Online Pokies Sydney
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NSW Gambling Legislation & Regulation
Many forms of gambling in NSW are perfectly legal. However, the industry is heavily regulated to ensure operators always do the right thing. The gambling legislation and regulation landscape is constantly evolving. Several new acts have been introduced in NSW over the years to ensure legislation and regulations keep up with the advancements in the industry. Some of the most influential Acts that have regulated the industry in NSW include:
- Casino Control Act 1992. This Act was introduced to regulate one Sydney-based casino (currently known as The Star Sydney) located at Barangaroo South.
- The Unlawful Gambling Act 1998. This Act was brought in to limit certain gambling activities and premises. At this time, an amendment was made to the Crimes Act 1900, and it became an offence to conduct an unlawful gambling operation.
- NSW Betting and Racing Act 1998. This Act was introduced when online bookies started popping up in NSW and involved licensing racecourses and authorising certain betting activities.
- Gaming Machines Act 2001. With the number of pokies in Sydney dramatically increasing, this Act was introduced to regulate gaming machine entitlements and ensure harm minimisation measures are in place. Licences are required if you are in possession of gaming machines.
- Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Commonwealth). This Act makes it illegal for Australian gambling providers to offer any online service to Australians. This doesnât prohibit offshore providers from operating in Australia.
Rules & Regulations on Online Gambling in Sydney
The world of online gambling in Sydney, New South Wales, is quite unique, and while most of the laws surrounding online gambling are the same throughout the country, gambling activities, such as sports betting, usually differ from state to state. Right around Australia, the legal age for online gambling is 18.
There is a fairly strict sign-up process with an online bookie or a Sydney online casino, which means you wonât be able to complete the process if you arenât 18 years or older. You will also likely need to verify your account (i.e., confirm you are who you say you are) before you can withdraw any winnings.
In terms of bonus bets, they were previously offered in NSW at online bookies, but new regulations were brought in and now online bookies cannot offer any incentives to entice new customers to sign up. The rules are a little different for offshore online casinos because they arenât legally required to abide by the regulations.
How We Rate an Online Casino in Sydney
We take our time reviewing every online casino in Sydney, providing only the best recommendations. When reviewing online casinos with the best pokies in Sydney, they donât get featured on our site if they don’t meet our expectations. The process we follow to rate online casinos in Sydney, Australia includes the following:
Best Live Casinos to Try in New South Wales
In Sydney, there are two land-based casinos in operation. These two land-based casinos offer something a little different to their customers and are the perfect place to socialise while also playing casino games. If youâre interested in heading to one of the two casinos in Sydney, weâve provided more information below:
The Star Sydney
This is one of the largest and most well-known casinos in Sydney. It features over 1,500 pokies and has two floors dedicated to gaming. These floors have betting facilities, including electronic gaming machines, table games, poker rooms, and more.
The Star Sydney also offers luxurious accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment options. They also have one of the biggest sports bars in the state, making it the perfect place to head to when thereâs a major sporting event. The range of games currently offered by The Star Sydney include:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Bingo
- Craps
- Gaming Machines
- Keno
- Poker
- Pai Gow
- Roulette
- Sic Bo
Crown Sydney
This is a newer addition to the Sydney casino scene, having opened in 2020. It features table casino games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Crown Sydney also offers a variety of dining options and a luxurious hotel. There are 75 floors in the building, which makes it the tallest building in Sydney. There are no gaming machines at this casino.
There were a lot of controversies when Crown Sydney first opened as it didnât have a gaming licence to operate. Crown Sydney wasnât allowed to operate as a casino for around three years. This changed in April 2024 as the NSW gaming regulator deemed Crown Sydney suitable to hold a licence. The range of games currently offered by The Star Sydney include:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Carribean Stud
- Electronic Table Games
- Mississippi Stud
- Roulette
- Sic Bo
- Ultimate Texas HoldâEm
Sydney Online Pokies
Top Software Providers for Sydney Online Casinos
Australiaâs lucrative online betting industry has attracted some of the best offshore online casinos. The popular ones in Sydney are powered by the leading online betting software providers, including:
- NetEnt
- Playtech
- Novomatic
- Dragonfish
- Evolution Gaming
- Gaming Realms
- Golden Race
- Skillzzgaming
These casino gaming software providers are distinguished by their impressive graphics and robust range of casino games. These software providers have a range of pokies games custom-made for the Australian market, featuring nationalistic themes such as the outback.
For example, NetEnt registers an average of 20 billion gaming transactions annually. Depending on their preferences, individual players should check which software their online casino of choice works with.
Popular Banking Methods
When it comes to casinos and online pokies in NSW for real money, there is a surprisingly diverse banking infrastructure. This makes it easy to deposit and withdraw funds. Youâll also find that the biggest online casinos have the greatest options. Popular banking methods include:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- POLi Internet Banking
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Citadel Commerce
Transactions by credit cards and online money transfer methods are conveniently quick and usually instant (depending on the casino you are playing with). It is also worth noting that some casinos accept Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies.
đĄUnfortunately, bank wire transfer options are not preferable since they are under more direct scrutiny from the authorities. Some casinos may require players to convert their Aussie dollars to American dollars and other currencies.
Popular Casino Games in Sydney
There are a few casino games that have captured the hearts of Sydneysiders. Weâve gone through all of them in more detail in this section so you can decide for yourself if you want to get on board with the trends:
Blackjack
Blackjack is by far the most popular table casino game in Sydney and Australia as a whole. Various casinos feature various versions of the game, so you must understand the rules of the particular version you are playing.
Roulette
Roulette is also popular and is easily available than most other online casino games. Many of the gaming machines all over the city feature hundreds of different roulette games. However, it is most popular at physical casinos.
Baccarat
Baccarat is not as popular as Blackjack, but this exotic table game is gaining popularity as more online casinos enter the market. It is an interesting game that involves comparing cards between the dealerâs and playerâs hands.
Online Pokies
Online pokies takes the trophy when it comes to the most popular casino games not only in the city but also in the rest of the country. These machines are scattered all over the city. The most popular thing about pokies is that players can win real money instantly.
Poker
Poker, especially the Texas HoldâEm version, is also popular with table game enthusiasts. Playing poker is especially convenient because it is accessible via various online betting platforms. As mentioned, online poker is perfectly legal in Sydney, so it is an ideal choice for gamblers.
Keno
Keno works much like bingo and is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. It is essentially a lottery game that requires players to choose a certain number between one and 80. In each game, 20 numbers are drawn, and winning combinations are rewarded. The game is available online and in most walk-in casinos.
Popular Online Pokies NSW
Online pokies in Sydney are very popular. There is a wide range of pokies that grab the attention of Sydneysiders. We go through all the most popular game variations below:
- Lightning Link. This is a popular series of pokies by Aristocrat that features linked progressive jackpots and various themes, including Magic Pearl, Wild Chuco and High Stakes.
- Queen of the Nile. This classic game is one of the favourites among players for many years. It features an Ancient Egyptian theme, free spins, and a gamble feature.
- Big Red. Another game by Aristocrat, Big Red, features a wild Australian outback theme and a unique gamble feature where players can choose to gamble their winnings on the colour or suit of a playing card.
- Dragon Link. Similar to Lightning Link, Dragon Link is another popular series by Aristocrat that features linked progressive jackpots and various themes, including Autumn Moon, Golden Century, and Happy & Prosperous.
- Indian Dreaming. Another option by Aristocrat features a Native American theme, free spins and a unique âReel Powerâ feature that allows players to choose the number of reels they want to play.
Responsible Gambling in NSW
In NSW, youâll find a lot of responsible gambling messaging after bookmaker ads. But that is just scratching the surface, and several responsible gambling regulations have been introduced over the years to tackle problem gambling in NSW.
A couple of new regulations are in the works or have already been implemented. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Cashless gaming, where gamblers in NSW will be required to register and get a specific card they will use at gaming machines.
- In 2024, pubs, clubs, and other venues with more than 20 gaming machines are required to have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty.
- Additional training requirements have been introduced for those working in gaming venues so workers are more equipped to deal with customers who are displaying at-risk behaviours.
In 2025, ATMs must be located five metres or more away from gaming machines and not visible from them.
Responsible Gambling Resources for NSW Players
If you or someone you love is experiencing difficulties from problem gambling, there are a few useful resources available to you. Some resources are available specifically in NSW, and others are available nationwide. Some of the most useful resources available for those in NSW include:
- GambleAware NSW. Offers support through the website, email, phone calls, and more. Counsellors can help and are available both in person and online.
- National Gambling Helpline. Support is available via phone (24/7), website, live chat, email, and more.
- BetStop. This national register allows anyone to exclude themselves from all licensed Australian wagering services.
Find Great NSW Online Casinos with PokiesPros
Sydney has some of the best physical casinos in the country, but more than that, online casinos are also taking off at the moment. They offer more and are becoming more realistic than ever.
When it comes to online casinos, we always put them through several tests and would never recommend a casino we wouldnât use ourselves. Make sure you check out our reviews today for more information about the best online casinos going around in NSW.
FAQ
- What is the legal gambling age in New South Wales?
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The legal gambling age in New South Wales is 18 years old. If heading to a land-based casino, you will be required to hand over a form of identification that proves your age. A similar process is followed for online casinos, and you wonât be able to complete the sign-up process if you arenât 18 years old or older.
- Are there any organisations that support problem gambling in Australia?
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Multiple organisations help support those dealing with problem gambling in Australia. The most well-known organisation is the National Gambling Helpline, which you can call at 1800 858 858, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Are there any gambling-related taxes for Sydneyâs gamblers?
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While there are certain taxes for gambling operators, when it comes to taxes for gamblers, there arenât any. Whatever you win when gambling, you get to keep it all and your only job is deciding what you will spend all your winnings on!
- What are some other popular gambling activities in Sydney?
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Creative gamblers in Sydney seem to always come up with a gambling opportunity. People bet on a wide range of things, including the weather. It is also worth noting that sports betting in the city is just as popular (if not more popular) than online casino betting.