackpots | Aristocrat |
5 Dragons | 243 ways to win, free spins, RTP 95.86% | Aristocrat |
Where's the Gold | Wild symbols, scatter pays, 25 paylines | Aristocrat |
More Chilli | Free spins feature, gamble option, RTP 97% | Aristocrat |
Dragon Link | Multiple jackpot levels, exciting bonus rounds | Aristocrat |
Ghostbusters | Licensed theme, bonus games, 30 paylines | IGT |
Table: Popular Pokies Games at Raiders Belconnen
Players appreciate the venue's commitment to maintaining machines in excellent condition and regularly updating the gaming selection to include new releases. The club ensures that both classic favourites and contemporary titles are available, creating an engaging experience for seasoned pokies enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Raiders Belconnen has garnered substantial attention from the pokies community, with players sharing their experiences, both positive and constructive. Understanding real player perspectives provides valuable insight into what to expect when visiting this ACT gaming venue.
Many visitors praise Raiders Belconnen for its welcoming atmosphere and quality facilities. Regular patron Kelly Mitchell shared in her five-star review: "Such a good place for a meal with the family. The meals are always delicious and fresh." While her focus was on dining, she highlighted the overall positive experience that complements the gaming facilities.
Brad Phillips, another satisfied customer, gave five stars, commenting on the exceptional food quality, which enhances the overall pokies playing experience. The venue's ability to provide quality refreshments while enjoying gaming sessions is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage.
Sienna Jé provided comprehensive feedback: "Fantastic welcoming venue with excellent food and great customer service. I've visited here multiple times with work and friends. It's a fantastic atmosphere and inclusive." She specifically noted the venue's accessibility features, stating it "welcomes guests from a variety of backgrounds, including assistance animals. It's wheelchair accessible and easy to get around the venue."
Like any gaming venue, Raiders Belconnen has received constructive criticism. Some recent reviews from 2024 indicate occasional inconsistencies in food quality, which some guests noted affected their overall experience. One reviewer mentioned experiencing food quality issues during their visit, suggesting that consistency in the bistro could be improved.
Another visitor, Rocky, commented: "Used to come in a lot more with the family, but all of us started getting worse quality food with each visit." However, Rocky did acknowledge positive aspects: "The kids loved the play area, and the staff were nice."
From an expert perspective, Raiders Belconnen represents a solid mid-tier ACT gaming venue. The club's affiliation with the Raiders Group provides stability and ensures professional management standards. Industry experts note that community clubs like Raiders Belconnen typically offer better value for money compared to large commercial casinos, with more favourable return-to-player percentages and loyalty benefits for members.
Gaming industry analysts recognise that venues of this calibre serve an important role in the Australian Capital Territory's entertainment landscape. The combination of pokies, dining, and community focus creates a sustainable business model that benefits both operators and patrons.
For pokies enthusiasts exploring the Belconnen and Holt area, several alternative venues provide excellent gaming experiences. Understanding the competitive landscape helps players make informed decisions about where to enjoy their favourite pastime.
Located at 140 Britten-Jones Drive, Holt ACT 2615, Burns Golf Club Belconnen (formerly Belconnen Magpies Golf Club) sits just minutes from Raiders Belconnen. This venue combines an 18-hole golf course with quality gaming facilities, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation and indoor entertainment.
Burns Club features a selection of electronic gaming machines alongside dining options at their bistro. The venue is known for its Star Buffet, described as "all you can eat" dining, and maintains a more relaxed, golf club atmosphere compared to the sports-focused Raiders Belconnen. The club typically operates from 9 AM to 1 AM, providing substantial gaming hours though not quite matching the Raiders' extended schedule.
Distance from Raiders Belconnen: Approximately 1.5 kilometres (less than 5 minutes by car)
Venue Feature | Burns Golf Club, Belconnen | Raiders Belconnen |
Location | 140 Britten-Jones Dr, Holt | 155 Hardwick Cres, Holt |
Estimated Pokies | 50-80 machines | 100+ machines |
Operating Hours | 9 AM - 1 AM | 9 AM - 4 AM |
Primary Focus | Golf & Gaming | Sports & Gaming |
Dining | Star Buffet, Café | Meat & Eat on Hardwick |
Parking | Free onsite | Free lot & street |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
Table: Comparison Between Burns Golf Club, Belconnen, and Raiders, Belconnen
The Canberra Labour Club in Belconnen, located at Chandler Street, Belconnen ACT 2617, represents one of the larger gaming venues in the region. This establishment is part of the Canberra Labour Club Group, which operates multiple locations across the ACT.
Known colloquially as a "busy pokies venue" according to TripAdvisor reviews, Belconnen Labour Club offers extensive gaming facilities. The venue features significantly more pokie machines than most competitors, with some sources indicating over 100 gaming positions. The Labour Club is recognised for having substantial gaming revenue, suggesting high traffic and player engagement.
Reviews indicate a mixed experience, with a 3.8-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews. While some patrons appreciate the extensive gaming options and facilities, including TAB betting, others note concerns about the venue's atmosphere and clientele. One TripAdvisor reviewer described it as having "more poker machines than you can poke a stick at," confirming the venue's extensive pokies selection.
Distance from Raiders Belconnen: Approximately 4 kilometres (about 8 minutes by car)
Another member of the Labour Club family, Ginninderra Labour Club, provides additional gaming options in the Belconnen region. The venue offers similar facilities to its sister location, including TAB services, coffee shop, lounge bar, and free wifi alongside gaming machines.
For those willing to travel slightly further, Raiders Gungahlin offers a sister venue experience. Located in the Gungahlin district at approximately 9 kilometres from Raiders Belconnen, this club provides similar Raiders Group standards with a 4.2-star rating from over 870 reviews. The venue features a league club atmosphere, sports bar facilities, and restaurant dining alongside its gaming floor.
Raiders Group Membership Advantage: One significant benefit for pokies players is that membership at Raiders Belconnen provides access to all three Raiders Group venues - Raiders Belconnen, Raiders Gungahlin, and Raiders Weston. This means members can enjoy gaming privileges across multiple locations with a single membership.
Nearby Venue | Distance | Estimated Pokies | Key Features | Rating |
Burns Golf Club | 1.5 km | 50-80 | Golf course, buffet dining | 4.2/5 |
Belconnen Labour Club | 4 km | 100+ | Large gaming floor, TAB | 3.8/5 |
Raiders Gungahlin | 9 km | 100+ | Raiders Group, sports focus | 4.2/5 |
Canberra Labour Club (City) | 12 km | 100+ | City location, multiple dining | 3.8/5 |
Table: Nearby Pokies Venues Comparison
Raiders Belconnen enjoys an excellent location in the suburb of Holt, providing convenient access for residents across the Belconnen district and beyond.
Full Address: 155 Hardwick Crescent, Holt ACT 2615, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -35.224927, 149.0220831
Plus Code: Q2GC+2R Holt, Australian Capital Territory
By Car: Raiders Belconnen is easily accessible via Hardwick Crescent in Holt. The venue provides ample free parking both in a dedicated parking lot and on surrounding streets. Parking availability is generally excellent except during peak evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue is approximately:
10 minutes from Belconnen Town Centre
15 minutes from Canberra city centre via Gungahlin Drive Extension
20 minutes from Canberra International Airport
Public Transportation: Several ACTION bus routes service the Holt area, with stops within walking distance of the venue. Route numbers connecting to Belconnen Interchange and other major hubs provide regular service, particularly during daytime and evening hours. However, late-night public transport options are limited, so those planning to enjoy pokies during the early morning hours (midnight to 4 AM) should arrange alternative transportation.
Taxi and Rideshare: Both traditional taxi services and rideshare platforms (Uber, Ola) operate extensively in the ACT. The venue's address is well-known to local drivers, and pickup/drop-off is straightforward at the main entrance on Hardwick Crescent.
Accessibility Features: The venue is fully wheelchair accessible with designated parking spaces, ramps, and accessible entrances. The gaming floor and bistro areas accommodate mobility aids comfortably.
Joining Raiders Belconnen as a member provides numerous advantages that enhance the pokies playing experience and overall venue enjoyment. The club operates as part of the wider Raiders Group, meaning membership extends benefits across three premier ACT venues.
Multi-Venue Access: As stated on the club's website, "Being a part of the wider Raiders Group means your membership gives you entry to three great venues - Raiders Belconnen, Raiders Gungahlin and Raiders Weston." This tri-venue access significantly expands gaming options for pokies enthusiasts who can experience different atmospheres while maintaining their membership benefits.
Exclusive Promotions: Members receive entry to exclusive in-club promotions throughout the year. These special events often include enhanced jackpot opportunities, members-only tournaments, and bonus point accumulation periods that benefit regular pokies players.
Bistro Discounts: Membership includes special pricing on food and beverages at Meat & Eat on Hardwick, the venue's signature restaurant. These discounts make extended gaming sessions more affordable, as members can enjoy quality meals at reduced prices.
Priority Access: During busy periods, members often receive priority seating in the bistro and preferential treatment for special events and raffles. The venue regularly hosts meat raffles, ham raffles, and toy raffles that provide additional entertainment value.
While specific membership fees are not publicly advertised on the website, ACT club memberships typically range from AUD $10 to AUD $30 annually for standard membership. Senior citizens, students, and concession card holders often receive reduced rates. Membership application is straightforward, requiring basic identification and completion of registration forms at the main reception desk.
How to Join:
Visit the Raiders Belconnen reception desk during operating hours
Bring valid photo identification (driver's license or passport)
Complete the membership application form
Pay the annual membership fee
Receive the membership card immediately
Membership Benefit | Details |
Multi-Venue Access | Raiders Belconnen, Gungahlin, and Weston |
Bistro Discounts | Special member pricing on meals and drinks |
Exclusive Promotions | Members-only events and competitions |
Raffle Participation | Access to meat, ham, and toy raffles |
Priority Service | Preferential treatment during peak periods |
Points Programs | Earn rewards on gaming and spending |
Table: Raiders Belconnen Membership Benefits
One of Raiders Belconnen's standout features is Meat & Eat on Hardwick, the venue's signature bistro that complements the pokies experience perfectly. The restaurant operates daily, providing convenient meal options for gaming patrons.
Lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (7 days)
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM (7 days)
The bistro prides itself on a specialised meat aging fridge, offering "unbeatably tender and amazing tasting beef cuts" according to the venue's website. This unique feature distinguishes Meat & Eat from typical club bistros, providing a more upscale dining experience.
Raiders Belconnen understands that pokies enthusiasts appreciate value, offering exceptional meal deals throughout the week:
Day | Special Offer | Price (AUD) |
Monday | Kids Eat Free (5:30 PM - 9 PM) | Free for children |
Tuesday | Kilo of Chicken Wings + Drink | $19 |
Wednesday | 350g Schnitzel + 2 sides + Mystery Meat Raffle | $16 |
Thursday | Reef n Beef | $25 |
Daily | Lunch Specials | $18 |
Weekend | Grazing Menu (Fri-Sun, 11:30 AM - 9 PM) | Varies |
Table: Weekly Dining Specials at Raiders Belconnen
The Wednesday schnitzel night is particularly popular among regular pokies players, offering exceptional value at $16 for a substantial 350-gram schnitzel with a choice of sauce and two sides. This timing coincides with the Mystery Meat Raffle, creating a festive mid-week atmosphere.
Recognising that many pokies players visit with family, Raiders Belconnen provides an indoor playground located in the kids' area of the bistro. This thoughtful feature allows parents to enjoy gaming or meals while children play safely in a supervised environment, making the venue genuinely family-friendly despite its gaming focus.
Beyond pokies gaming, Raiders Belconnen offers comprehensive facilities that create a complete entertainment destination.
The club provides professionally equipped function spaces suitable for various events:
Corporate meetings and conferences
Birthday parties and celebrations
Engagement parties and wedding receptions
Community organisation gatherings
Sports team functions
Function rooms feature flexible layouts, technical equipment, projectors, and customised catering packages. The venues can accommodate intimate gatherings of 20-30 people up to larger celebrations of 100+ guests.
As a league club with strong ties to the Canberra Raiders NRL team, the venue features multiple large-screen televisions throughout the premises. Pokies players can keep track of live sports while gaming, creating an energetic atmosphere, particularly during rugby league matches, AFL games, and major sporting events.
Raiders Belconnen serves as the home ground for the West Belconnen Warriors, a local rugby league team established in 1975, strengthening the club's community connections.
In addition to pokies, the venue offers TAB (Totalisator Agency Board) betting services, allowing patrons to wager on horse racing, greyhounds, and sports events. This diversifies entertainment options for those seeking variety beyond electronic gaming machines.
Free Parking: Ample parking lot and street parking
Wheelchair Accessibility: Full accessibility, including entrances, gaming floor, bistro, and restrooms
ATM Services: Multiple ATMs for convenient cash access
Free WiFi: Complimentary internet throughout the venue
Non-Smoking Areas: Designated sections for non-smoking patrons
One of Raiders Belconnen's most attractive features for pokies enthusiasts is its extensive operating schedule. The venue maintains daily hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM the following morning, seven days a week. This 19-hour operational window provides exceptional flexibility for players with varying schedules.
Based on Google Maps' popular times data, the venue experiences varying busyness levels:
Quietest Times (Best for Undisturbed Pokies Play):
Weekday mornings (9 AM - 11 AM)
Monday through Thursday afternoons (2 PM - 4 PM)
Late night/early morning (midnight - 4 AM)
Moderate Busy Times:
Weekday lunchtimes (12 PM - 2 PM)
Sunday afternoons (12 PM - 3 PM)
Monday through Thursday evenings (5 PM - 8 PM)
Busiest Times (Most Energetic Atmosphere):
Friday evenings: 6 PM - 8 PM (peak at 7 PM, 100% capacity)
Saturday evenings: 6 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday evenings: 5 PM - 7 PM (schnitzel night and meat raffle)
Strategic players seeking maximum machine availability and personal space should visit during off-peak hours, while those who enjoy a lively, social gaming atmosphere will prefer Friday and Saturday evenings.
Time Period | Monday-Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
9 AM - 12 PM | Low-Moderate | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
12 PM - 3 PM | Moderate | Moderate | Busy | Busy |
3 PM - 6 PM | Moderate | Busy | Busy | Moderate |
6 PM - 9 PM | Busy | Very Busy | Very Busy | Moderate |
9 PM - 12 AM | Moderate | Busy | Busy | Low-Moderate |
12 AM - 4 AM | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
Table: Expected Busyness Levels by Day and Time
Raiders Belconnen demonstrates commitment to responsible gambling practices, recognising the importance of patron welfare in pokies operations. The venue provides information and resources for those concerned about gambling habits.
The club's website includes a dedicated "Gambling Assistance" section, indicating awareness of potential gambling harm issues. ACT gaming venues are required to provide access to responsible gambling resources, including:
Gamblers Help ACT: Free, confidential counselling services
Self-Exclusion Programs: Voluntary ban options for individuals seeking to limit access
Pre-Commitment Systems: Tools allowing players to set time and money limits
Staff Training: Employees trained to recognise problem gambling signs and provide appropriate referrals
For patrons experiencing concerns about their pokies play, contact information is available at the venue or through Gamblers Help ACT at 1800 858 858 (free call).
Raiders Belconnen Contact Details:
Address: 155 Hardwick Crescent, Holt ACT 2615
Phone: (02) 6105 9522
Website: www.raidersbelconnen.com.au
Postal Address: PO Box 152, Kippax ACT 2615
Holt is a peaceful suburban area with several local attractions within a short distance:
Kippax Shopping Centre: Located approximately 2 kilometres away, this shopping complex provides supermarkets, retail shops, medical services, and additional dining options.
Holt Recreation Precinct: Nearby parks and recreational facilities offer outdoor activities for families visiting the area.
University of Canberra: The campus is approximately 7 kilometres from Raiders Belconnen, making the venue accessible to students and staff.
Belconnen Town Centre: As one of Canberra's major commercial districts, Belconnen offers extensive shopping, entertainment, and dining just 10 10-minute drive from the club.
For visitors unfamiliar with Australian gaming venues, understanding local currency is essential. Raiders Belconnen operates exclusively in Australian Dollars (AUD).
Common Pokies Denominations:
1-cent machines (minimum bet typically $0.01 - $0.50 per spin)
2-cent machines (minimum bet typically $0.02 - $1.00 per spin)
5-cent machines (minimum bet typically $0.05 - $2.50 per spin)
1 dollar machines (minimum bet typically $1.00 - $50.00 per spin)
Most pokies allow players to adjust bet sizes within machine parameters, accommodating both conservative players and high rollers. Maximum bets can range from a few dollars on penny machines to hundreds of dollars on premium high-denomination games.
Cash and EFTPOS: The venue accepts cash (Australian currency) and EFTPOS debit/credit cards. Multiple ATMs are available onsite for convenient cash withdrawal, though transaction fees may apply. Most modern pokies at ACT venues accept cashless ticket-in/ticket-out (TITO) systems, where winnings print as vouchers redeemable at payment stations or insertable into other machines.
Raiders Belconnen maintains strong community ties through various events and support programs. Regular activities include:
Meat Raffles: Wednesday evenings feature the popular Mystery Meat Raffle, where participants can win quality cuts of meat. Combined with the $16 schnitzel special, this creates a festive mid-week tradition.
Ham Raffles: During the December holiday season, the club conducts special ham raffles with substantial prize pools (historically $1,200 worth of hams per night). These events attract significant crowds and create a celebratory atmosphere.
Toy Raffle: Christmas period toy raffles provide family-friendly entertainment and charitable giving opportunities.
Community Sponsorships: As a not-for-profit organisation, Raiders Belconnen directs surplus funds toward community support, including local sports teams, charitable organisations, and community development programs.
Raiders Belconnen offers a diverse selection of electronic gaming machines (pokies) from leading Australian manufacturers, including Aristocrat and IGT. The gaming floor features various denominations from penny slots to dollar machines, accommodating all budget levels. Popular game titles typically include Lightning Link, Dragon Link, 5 Dragons, Where's the Gold, More Chilli, and licensed games like Ghostbusters. The venue maintains modern machines with the latest features, including progressive jackpots, bonus rounds, and free spins.
The gaming floor operates daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM the following morning, seven days a week. This provides 19 continuous hours of pokies availability each day. The busiest periods are Friday and Saturday evenings between 6-8 PM, while quieter times for uninterrupted gaming include weekday mornings and late nights after midnight.
Membership is not strictly required to access the gaming floor and play pokies at Raiders Belconnen. However, becoming a member offers significant advantages, including bistro discounts, entry to exclusive promotions, and access to all three Raiders Group venues (Belconnen, Gungahlin, and Weston). Membership typically costs between AUD $10-30 annually and can be obtained at the reception desk with valid identification.
Yes, Raiders Belconnen provides ample free parking both in a dedicated parking lot and on surrounding streets. Parking is generally readily available except during peak Friday and Saturday evenings. The venue is wheelchair accessible with designated accessible parking spaces near the entrance.
The venue features Meat & Eat on Hardwick, a quality bistro open for lunch (11:30 AM - 2 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM - 9 PM) daily. The restaurant offers exceptional weekly specials, including $18 daily lunch specials, $19 Tuesday chicken wings, $16 Wednesday schnitzel night, and $25 Thursday reef n beef. These affordable meal options allow pokies players to enjoy quality food without leaving the venue.
Yes, several alternative gaming venues operate nearby. Burns Golf Club Belconnen is located just 1.5 kilometres away at 140 Britten-Jones Drive, offering 50-80 pokies machines combined with golf course facilities. Belconnen Labour Club, approximately 4 kilometres away at Chandler Street, provides extensive gaming with 100+ machines. Raiders Gungahlin, another Raiders Group venue about 9 kilometres distant, offers similar standards with multi-venue membership benefits.
Yes, the club maintains a commitment to responsible gaming and provides access to gambling assistance resources. The venue's website includes a dedicated "Gambling Assistance" section, and staff are trained to recognise problem gambling signs. Patrons concerned about their gaming habits can access free confidential support through Gamblers Help ACT at 1800 858 858, as well as self-exclusion programs and pre-commitment tools.
Absolutely. As a league club with strong rugby league connections, Raiders Belconnen features multiple large-screen televisions throughout the venue, including the gaming floor. Patrons can enjoy live sports coverage while playing pokies, particularly during NRL matches, AFL games, and major sporting events. The venue also offers TAB betting facilities for those interested in sports wagering alongside pokies gaming.
