Located in the heart of Mascot at 182 Coward St, the South Sydney Graphic Arts Club (SSGAC) stands as one of the most popular gaming and entertainment venues in Sydney's southern suburbs. This registered club has earned a stellar reputation among pokies enthusiasts, offering a contemporary atmosphere that blends boutique sophistication with the excitement of electronic gaming machines. Whether you're a seasoned player or someone looking to try their luck at the pokies, this Mascot gem delivers an experience that keeps members and visitors coming back for more.
The gaming room at South Sydney Graphic Arts Club represents a significant draw for pokies enthusiasts across the Mascot area and beyond. Unlike many traditional clubs that can feel outdated or overwhelming, SSGAC has cultivated a modern, relaxed environment where players can enjoy their favourite electronic gaming machines in comfort.
What makes the pokies experience here exceptional is the club's commitment to maintaining a balanced atmosphere. The gaming area doesn't dominate the venue's character—instead, it integrates seamlessly with the overall ambience. Players consistently praise this approach, noting that they can enjoy gaming without the sensory overload common in larger gambling venues.
According to financial documents from 2023, the club maintains poker machines and equipment valued at over AUD $1.7 million, with accumulated depreciation suggesting regular upgrades and maintenance to keep the gaming experience fresh and technically sound. This investment demonstrates SSGAC's commitment to providing quality gaming facilities that meet contemporary standards.
The gaming community has spoken positively about their experiences at SSGAC. With an overall rating of 4.3 stars from over 827 Google reviews, the club maintains strong approval from visitors. Players particularly appreciate several key aspects:
Comfortable Gaming Environment: Unlike some pokies venues where machines are crammed together, reviewers note that the South Sydney Graphic Arts Club offers adequate space and comfortable seating. The atmosphere remains relaxed rather than frenetic, allowing players to focus on their gaming experience without excessive distraction.
Friendly, Professional Staff: Multiple reviews highlight the exceptional service provided by club staff. Players mention that staff members are attentive without being intrusive, creating a welcoming environment for both regulars and first-time visitors. One reviewer specifically noted the professionalism of staff members, praising their genuine willingness to help.
Convenient Location with Free Parking: For Sydney pokies enthusiasts, finding venues with accessible parking can be challenging. SSGAC addresses this concern with free parking facilities, a significant advantage mentioned repeatedly in player feedback. The Mascot location also offers easy access from Sydney CBD and the surrounding suburbs.
Value for Money: Gaming patrons appreciate that the club offers reasonable beverage prices alongside their pokies experience. The ability to enjoy affordable drinks while playing adds to the overall value proposition that keeps players returning.
Industry experts recognise several factors that contribute to SSGAC's success as a pokies destination. The club's approach represents a modern evolution in how registered clubs balance gaming revenue with community atmosphere.
Responsible Gaming Practices: As a registered club operating under New South Wales regulations, SSGAC adheres to strict responsible gambling guidelines. The venue implements required safeguards, including self-exclusion programs, mandatory breaks, and visible responsible gambling messaging.
Strategic Location Advantage: Positioned in Mascot, the club benefits from proximity to Sydney Airport, residential areas, and commercial districts. This accessibility contributes to steady patronage from diverse demographics—residents, business travellers, and airport workers all represent potential gaming customers.
Financial Performance: Analysis of club financial statements reveals that, like many NSW clubs, gaming machine revenue represents a substantial income stream. This financial stability enables SSGAC to reinvest in facilities, maintain competitive gaming technology, and support community initiatives.
Competitive Landscape: In the context of NSW's extensive club industry, SSGAC positions itself in the mid-tier category. While not among the state's mega-clubs with hundreds of machines, this moderate scale contributes to the intimate, manageable atmosphere that players appreciate.
For pokies enthusiasts exploring options in the Mascot area, several alternative venues deserve consideration. Understanding the competitive landscape helps players make informed decisions about where to enjoy their gaming experience.
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Venue Name |
Address |
Distance from SSGAC |
Key Features |
|
889 Botany Rd, Mascot NSW 2020 |
1.2 km |
Traditional pub atmosphere with pokies, sports bar facilities, beer garden, and bistro dining. Rating: 4.3/5 with 1,872 reviews. Popular with locals seeking a casual pub gaming experience. |
|
|
Tennyson Hotel |
952 Botany Rd, Mascot NSW 2020 |
1.5 km |
Hotel-pub hybrid offering pokies alongside a liquor store. Rating: 4.2/5 with 937 reviews. Convenient for combined gaming and bottle shop visits. |
|
Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport by IHG |
Corner O'Riordan St & Bourke Rd, Mascot NSW 2020 |
0.8 km |
Hotel gaming facility with pokies available for guests and visitors. Upscale environment catering to business travellers and airport proximity clientele. |
When comparing SSGAC to nearby pokies venues, several distinguishing factors emerge:
Atmosphere and Design: While the Newmarket and Tennyson hotels offer traditional pub-style gaming, SSGAC provides a more contemporary, club-style environment. Multiple reviewers describe it as feeling more like a "trendy inner city bar" than a conventional registered club, creating a unique atmosphere in the Mascot pokies landscape.
Integrated Amenities: Beyond gaming, SSGAC offers a full-service restaurant with quality dining, multiple bars, outdoor terraces, function spaces, and entertainment programming. This comprehensive amenity package exceeds what typical pub pokies venues provide.
Membership Benefits: As a registered club, SSGAC rewards regular patrons through their GAC Rewards Loyalty Program. Members accumulate points on purchases, receive exclusive promotions, birthday vouchers, and access to special member nights—benefits not typically available at hotel-based gaming venues.
Modern Facilities: The club's recent investments in facilities upgrades have created spaces that feel fresh and well-maintained. This attention to presentation distinguishes SSGAC from older-style venues that may appear dated.
Understanding the membership structure is essential for anyone planning to visit SSGAC for pokies or other activities. As a registered club operating under New South Wales legislation, specific rules govern access.
The club implements a distance-based membership system:
For Residents Within 5km Radius: Individuals living within 5 kilometres of the club location must become members to gain entry and access to facilities, including the gaming room. This requirement stems from NSW registered clubs' regulations designed to maintain community-focused operations.
For Visitors Outside 5km: People residing beyond the 5-kilometre radius can enter as temporary members or guests without joining. This provision ensures accessibility for visitors, business travellers, and those exploring different venues across Sydney.
Membership fees represent exceptional value:
One Year Membership: AUD $5.00
Three-Year Membership: AUD $10.00
Five-Year Membership: AUD $15.00
These modest fees reflect the club's commitment to accessibility while maintaining registered club compliance. All memberships expire on December 31st of their final paid year.
|
Benefit Category |
Details |
|
GAC Rewards Loyalty Program |
Earn points on all purchases, including gaming, food, and beverages. Points accumulate toward rewards and exclusive offers. |
|
Discounted Food & Beverage |
Members receive reduced pricing on restaurant meals and bar drinks, enhancing value during gaming visits. |
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Birthday Voucher |
Special voucher provided during your birthday month, usable across club facilities. |
|
Members-Only Promotions |
Access to exclusive events like Tight-Arse Tuesdays with special dining and beverage pricing. Weekly badge draws offer additional prize opportunities. |
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Holiday Accommodations |
Discounted rates at club-affiliated resorts in Sussex Inlet, Fingal Bay, and Urunga—perfect for members planning NSW coastal getaways. |
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Marketing Communications |
Advance notice of upcoming events, new gaming opportunities, and promotional offers via email and SMS. |
The club has streamlined membership enrollment through digital platforms. Prospective members can:
Scan QR Code: QR codes displayed at the club entrance allow instant digital membership registration via smartphone.
Online Application: Visit the club website to complete membership forms remotely before your first visit.
In-Person Registration: Club reception staff assist walk-in applicants with immediate membership processing.
Once registered, members receive digital membership cards accessible via smartphone, eliminating the need to carry physical cards while maintaining easy access verification for gaming and other facilities.
Convenient access represents a significant advantage for SSGAC, making it an attractive pokies destination for patrons across Sydney's southern suburbs and CBD.
From Sydney CBD: The club sits approximately 11.4 kilometres south of Sydney's Central Business District. Driving time typically ranges from 13-16 minutes via the A4 and M8 motorways, though these routes include toll roads. Alternative toll-free routes via O'Riordan Street take approximately 14 minutes, covering 7.6 kilometres.
From Sydney Airport: International and domestic travellers find SSGAC exceptionally convenient, located just 2.3 kilometres from Sydney Airport terminals—approximately 6-8 minutes by car.
Parking Facilities: The club provides free parking on-site, a feature repeatedly praised in member reviews. In Sydney's parking-challenged environment, this amenity represents significant value and convenience for gaming patrons.
Train Service: Mascot Railway Station on the T8 Airport Line sits approximately 650 meters from the club (8-minute walk). This station provides direct connections to Sydney CBD, Central Station, and airport terminals, making SSGAC accessible without personal vehicles.
Bus Routes: Multiple bus services operate along Coward Street and nearby O'Riordan Street, connecting Mascot to surrounding suburbs including Alexandria, Rosebery, Botany, and Maroubra. Night bus services (N20 route) maintain connectivity during late-night hours when gaming and entertainment continue.
Walking and Cycling: The club's Mascot location places it within walking distance of surrounding residential areas. Bike-friendly streets enable cycling access for locals seeking sustainable transportation options.
SSGAC demonstrates commitment to inclusive access through several features:
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Main entry accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices without barriers.
Accessible Parking: Designated parking spaces for mobility-impaired patrons near building entrance.
Wheelchair Accessible Restrooms: Facilities designed to accommodate various mobility needs.
Accessible Seating: Gaming areas and restaurant spaces include seating options for wheelchair users.
LGBTQ+ Friendly: The club explicitly identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly, promoting an inclusive welcome for all community members.
While gaming draws many visitors, South Sydney Graphic Arts Club offers diverse amenities that create a well-rounded entertainment experience.
The club's restaurant has garnered particular praise for food quality that exceeds typical club bistro standards. The menu features contemporary Australian cuisine with diverse options:
Daily Lunch Specials (Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Priced at AUD $20, these specials include a complimentary house schooner or small glass of wine for just $5 additional:
Monday: Fish & Chips
Tuesday: Beef/Vegetarian Nachos
Wednesday: Chicken Schnitzel
Thursday: Caesar Salad
Friday: Beef Burger
Specialty Dining Events:
Monday Rump Night (5:30-8:00 PM): $20 rump steak with any beverage purchase
Friday Night Burgers (5:30-9:00 PM): $20 burgers with $5 house schooner or wine option
Reviewers consistently rate the restaurant experience highly, noting generous portions, quality ingredients, and attentive service from experienced waitstaff. One reviewer specifically praised their prawn linguine as "very tasty," while others highlighted the overall quality as "a cut above some club food."
Multiple bar areas throughout the club cater to different preferences:
Lounge Bar: Features comfortable seating with a sophisticated cocktail program. Premium spirits, craft beers, and wine selections complement the relaxed atmosphere.
Special Beverage Events:
Wednesday Gin Nights (6:00-9:00 PM): Members-only event featuring $10 all gins
Cocktail Hour Friday & Saturday (7:00-10:00 PM): Purchase one cocktail, receive a second at 50% off (Fridays) or $15 flat pricing (Saturdays)
Beverage pricing receives consistent praise for remaining reasonable compared to inner-city Sydney venues, particularly important for gaming patrons who appreciate value.
SSGAC maintains active entertainment programming:
Live Music: Regular performances from blues bands, acoustic artists, and other musicians create an ambient atmosphere in lounge areas. Recent reviews praised Sunday afternoon live music sessions as relaxing ways to conclude weekends.
Weekly Promotions:
Members' Badge Draw (Wednesday & Sunday, 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM): Jackpotted to $3,100 with $100 increases when unclaimed. Members must be present to win.
Thursday Meat Raffle (6:00 PM draw, tickets from 6:00 PM): Traditional club fundraising event popular with regular members.
Major Events: The club hosts Christmas parties, Santa visits for families, and holiday giveaways, including a seven-day Fingal Bay holiday prize drawn at the December Members Christmas Bash.
Beyond daily operations, SSGAC operates comprehensive facilities:
Venue Options:
Indoor function rooms accommodating various group sizes
Outdoor terrace spaces with contemporary styling
Conference centre capabilities for corporate events
Wedding venue services with ceremony and reception packages
Specialised Services:
Corporate Functions: Business meetings, team building, Christmas parties
Private Celebrations: Birthday parties, anniversaries, family gatherings
Wedding Services: Ceremony and reception coordination with customizable menus
Wake Services: Compassionate memorial gathering facilities with catering
Recent function reviews emphasise exceptional service quality. One event host described hosting a 50-person memorial wake where "the quality of food and service was excellent," while a wedding client praised the outdoor terrace venue as "absolutely beautiful" with "unbeatable service."
Understanding when and how to access South Sydney Graphic Arts Club ensures successful visits for pokies enthusiasts and other patrons.
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Day |
Hours |
|
Sunday |
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
|
Monday |
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
|
Tuesday |
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
|
Wednesday |
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight) |
|
Thursday |
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight) |
|
Friday |
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight) |
|
Saturday |
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight) |
Closure Days: The club closes only on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Operating hours may vary on other public holidays—checking ahead for holiday schedules is recommended.
Restaurant Hours: The restaurant typically operates during lunch (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM) periods, though specific times may vary. Reservation for larger groups ensures seating availability.
Based on Google's popular times data, pokies enthusiasts planning visits should note these patterns:
Busiest Periods:
Thursday evenings (6:00 PM): Peak business with the highest crowd levels
Friday evenings (6:00-8:00 PM): Consistently busy as the weekend begins
Wednesday evenings (6:00-7:00 PM): Popular member nights create elevated traffic
Quieter Periods:
Weekday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Minimal crowds, ideal for focused gaming
Sunday late afternoons (3:00-5:00 PM): Moderate attendance before evening picks up
Monday/Tuesday midweek: Generally, the lowest traffic days
Address: 182 Coward St, Mascot NSW 2020, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9667 4321
Website: www.ssgac.com.au
Email: Available through website contact forms for specific inquiries
Social Media: Active Facebook presence as "Graphic Arts Club" provides updates on events, promotions, and menu specials.
The Mascot location positions SSGAC within a diverse neighbourhood offering various amenities and attractions.
Biggles Bar & Grill (0.4 km): Aviation-themed restaurant and bar near Sydney Airport with casual dining options. Rating: 3.9/5 from 376 reviews.
PLATFORM 62 (0.7 km): Contemporary bar and cafe popular with locals for coffee and casual drinks. Rating: 4.6/5 from 199 reviews.
THE ARTISTRY (0.9 km): Event venue and coworking space hosting festivals, photography studios, and dining experiences. Rating: 3.8/5 from 8 reviews.
Mascot Central Shopping District: Located along Botany Road approximately 1 kilometre away, this commercial area provides supermarkets, retail shops, pharmacies, and various service businesses.
Sydney Airport Shopping: International and domestic terminal retail precincts offer duty-free shopping, Australian souvenir stores, bookshops, and convenience retailers—accessible within 2.3 kilometres.
The Mascot area serves as Sydney's primary hotel precinct due to airport proximity:
The Branksome Hotel (0.6 km): Mid-range accommodation with airport shuttle services.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport (0.8 km): Full-service hotel with pokies facilities mentioned earlier.
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel (1.1 km): International chain property popular with business travellers.
These nearby hotels contribute to SSGAC's visitor demographics, with many interstate and international travellers discovering the club during their Sydney stays.
Sydney Park (2.5 km): Large public park featuring walking trails, sporting fields, picnic areas, and historical brick kilns. Popular weekend destination for families and fitness enthusiasts.
Mascot Oval (1.2 km): Community sporting facility with fields for rugby league, soccer, and cricket. Regular competitions and training sessions occur throughout sporting seasons.
For international visitors or those new to Australian gaming culture, understanding the pokies phenomenon provides important context for experiencing venues like South Sydney Graphic Arts Club.
"Pokies" is the Australian colloquial term for electronic gaming machines, called "slot machines" in North America and "fruit machines" in the United Kingdom. New South Wales officially terms these devices "gaming machines" under regulatory frameworks.
Australian-style pokies typically feature:
Five video reels displayed on digital screens
Multiple paylines (often 25-50 or more)
Bonus features, including free games and second-screen interactions
Denomination flexibility from AUD $0.01 credits upward
Popular themes include Australian wildlife, mythology, adventure, and licensed entertainment properties
New South Wales maintains Australia's largest concentration of gaming machines, with approximately 87,298 machines operating outside casinos as of June 2023. This density makes Sydney particularly prominent in pokies culture.
Regulatory Framework: The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority oversees all gaming operations, ensuring:
Fair play through certified random number generators
Responsible gambling programs, including self-exclusion registries
Mandatory pre-commitment systems for players setting limits
Required breaks in gaming sessions
Visible problem gambling support information
Operating Standards: Registered clubs must:
Direct gaming profits toward community benefits and club operations
Maintain charitable contribution minimums
Provide food and beverage services alongside gaming
Implement responsible service of gambling training for staff
Gaming machines represent a significant revenue source for NSW clubs. Financial analysis indicates pokies generate substantially higher profits than bar or food operations—often 5-10 times more revenue per square meter. This economic reality enables clubs to:
Subsidise affordable food and beverage pricing
Maintain extensive facilities and amenities
Support local sporting organisations
Provide community meeting spaces
Employ substantial staff numbers
Critics note potential negative impacts, including problem gambling prevalence, though registered clubs argue their community-embedded model promotes more responsible approaches than standalone gaming venues.
Like all NSW registered clubs, SSGAC operates under strict responsible gambling requirements designed to minimise gaming-related harm.
Self-Exclusion Programs: Individuals recognising problematic gambling behaviour can voluntarily ban themselves from club entry through multi-venue self-exclusion schemes. These prohibitions carry legal enforcement, with security staff trained to identify and respectfully redirect excluded individuals.
Mandatory Information Display: Gaming areas feature prominent messaging about:
Problem gambling support services and helpline numbers
Odds and probabilities explain that gaming outcomes are random
Time and money tracking reminders
Available counselling resources
Activity Statement Access: Gaming machine players can request detailed activity statements showing their play history, helping individuals understand their gambling patterns objectively.
Support Resources: The club provides information about professional gambling counselling services available through:
Gambling Help: 1800 858 858 (24/7 national helpline)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (crisis support)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (mental health support)
FACT: Modern gaming machines use certified random number generators (RNGs) that cannot be manipulated by venues or manufacturers. Each spin outcome remains completely independent—previous results do not influence future spins.
FACT: Venues do not control when individual machines "pay out." The RNG operates continuously regardless of venue operations. Claims about "hot" or "cold" machines, strategic timing, or bet pattern manipulation represent misconceptions.
FACT: Gaming machines display their average return-to-player (RTP) percentages, typically ranging from 85-92% in Australia. This means that over extended play, machines return this percentage as prizes while retaining the balance as revenue. Individual sessions vary dramatically due to randomness.
Understanding these realities helps players approach pokies as entertainment with defined costs rather than income opportunities, promoting healthier gambling perspectives.
If you live within 5 kilometres of the club location in Mascot, yes—NSW registered club regulations require residents to purchase membership. However, membership costs only AUD $5 for one year, $10 for three years, or $15 for five years, making it extremely affordable. Visitors residing beyond the 5-kilometre radius can enter as temporary members without joining, allowing interstate travellers and those from other Sydney suburbs to access the gaming facilities freely.
While SSGAC does not publicly list specific machine denominations, standard NSW club practice offers a range of flexibility from penny pokies (AUD $0.01 credits) through dollar machines. This variety accommodates both casual players seeking extended entertainment from modest budgets and higher-stakes players preferring larger denomination play. Staff can direct you to machines matching your preferred betting levels.
No, unlike some international casino practices, Australian clubs do not provide complimentary alcoholic beverages to gaming patrons. However, SSGAC offers reasonably priced drinks, with members receiving discounted beverage pricing. Special promotions like $10 gin nights and discounted cocktail hours provide valuable opportunities. The club emphasises responsible service of alcohol, which precludes encouraging excessive drinking through free beverage policies.
Google's popular times data indicates weekday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Monday through Wednesday) represent the quietest periods. Sunday afternoons (3:00-5:00 PM) also show moderate traffic. Conversely, Thursday through Saturday evenings (6:00-9:00 PM) attract peak crowds, particularly Thursday at 6:00 PM, which shows the highest weekly traffic. Monday and Tuesday generally remain the calmest full days for uninterrupted gaming.
Yes, international visitors can access SSGAC's gaming facilities as temporary members. The club's proximity to Sydney Airport (just 2.3 km away) makes it particularly convenient for travellers with layovers or those staying in nearby hotels. Valid identification (passport) may be required for entry verification. International visitors should note that Australian pokies operate differently from slot machines in other countries, typically offering more complex bonus features and different payout structures.
While table service may not extend directly to gaming machines, the club's restaurant sits adjacent to gaming areas, allowing easy access to meals. The $20 daily lunch specials and dinner promotions provide affordable dining options before, during, or after gaming sessions. Many patrons combine pokies play with dining experiences, taking breaks for meals between gaming periods. Bar service throughout the venue ensures beverage access remains convenient.
Australian gaming machines typically accept both cash notes (AUD $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 denominations) and ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) systems. Players insert money or previous winning tickets, build credits, play, then cash out to receive printed tickets redeemable at casino-style cages or redemption kiosks. SSGAC likely operates this standard system, though some machines may also feature linked jackpot networks sharing prize pools across multiple venues.
No, "pokies" refers specifically to electronic gaming machines, not poker card games. South Sydney Graphic Arts Club operates as a registered club with gaming machines, not a full casino. NSW clubs do not typically offer card-based table games like blackjack, poker, or roulette—those remain restricted to The Star Sydney casino and other licensed casino venues. The club name refers to its historical printing industry connections, not card gaming.
Members earn points on all club purchases, including gaming expenditure, food, and beverages. Points accumulate in your membership account, eventually converting to reward vouchers usable throughout the club. The program also provides access to members-only promotions, birthday vouchers, and exclusive event invitations. Specific point-earning rates and redemption values vary—inquire with staff for current program details. Regular players find the loyalty program adds meaningful value over time.
Like all NSW indoor venues, smoking is prohibited inside South Sydney Graphic Arts Club, including all gaming areas, restaurants, and bars. Designated outdoor smoking areas allow patrons to smoke without violating indoor air quality regulations. This policy applies throughout Australia's hospitality industry following comprehensive smoke-free workplace legislation implemented over recent decades. The outdoor terrace areas provide comfortable spaces for smokers taking breaks from gaming.