Raiders Weston stands as one of the most welcoming and family-friendly gaming venues in the Weston Creek area of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Located at 1 Liardet Street, Weston ACT 2611, this not-for-profit community club has been serving locals and visitors for over 35 years, offering exceptional pokies gaming experiences alongside quality dining and entertainment. Operating 24 hours a day from 9 am to 4 am, seven days a week, Raiders Weston provides gaming enthusiasts with convenient access to electronic gaming machines throughout most of the day and night.
The gaming lounge at Raiders Weston represents one of the club's most popular attractions, featuring state-of-the-art electronic gaming machines that cater to both casual players and serious pokies enthusiasts. The venue maintains a dedicated gaming area where members and guests can enjoy modern pokies machines in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment. Unlike many other venues in Canberra, Raiders Weston has invested significantly in creating an inviting gaming atmosphere that balances excitement with responsible gaming practices.
Players at Raiders Weston can expect to find a selection of the latest pokies titles from renowned Australian gaming machine manufacturers. The club regularly updates its gaming floor to include popular themes and progressive jackpot machines that attract players from across the Weston Creek region and beyond. The gaming lounge offers various denominations, allowing players to select machines that match their preferred betting levels, from one-cent pokies to higher denomination machines for those seeking bigger thrills.
The gaming floor at Raiders Weston is complemented by full TAB and Keno facilities, providing additional wagering options for sports betting enthusiasts. This combination of pokies, TAB, and Keno creates an all-encompassing gaming experience under one roof. The club's commitment to responsible gambling is evident through trained staff members who serve as Gambling Contact Officers, specially qualified to assist patrons with sensitive gaming matters professionally and confidentially.
Members and visitors consistently praise Raiders Weston for its welcoming atmosphere and quality gaming experience. Regular patrons appreciate the club's clean and well-maintained gaming machines, noting that the venue takes pride in keeping equipment in excellent working condition. Many players highlight the friendly and attentive staff who are always available to assist with machine questions or general inquiries.
The gaming environment receives particular commendation for being neither too loud nor too quiet, striking the perfect balance for concentrated play. Unlike some larger casinos where the noise level can become overwhelming, Raiders Weston maintains a comfortable ambience that allows players to enjoy their pokies sessions without distraction. Several reviewers mention the convenience of having quality food and beverage options just steps away from the gaming floor, eliminating the need to leave the club when hunger strikes.
Local gaming enthusiasts frequently mention Raiders Weston's community feel as a distinguishing factor. Rather than feeling like an impersonal gaming hall, the club maintains the atmosphere of a neighbourhood gathering place where regulars know each other and staff remember returning visitors. This personal touch, combined with competitive gaming machine payouts and regular promotional events, keeps players returning week after week.
Gaming industry analysts and club reviewers consistently rank Raiders Weston as a solid choice for pokies players in the Canberra region. The venue receives recognition for its commitment to responsible gaming practices, having all staff trained in the Responsible Conduct of Gaming. This training ensures that employees can identify problem gambling behaviours and provide appropriate support or referrals to professional services like Relationships Australia's free gambling counselling program.
Experts note that Weston's position within the Raiders Group network provides operational advantages. As part of a larger club organisation that operates across the ACT and Queanbeyan, Raiders Weston benefits from group purchasing power, professional management systems, and established best practices in gaming operations. This corporate backing translates into well-maintained equipment, regular machine rotations with new titles, and consistent operational standards.
From a facilities perspective, industry observers praise the club's integration of gaming with other amenities. The strategic layout allows pokies players to easily access the espresso coffee machine at the bar, enjoy meals from the bistro, or take breaks in the comfortable lounge areas. This thoughtful design demonstrates an understanding that modern club patrons expect more than just rows of gaming machines—they want an overall entertainment experience.
The venue's location and accessibility also received a positive expert assessment. With ample free parking, including six designated disabled spaces, Raiders Weston eliminates the parking concerns that plague many urban gaming venues. The club's position in the heart of the Weston Creek community makes it easily accessible to residents while remaining convenient for visitors from other parts of Canberra.
Understanding how Raiders Weston compares to other pokies venues in the surrounding area helps players make informed decisions about where to enjoy their gaming entertainment. The following table provides a snapshot comparison of key features:
Venue Name | Location | Gaming Machines | Operating Hours | Additional Features | Parking |
Raiders Weston | 1 Liardet St, Weston ACT 2611 | Modern pokies, TAB, Keno | 9 am – 4 am daily | Bistro, bar, kids' room, trivia nights | Ample free parking with disabled spaces |
Weston Creek Labour Club | Teesdale Close, Stirling ACT 2611 | Pokies, gaming lounge | 12 pm – 2 pm, 6–9 pm | Bistro, bowling greens, and outdoor areas | On-site parking |
Raiders Belconnen | Benjamin Way, Belconnen ACT | Extensive pokies floor | 9 am – 4 am daily | Multiple dining venues, function rooms | Large parking facility |
Raiders Gungahlin | Gungahlin Place, Gungahlin ACT | Modern gaming machines | 9 am – 4 am daily | Café, sports bar, entertainment | Convenient parking |
Casino Canberra | 21 Binara St, Canberra City ACT | Table games, pokies | Extended hours | Multiple restaurants, premium gaming | City parking nearby |
For players interested in exploring other pokies options near Raiders Weston, several quality venues operate within reasonable driving distance. Weston Creek Labour Club in nearby Stirling offers a more traditional club experience with pokies gaming, bowling facilities, and a bistro serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Located at Teesdale Close, Stirling ACT 2611, this venue appeals to bowls club members and locals seeking a quieter gaming atmosphere.
For those willing to travel slightly further, the Raiders Group operates two other major clubs in the Canberra region. Raiders Belconnen, located in the northern suburbs, features an extensive gaming floor with hundreds of pokies machines, making it the largest venue in the Raiders Group network. The Belconnen club offers more dining options and entertainment facilities than its Weston counterpart, attracting players who want maximum choice in gaming machines and amenities.
Raiders Gungahlin represents the newest addition to the Raiders Group family, offering modern facilities and the latest pokies technology. Situated in Canberra's rapidly growing northern district, Raiders Gungahlin appeals to younger demographics and families with its contemporary design and café-style dining. Players who enjoy trying the newest gaming machine releases often visit Raiders Gungahlin for its cutting-edge pokies selection.
The Southern Cross Club network, with locations in Tuggeranong, Woden, and other Canberra suburbs, provides additional pokies gaming options. These clubs compete directly with Raiders venues, offering similar amenities including gaming lounges, dining facilities, and entertainment programming. Each Southern Cross location maintains its own character while delivering consistent gaming experiences across the network.
For visitors seeking the full casino experience with table games alongside pokies, Casino Canberra in the city centre operates with extended hours and premium facilities. While not a traditional club venue, Casino Canberra attracts serious gamers and tourists seeking the atmosphere of a dedicated gaming establishment. The casino offers international-standard table games, including Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat, alongside its pokies machines.
Raiders Weston operates on an extended daily schedule from 9 am to 4 am, seven days a week, providing nearly 20 hours of daily access to pokies gaming. This generous operating window accommodates shift workers, early risers, and night owls who prefer gaming during off-peak hours. The club closes only on Christmas Day each year, ensuring consistent availability throughout the calendar.
The gaming floor tends to be quieter during weekday mornings and early afternoons, making these times ideal for players who prefer less crowded conditions. Peak gaming periods typically occur on weekend evenings when residents visit for dinner and entertainment, creating a more vibrant atmosphere on the gaming floor. Friday and Saturday nights see the highest patron numbers, with players often combining pokies sessions with meals from the bistro or drinks at the bar.
Many regulars appreciate the club's daily happy hour promotion running from 5 pm to 6 pm, which provides excellent value on beverages. Gaming enthusiasts often time their visits to coincide with happy hour, enjoying discounted drinks while playing their favourite pokies machines. This daily special has become a signature feature that distinguishes Raiders Weston from competitors without similar consistent promotions.
Joining the Raiders Weston as a member provides numerous advantages for regular pokies players. The membership structure offers exceptional value with fees of just $2 for one year, $5 for three years, or $7 for five years—representing some of the most affordable club membership rates in the Australian Capital Territory. This minimal investment grants access to all Raiders Group venues, including Raiders Weston, Raiders Belconnen, and Raiders Gungahlin.
Members enjoy priority treatment during busy periods and eligibility for exclusive promotions and gaming offers not available to casual guests. The club regularly runs members-only drawings, bonus points programs, and special gaming machine promotions that provide additional value to loyalty members. These incentives reward frequent visitors while encouraging community among regular patrons.
The Raiders Group reciprocal membership arrangement allows Raiders Weston members to visit sister clubs with full privileges, essentially tripling the venues available under a single membership. This network benefit appeals particularly to pokies enthusiasts who enjoy variety in their gaming environments and want to try different machine selections across multiple locations.
Membership Tier | Duration | Cost | Benefits |
Standard Membership | 1 Year | $2 AUD | Access to all Raiders Group clubs, members' pricing, and promotional eligibility |
Extended Membership | 3 Years | $5 AUD | All standard benefits plus an extended validity period |
Premium Membership | 5 Years | $7 AUD | All extended benefits plus maximum convenience and savings |
The dining options at Raiders Weston complement the pokies gaming experience with quality meals at realistic prices. The club bistro operates seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner, with a menu designed to satisfy diverse tastes and dietary requirements. Daily lunch specials priced at $17 provide exceptional value for budget-conscious diners, while weekly themed promotions keep the menu interesting for regular visitors.
Wednesday brings the popular $16 Chicken Schnitzel special, featuring generous portions and multiple topping options, including a new Hot and Spicy Parmigiana variant. Thursday night showcases the club's Surf and Turf offering, combining quality steak with seafood at competitive prices. Friday lunch features the Stonegrill experience, allowing diners to cook premium cuts to their exact preferences on volcanic stone plates.
The state-of-the-art bar serves an extensive selection of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, with an espresso coffee machine providing barista-quality hot beverages throughout operating hours. The bar area features multiple large-screen televisions broadcasting sporting events, creating an engaging environment for TAB patrons and sports enthusiasts between gaming sessions.
Raiders Weston distinguishes itself as a truly family-friendly venue through its Little Vikings Kids Room—a bright and exciting supervised play area adjacent to the café. This facility allows parents to enjoy meals, beverages, or gaming sessions while children play safely in a purpose-designed entertainment space. The kids' room addresses a common challenge faced by club-going families and demonstrates Raiders Weston's commitment to community inclusiveness.
Beyond pokies gaming, Raiders Weston maintains an active entertainment calendar featuring weekly trivia nights on Wednesdays, regular meat raffles, and seasonal promotional events. The club's "What's On" schedule typically includes Christmas raffles, ham raffles during holiday periods, and various community fundraising activities that bring members together for causes beyond gaming entertainment.
The venue actively supports local rugby league through the Canberra Regional Rugby League competitions, providing sponsorship and facilities for junior and senior participants. This community focus extends to charitable organisations and sporting teams through the club's community request assistance program. Organisations can submit funding applications, with Raiders Weston distributing support throughout the year to deserving local causes.
The club maintains modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi for members, accessible facilities throughout the venue, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages social interaction. These touches transform Raiders Weston from a simple pokies venue into a genuine community hub where residents gather for multiple purposes throughout the week.
Raiders Weston's location at 1 Liardet Street in Weston provides convenient access from throughout the Canberra region. The suburb of Weston sits within the Weston Creek district, approximately 11 kilometres southwest of Canberra's city centre. Drivers from central Canberra can reach the venue in approximately 15-20 minutes via Cotter Road or Hindmarsh Drive, both of which connect smoothly to the Weston Creek area.
Public transportation serves the Weston area through several Transport Canberra bus routes. Routes 60, 61, and 62 provide regular connections between Weston and Canberra City interchange, with stops within walking distance of Raiders Weston. The club's proximity to local shopping centres and residential areas makes it accessible on foot for many Weston Creek residents, encouraging local patronage.
For visitors arriving from Queanbeyan or the New South Wales border regions, the drive typically takes 25-30 minutes via Monaro Highway and connecting roads. Interstate visitors travelling from Sydney find Weston approximately three hours' drive north via the Federal Highway, while Melbourne visitors face about seven hours of driving via the Hume Highway. For those flying into Canberra Airport, the club is situated about a 2525-minute drive or 45 45-minute public transportation ride.
The venue's ample free parking facilities eliminate the stress common at city-centre gaming locations. The parking area accommodates regular vehicles and includes six designated disabled parking spaces near the main entrance, ensuring accessibility for patrons with mobility limitations. This thoughtful provision demonstrates Raiders Weston's commitment to serving all community members regardless of physical ability.
Raiders Weston takes its responsibility as a gaming provider seriously, implementing multiple measures to promote safe gambling practices and support players who may be experiencing difficulties. All staff members complete training in the Responsible Conduct of Gaming, equipping them with skills to recognise problem gambling behaviours and respond appropriately. Several employees serve as designated Gambling Contact Officers with specialised training in handling sensitive gaming-related issues.
The club maintains a strong partnership with Relationships Australia, encouraging anyone concerned about their gambling habits to contact this organisation for free, confidential counselling services. Relationships Australia provides face-to-face and telephone counselling addressing gambling problems, financial difficulties arising from gaming, and associated mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Their services include budgeting assistance and support in contacting banks or creditors.
Players concerned about their gaming habits can arrange voluntary self-exclusion directly through the Raiders Weston staff. This process allows individuals to ban themselves from the venue for specified periods, providing a cooling-off opportunity and supporting recovery efforts. The club handles all self-exclusion matters with complete professionalism and privacy, recognising the courage required to seek such assistance.
The gaming floor features prominent signage displaying the Relationships Australia contact number (1800 858 858) and information about available support services. These materials ensure that help is always visible to patrons who may need it, removing barriers to seeking assistance during difficult moments.
Players seeking more information about the Raiders Weston can contact the club directly through multiple channels. The main telephone number is (02) 6287 8600, connecting callers to reception staff who can answer questions about gaming facilities, dining reservations, membership applications, and general inquiries. The email address westonreception@raidersgroup.com.au provides an alternative communication method for non-urgent matters.
The physical address—1 Liardet Street, Weston ACT 2611, Australia—brings GPS navigation systems directly to the venue's entrance. The club's website at raidersweston.com.au offers detailed information about current promotions, menu selections, upcoming events, and facility descriptions for planning visits.
Raiders Weston appreciates feedback from patrons, whether positive comments about excellent service or constructive criticism highlighting areas for improvement. The club actively solicits patron input to continually refine its offerings and maintain high standards across all operations. This open communication philosophy reinforces the venue's community focus and commitment to serving member needs.
The Weston area surrounding Raiders Weston offers additional attractions for visitors planning extended stays in the region. Weston Park, situated nearby along Lake Burley Griffin, provides beautiful outdoor spaces for picnics, walks, and water activities. The park features children's playgrounds, barbecue facilities, and miniature railway rides that entertain families during warm weather months.
Stromlo Forest Park, located southwest of Weston, offers mountain biking trails, walking paths, and nature experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The Mount Stromlo Observatory provides educational tours and stargazing opportunities, adding scientific interest to the area. These attractions complement Raiders Weston's indoor entertainment, allowing visitors to balance gaming sessions with healthy outdoor activities.
The Cooleman Court shopping centre in nearby Weston Creek provides convenient access to supermarkets, specialty shops, medical services, and additional dining options. This shopping precinct serves local residents' daily needs and offers visitors opportunities to stock up on supplies or browse retail offerings between club visits.
Day | Promotion | Details | Time |
Monday-Sunday | $17 Lunch Menu | Value lunch specials are available daily | Lunch service hours |
Every Day | Happy Hour | Discounted beverages | 5 pm - 6 pm |
Wednesday | $16 Chicken Schnitzels | Various schnitzel options, including Hot & Spicy Parmigiana | Dinner service |
Wednesday | Trivia Night | Team-based quiz competition with prizes | Evening |
Thursday | Surf & Turf Special | Premium steak and seafood combination | Dinner service |
Friday | Stonegrill Lunch | Cook your own premium cuts on volcanic stone | Lunch service |
Friday | Meat Raffles | Multiple chances to win quality meat trays | Evening |
Seasonal | Christmas Raffle | Major holiday prize draw | December |
Seasonal | Ham Raffle | Traditional holiday promotion | December |
For international visitors unfamiliar with Australian gaming culture, "pokies" refers to electronic gaming machines—called slot machines in other countries. These machines represent an integral part of Australian social club culture, particularly in registered clubs like Raiders Weston. Unlike casino-style gaming venues, Australian clubs emphasise community benefit, returning profits to support local sports teams, charitable causes, and facility improvements rather than enriching private shareholders.
The Australian pokies experience differs significantly from international casino environments. Club venues like Raiders Weston prioritise comfortable, informal atmospheres over glitzy casino glamour. Players dress casually, often stopping by for a quick gaming session after work or combining machine play with dinner and drinks among friends. This relaxed approach makes pokies accessible to ordinary Australians rather than limiting gaming to tourists or special occasions.
Australian gaming machines typically feature distinctive characteristics, including multiple paylines, bonus rounds, and unique Australian themes showcasing native wildlife, cultural icons, and local humour. Popular Australian-developed pokies brands like Aristocrat have become global leaders in gaming machine technology, with their products originating from understanding local player preferences at venues like Raiders Weston.
The integration of pokies into social clubs reflects Australian regulatory approaches that channel gaming revenues toward community benefit. By restricting most gaming machines to not-for-profit clubs rather than commercial casinos, Australian territories like the ACT ensure gaming profits support local communities. Raiders Weston exemplifies this model, using gaming revenue to maintain facilities, subsidise meal prices, fund entertainment, and support community organisations—creating positive outcomes that balance the social costs of gambling.
Raiders Weston operates from 9 am to 4 am daily, seven days per week, providing nearly 20 hours of access to pokies machines each day. The venue closes only on Christmas Day annually. Gaming machines are available throughout these operating hours, with the gaming lounge accessible to both members and their guests. Peak periods typically occur on weekend evenings, while weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter for players preferring less crowded conditions.
Raiders Weston offers exceptionally affordable membership rates: one year for $2 AUD, three years for $5 AUD, or five years for $7 AUD. Membership provides entry to all Raiders Group venues, including Raiders Weston, Raiders Belconnen, and Raiders Gungahlin. Members receive access to exclusive promotions, members-only pricing on food and beverages, and eligibility for special gaming offers not available to casual guests. The membership represents outstanding value for regular visitors to any Raiders Group location.
Yes, Raiders Weston maintains a strong family-friendly focus alongside its gaming facilities. The venue features the Little Vikings Kids Room—a supervised play area adjacent to the café where children can enjoy safe entertainment while parents dine or participate in other club activities. The club's layout separates the gaming lounge from family areas, allowing parents to enjoy meals with children without exposure to intensive gaming environments. This thoughtful design makes Raiders Weston suitable for family visits during meal times and special events.
Raiders Weston operates a full-service bistro seven days per week, offering lunch and dinner service. The menu features daily $17 lunch specials providing exceptional value, alongside weekly themed promotions including Wednesday's $16 Chicken Schnitzels, Thursday's Surf and Turf, and Friday's Stonegrill lunch experience. The venue also maintains a state-of-the-art bar serving beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and barista-quality coffee. Bookings are recommended for dining, though walk-ins remain welcome throughout service periods.
Raiders Weston implements comprehensive responsible gambling measures, including mandatory Responsible Conduct of Gaming training for all staff members. Several employees serve as designated Gambling Contact Officers with specialised training in handling sensitive gaming matters. The club partners with Relationships Australia to provide free gambling counselling services (phone 1800 858 858) and facilitates voluntary self-exclusion for patrons concerned about their gaming habits. All gaming assistance matters are handled with complete professionalism and confidentiality, with prominent signage throughout the venue displaying support service contact information.
Members can bring guests to Raiders Weston, allowing non-members to experience the venue's facilities, including pokies gaming, dining, and entertainment. However, membership offers significant advantages, including better pricing, access to exclusive promotions, and entry privileges at all Raiders Group locations. Given the minimal membership cost ($2 for one year), most regular visitors find membership worthwhile even for occasional visits. Membership applications can be completed quickly at the reception desk during any visit.
Raiders Weston distinguishes itself through its not-for-profit community club model, returning gaming profits to support local rugby league, charitable organisations, and facility improvements rather than enriching private shareholders. The venue maintains a genuine neighbourhood atmosphere where staff recognise regular visitors and members build community connections. Additional distinguishing features include ample free parking with disabled spaces, extended operating hours from 9 am to 4 am, family-friendly facilities including the kids' room, quality dining at realistic prices, and consistent daily happy hour promotions. The club's 35-plus-year history in the Weston Creek community provides established credibility and deep local connections.
Information about gaming regulations in the Australian Capital Territory is available through the ACT Government's Gaming and Racing website. Raiders Weston operates under strict ACT gaming licenses with regular compliance audits ensuring fair machine operation and responsible gaming practices. The venue maintains transparent relationships with regulatory authorities and welcomes questions about licensing, machine payout percentages, and gaming standards. For specific regulatory inquiries, contact the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission directly or speak with Raiders Weston management during your visit.
