I recently checked off a bucket-list trip for me: up and down the east coast of Australia, from Brisbane down to Melbourne, and back again. I made plenty of stops and spoke to even more strangers along the way, and I learned something new – Australians love to gamble.
Impressed by their knowledge and passion, I asked a few local punters where they played when they gambled online.
Here are the 10 sites that came up most often:
Top Online Casinos Australia
|
Casino Site |
Best for … |
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Best Australian online casino overall |
|
|
Pokies |
|
|
Jackpots |
|
|
VIP rewards |
|
|
Mobile |
|
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Table games |
|
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Weekly cashback |
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Crypto gambling |
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Fast payouts |
|
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Reload bonuses |
I’ll be honest — one of the first things I think about when I think about Australia is danger.
It seems like everything down here wants to kill you, from the crocs to the snakes to that one guy I accidentally cut off on Gympie Road in Brisbane (sorry!). To a visitor like me, just about everything seemed fraught with peril.
So, as you can imagine, the thought of gambling online while in Australia seemed downright crazy to me.
Now, this is the part where the locals chime in, saying that the wildlife isn’t that dangerous, Australia is really quite wonderful, and the online casinos are some of the safest in the world (no one defends the traffic in Brisbane, notably).
And you know what? They’re right.
The online gambling industry is positively booming in Australia right now. Some of the best casino companies in the world have set up shop Down Under, and players here have their choice of thousands of casino games, all of which are just a click away.
I spent more time than I’d like to admit testing out the waters online — almost as much time as I spent testing out the waters at some of the beaches down here, in fact.
Don’t get me wrong; I definitely feel like I hit a bunch of the high notes on my tour of Australia. I saw the whales in Sydney, sipped whiskey at speakeasies in Melbourne, and guzzled more wine than I should have outside Perth.
It was incredibly fun (both literally and figuratively intoxicating). However, the best way to cap off my days was with a little time playing my favorite casino games.
That made me think that there must be a lot of other people like me out there, folks just looking for a safe, good time after a long, hard day. So, I figured putting together a guide to some of Australia’s best online casinos could help both locals and travelers alike.
Below, you’ll find my experiences at four of the best sites Australia has to offer. I’ll let you know my experiences (good and bad) and reveal any tips I have for getting the most out of your time and money.
First Australian Online Casino I Tried: OnLuck
- Games I played: Coin Volcano, Lady Wolf Moon, Jackass Gold, Aviator, Bar 2000x Roulette
- Hours I spent testing: 5.5
- Bonus I claimed: A$13,500 combo bonus + 225 free spins
- How I did: Won A$150
Many casino sites feel like their reputations precede them. They just immediately hit you with a list of games, like a sommelier who throws a wine list at you and says, “Just pick something.”
So, I appreciate the fact that OnLuck actually tried to welcome me when I first visited. They immediately greeted me with everything a gambler could want, from a rundown of their 15,000+ games to a list of their most popular promos.
And listen…there’s a lot to see here. The 15,000 games are just scratching the surface, as they also have sports betting, live dealer tables, and more jackpots than you can shake a stick at.
I’ve always been a loud proponent of the fact that “more” doesn’t always equal “better” when it comes to online casinos, though, so I was eager to see if this site was as fun as it was loaded.
What I liked:
If there’s one rule I have in life, it’s that I will always play a game where a donkey shoots gold coins out of its butt.
After spending about two minutes setting up an account (it was surprisingly easy), I was ready to start playing.
The bulk of their games consists of online pokies, and there are a ton of jackpot games here. If you’re chasing big payout casinos, this is definitely the place to do it — I honestly didn’t even know there were online slots with payouts this big!
As you’d expect with a library like that, there’s a good mix of big-time titles (like Snoop Dogg Dollars or Elvis Frog) and games I’d never heard of before (Billy Bob Boom, anyone?).
I played a few of these games first, including one called Jackass Gold, that I couldn’t resist. The games all had a few things in common: sharp graphics, engaging soundtracks, and non-stop action.
Seriously — if you could bottle the feeling you get the first minute you walk into a casino, that would be what playing here is like.
I also branched out a bit and played other games, like Aviator and live dealer roulette.
The live dealer games here are quite glamorous, as the HD feed lets you see every detail of the chips and felt, while the dealers are knowledgeable, engaging, and attractive.
All in all, there are few sites I’ve played at that capture the authentic casino feel quite like OnLuck manages to do.
What I didn’t like:
The table game selection is…fine.
Maybe this is because I have unrealistic expectations, but when a site claims to have over 15,000 games, I expect there to be more than a couple dozen table games (35, to be exact).
There are a few more if you count the live dealer games, but it’s clear this is primarily a pokies site.
They do have a nice sample of games, with roulette, blackjack, war, and table poker all represented, but there are only one or two instances of each.
Also, while the deposit bonus is extremely generous, it’s broken up over multiple deposits. That makes it harder to get the whole thing (but also gives you something to look forward to for subsequent visits).
Oh, and if you’re especially well-heeled, they have a high-roller bonus for you, too. I have to admit, seeing that mostly made me jealous.
Next Online Casino I Tried: Slots Palace
- Games I played: Joker Cashpot, Jewel Sea: Pirate Riches, Book of Cats, 21 Burn Blackjack, Vegas Ball Bonanza
- Hours I spent testing: 3.5
- Bonus I claimed: A$4,000 matched bonus + 150 free spins
- How I did: Won $35
I’ll give you three guesses as to what Slots Palace does best, and the first two don’t count.
I actually learned about this site from an older lady who was playing it on her phone at a pub. We were packed in so tightly, I couldn’t help but snoop — and you know, I couldn’t help but ask about it, either.
Apparently, it’s one of the most popular pokies sites in Australia. While it offers other games, most people come here to spin the reels.
Who am I to think I know better than my newfound friend?
What I liked:
That’s an impressive assortment of bonuses.
It likely goes without saying that the pokies selection here is incredible — but I’m going to say it anyway.
There are thousands of options here, including a bunch of exclusive titles that you can’t find anywhere else. I especially liked the bonus buy section, where you can pick games that allow you to skip directly to the juicy parts.
The pokies are also video game quality. Think razor-sharp graphics, engaging storylines, and exciting special effects. It’s easy to forget you’re even playing for cash; the games are so much fun on their own.
That same care goes into the live casino, which feels like a collection of Hollywood game show sets. Many sites have live sections that feel like they were filmed in a dingy motel room, so a little glitz and glamour is a nice touch.
Of course, any game is a lot more fun when you walk away with a few extra coins in your pocket, and while I can’t guarantee you’ll win here, they do give you every opportunity to cash in with their bonus selection.
In addition to a pretty sizable welcome bonus, Slots Palace also offers special deals for crypto users, 15% weekly cashback, free spins, and some impressive rewards for winners of their tournaments or spin rallies.
If you want to stretch your gambling dollar as far as possible (and play some more of those incredible pokies while you’re at it), then this site will bend over backwards to accommodate you.
What I didn’t like:
Don’t let your account get too low if you want to cash out with crypto.
I often like to play with crypto online when I’m traveling because it’s honestly the easiest way to get money on and off a site (and most online casinos give you special deals for using it).
When I decided to kick the tires on Slots Palace, I deposited using Bitcoin — so imagine my surprise when it was time to cash out, and I realized there was a $100 minimum for Bitcoin withdrawals.
Other coins were similarly high (with the exception of Litecoin for some reason). If you plan to play using crypto casino sites, be sure to keep an eye on your balance, or you’ll have to deposit again just to be able to cash out.
Luckily, I went on a nice little run on Book of Cats, which got me over the threshold. Next time, I’ll be sure to check the cashier page first.
Third Aussie Online Casino Site I Tried: Golden Crown
- Games I played: 3 Hot Chillies, Wild Tiger, Diamond of Jungle, Blackjack VIP, Turbo Plinko
- Hours I spent testing: 4
- Bonus I claimed: A$1,500 welcome package + 300 free spins
- How I did: Lost A$25
I can’t help it.
Sooner or later, I just have to seek out the big score. It’s not that I don’t enjoy my job — it’s just that the siren song of the mega jackpot is too tempting to resist.
After playing at the first two sites, I began asking my fellow gamblers where to find the biggest jackpots in Australia. One name came up repeatedly: Golden Crown.
It didn’t take long to see that I was in the right place. There’s a running ticker with the current jackpot prize listed, along with two smaller must-drop jackpots, immediately making it clear what kind of scratch was at stake.
Even better was the fact that the site promised a 10-minute payout time. Hey, if I’m going to hit it big, I want to get my hands on the cash ASAP.
What I liked:
That jackpot just keeps rising.
Again, those jackpot tickers are enough to get your mouth watering. Not only that, but there’s a sidebar listing all the recent big winners; seeing the fact that real people are walking away with huge wins is certainly motivating.
Of course, I don’t expect to hit the jackpot when I play — I mostly want to have fun. You’re covered on that front as well, as they have some of the biggest names in online gambling here.
Elvis Frog? Check. Gold Rush? You bet. Those weird bass fishing games everyone seems to love? I counted at least four of them.
The site claims to have over 10,000 games, and while I didn’t count them all, I’m inclined to believe that figure. The list goes on and on, but luckily, there’s a search feature that allows you to search for a particular game.
An even better way to sort through all the titles is using the menu at the top, which lets you pick bonus buy games, new titles, and even ones with hot RTP (basically, the ones that have actually been paying out recently).
There are sections for crash and table games as well, both of which are actually quite impressive. You can find all the usual suspects here, plus some fun (and rarely seen) options like Double X, Wild Wild Bet, and Cricket Crash.
What I didn’t like:
Want to climb the VIP ladder? You’ll be here a while.
Like most sites, there’s a rewards program you can enroll in here.
Want more details? So did I, but the site really isn’t forthcoming. There’s no mention of what you get as you climb the ladder, although they do mention what it takes to move up the levels (spoiler alert: it involves playing for hours and hours on end).
Many of the other top Australian online casinos I visited make it rewarding to play on their sites, so it was disappointing that Golden Crown dropped the ball here.
Oh, and this is the only one of the main sites I tried that didn’t have a sportsbook, so keep that in mind if it’s important to you.
Last AU Online Casino I Tried: Neon54
- Games I played: Hades Inferno 1000, Flame & Fortune, The Sword & the Grail, Ruby Blackjack
- Hours I spent testing: 2.5
- Bonus I claimed: A$4,000 matched bonus + 150 free spins
- How I did: Lost A$27
I’m too young to remember Studio 54 (and if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t tell you), but that’s the vibe that Neon 54 is clearly going for.
Upon entering the site, you’re met by cartoonish knockoff avatars of David Bowie, Daft Punk, Madonna, and more. Why are these people here, and what does it have to do with online gambling?
Your guess is as good as mine.
While these stars clearly didn’t endorse the site, I figured I should give it the ol’ college try to see if it would earn my coveted seal of approval.
What I liked:
The “Categories” section goes on and on.
It’s not immediately clear what to expect from a site that models itself after the infamous Studio 54 — will there be music? Am I expected to dance? Will I be pressured to do cocaine?
(For the record, the answers are “no,” “up to you,” and “not by the site, anyway.”)
After digging a little deeper, though, I found one of the most varied and versatile online casinos in Australia.
There’s a “Categories” sidebar that runs the length of the page, and it underscores just how many options you have here. Whether you want jackpot pokies, megaways slots, table games, instant-play titles, or anything else, it’s all clearly labeled and just a click away.
The live casino section is likewise stacked with games, from traditional favorites like online blackjack and roulette to game shows like Treasure Island and Sweet Bonanza Candyland.
I was disappointed that the live tables were normal rather than Studio 54-themed, but I guess every party has to end sometime.
What I didn’t like:
Do I want a welcome bonus, welcome package, crypto welcome offer, or something else entirely?
The standard welcome bonus here is very generous, but it’s just one of many offers new players have to choose from.
While I’m always a fan of having options, they’re a bit overwhelming here — especially since it’s hard to decide which one is best. I spent longer than I’d liked, just mulling over the choices, cutting into my valuable gambling time.
There are also multiple weekly reload offers, although those are easier to differentiate (basically, would you rather have a deposit match or a free spins offer?). Overall, I could tell why this is one of the most reputable online casinos in Australia.
My Verdict: Comparing the Best Australian Online Casinos I Tried
I had no idea that the online gambling scene Down Under was so red-hot. Every one of the sites I tried would be mega-popular anywhere else in the world, so it made me a bit jealous that you Aussies have such an incredible selection.
Still, I set out to find the best of the best, so it’s time to start handing out rewards.
Best Online Casino Site Overall: OnLuck
I was impressed the moment the OnLuck site loaded on my screen, and that feeling only deepened the longer I played here.
With over 15,000 games, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied for months on end. The games are all beautiful and easy to play, and there’s a good mix of pokies, table games, live dealer options, and a whole lot more.
Throw in some impressive bonuses, and you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic online casino.
Best Casino Site for Bonuses: Slots Palace
It seems that whoever runs the Slots Palace site went through a checklist of possible casino bonuses and made sure to include one of each.
You have your basic welcome bonus (that’s anything but basic in terms of rewards), free spin offers, reload bonuses, huge cashback deals…it’s all here at this Australian casino online.
And while the deposit minimums are a tad higher than I’d like at A$30, they’re far from out of reach for most players. The playthrough requirements are fair as well, making this the spot to check out if you’re looking for extra moolah in your account.
Best Gambling Site for Live Dealer Games: Neon54
I was hoping for more of a disco theme from the live tables here. Once I got over that brief disappointment, though, I found some of the best live dealer action in the country.
The game selection is the most impressive of any site I tried, and the tables are sleek and alluring. The dealers are exquisitely trained and know just how to draw you into a thrilling marathon session.
Is it a perfect replacement for a weekend in Vegas? Not quite — but it’s as close as you’re likely to get without hopping on a plane for 20 hours.
Best Casino Site for Jackpots: Golden Crown
Once I visited the Golden Crown site and saw that jackpot ticker spinning ever higher, I was hooked.
Look, I know I’m probably never going to hit The Big One. But it’s not really about that — it’s about the promise of hitting it, the potential, the dream.
Sometimes, it’s enough to know that the big fish is swimming in the pond, even if you never reel it in.
If you do want to take something home with you, though, there are several must-drop jackpots on the site that are well within reach at this Australia online casino. Regardless of which you play, you’re sure to have a good time.
How the Best Online Casinos Australia Measure Up: A Data-Driven Comparison
Whenever I write a travel diary like this, I like to focus on the emotion behind everything I see and do. After all, that’s what you’re after when you do new things — experiences.
However, experiences can only take you so far. For everything else, you need cold, hard facts, so I tried to collect as much data on the sites as I could to help you make an informed decision.
Game Selection Comparison
|
Casino Site |
Number of table games |
Number of slots |
Number of specialty games |
|
OnLuck |
60 |
15,000+ |
337 |
|
Slots Palace |
231 |
4500+ |
37 |
|
Golden Crown |
105 |
10,000+ |
66 |
|
Neon 54 |
231 |
7957 |
96 |
Where I come from, it’s impressive if a site has more than a thousand games, so these numbers absolutely blew me away.
Yes, OnLuck is the champ by most metrics, but every single one of these Australian online casinos has more games than you could possibly hope to play.
Pokies are the clear draw, but the fact that each site has dozens of table games and specialty titles is impressive.
The bottom line is that you’re not going to get bored anytime soon.
Bonuses and Promotions Comparison
|
Casino Site |
Welcome Bonus |
Wagering Requirements |
Eligible Games |
|
OnLuck |
A$13,500 welcome pack + 225 free spins |
40x |
Slots Table games Live casino games Lottery |
|
Slots Palace |
100% up to A$4,000 + 150 free spins |
35x |
Slots and slingo Live dealer games Plinko Video poker Bingo Table games |
|
Golden Crown |
A$1,500 welcome package + 300 free spins |
40x |
Slots Table games Live casino games Lottery |
|
Neon 54 |
A$4,000 + 150 free spins |
35x |
Slots and slingo Live dealer games Plinko Video poker Bingo Table games |
One very important piece of information you should know is that all of these are welcome packages, meaning the total amount is divided among multiple deposits (typically three).
Still, there’s a ton of money up for grabs here. Once again, OnLuck leads the way in terms of sheer volume, but they also have higher wagering requirements and are fairly restrictive about what games you can play.
Both Slots Palace and Neon 54 have very similar bonuses, and while these don’t feature any numbers as eye-popping as what OnLuck has to offer, they’re easier to earn.
Customer Support Comparison
|
Casino Site |
Live Chat |
|
FAQ |
Help Center |
Social Media |
Telephone |
|
OnLuck |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Slots Palace |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
Golden Crown |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Neon 54 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Your support options are similar at all of these sites. They clearly want to answer your questions in their FAQ centers before you head over to support, but I tested each site’s support reps, and they are all the same.
Live chat response times were impressive, with most casinos getting back to me instantly (likely with the help of AI, but still). Email was a bit of a different beast, but I still received replies within 24 hours at all four places.
I couldn’t find a phone number for any of the sites, so if you want to hear the dull tones of a real human on the other line, you’re out of luck.
New to Australian Real Money Online Casinos? Here’s My Advice
The online casino scene is a whole new world, especially if you’re a veteran of the brick-and-mortar realm. In order to hopefully make your transition less jarring, here are a few tips I’d give newbies before they start playing.
Shop Around
If you’re anything like me, brand loyalty runs in your blood. I’m Team Coca-Cola all the way and don’t even think about asking me to use an Android phone.
That loyalty doesn’t extend to online casinos, however — and neither should yours.
Feel free to take several sites out for a spin to see which one you like best. It’s not like Vegas, where going to another casino means a 45-minute walk through sweltering heat. Online, the next big thing is just a click away.
And honestly? You don’t even have to pick just one in the end. Hop around and see which one feels luckiest each day. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s smart.
Do Your Homework First
Before you can cash out your gambling winnings at an online casino, you’ll need to give them some paperwork that proves you are who you say you are. This is the most boring part of the whole process.
It also only takes a minute or two. Do it right when you sign up so you don’t forget.
Once that paperwork is out of the way, you’ll be set up for lightning-fast withdrawals. I got my money off these sites in minutes using crypto, and the whole process was smooth and hassle-free.
There’s no reason why your experience can’t be just as positive.
These Sites Are Handing Out Money – Take It
There is a sea of bonus cash floating around on the internet, and grabbing your share is as easy as remembering to enter a code or check a box when you make your first deposit.
These bonuses are a great way to pad your bankroll, especially if you’re just starting out, and they can keep you in the action for hours on end.
You can also let the house keep their money, in which case…what are we even doing here?
Are Australian Online Casinos Safe?
Most people got over their fear of making financial transactions a long time ago. Whether it’s online banking or splurging at Amazon, we’re not shy about sharing our credit card info online. Except for the top Australian online casinos.
That type of cautiousness is smart because there are some shady operators out there. However, many sites are just as safe as any other online store or brick-and-mortar casino.
Here’s how to spot the crooks.
Signs You’re Playing at a Safe Online Casino
Once you start shopping for a new gambling site, spend a minute or two looking for each of these things:
Proper Licensing: All reputable online gambling sites are held to the same standards as any Vegas casino, and that’s because they answer to an independent regulatory agency. If a site doesn’t have a license, that’s probably because they’re doing something they don’t want anyone to know about.
Data Encryption: Look for a seal at the bottom of the casino page that says the site uses SSL encryption, which is the same security protocol most online banks use. If you don’t see it, keep shopping around.
Two-factor authentication: If you want the ultimate in data security, pick a site with two-factor authentication. This is a second layer of security beyond a simple password; it typically involves confirming your activity on your phone or through your email. Yes, it’s annoying. No, it’s not more annoying than having to replace all your credit cards because your identity got stolen.
Best Online Casinos in Australia – Basic Info
You may still be wondering why you’d play online when you’ve had so much fun playing at brick-and-mortar casinos your whole life.
Honestly, if you’ve never gambled online, you have no idea how much fun you’re missing out on.
The Game Selection is Insane
Regular casinos are bound by their physical location. You can only fit so many pokies and roulette tables in a single building, after all.
That’s not the case online. Each of the top Australian online casino sites can have thousands of games to choose from, including online blackjack, pokies, roulette, live dealer tables, and even some online casino games you’ve never heard of before.
The Rewards Are Out of This World
At brick-and-mortar casinos, you may receive a loyalty card that is scanned every hour. Rack up enough points, and you can get a free meal or a T-shirt.
Play online, though, and you can enjoy some serious perks. These range from special bonuses to cashback offers, and some casinos even assign dedicated account managers to their most loyal players.
Think about it — how awesome would it feel to be able to say, “You’ve got a guy” at a top online casino?
They Truly Have Your Back
If you have a problem of any sort at an online casino, help is just a click away.
It’s not all marketing fluff, either. I actually reached out to these sites, and their ability to get you straightened out at any hour of the day is incredible. Yes, you’ll likely start off talking to a robot, but getting hold of a real person is refreshingly easy.
Try getting that kind of help at a live casino. You’ll be lucky if they even look up from what they’re doing to talk to you.
Read the Fine Print
While I love gambling online, not everything at online casinos is all sunshine and roses.
It’s important to read the terms and conditions, especially on bonus offers. That money isn’t truly free, after all — there are strings attached.
These “strings” come in the form of wagering requirements, which is the number of times you must wager the bonus before you can claim it.
For example, if an A$1,000 bonus has 35x wagering requirements, you must put the equivalent of A$35,000 in play before you get the bonus.
It sounds like a lot, but it goes by in a flash. Just know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.
Popular Types of Online Gambling in Australia
Ever wonder what your friends and neighbors are playing? Here are some of the most popular games Down Under.
Best Online Australian Casino Games
You can find every type of game under the sun at the best online casinos in Australia, including:
- Slots/Pokies – The bread and butter of any online casino, these games come in a staggering array of forms. Whether you like classic three-reel games or dazzling megaways slots with tens of thousands of ways to win, you can find it online.
I spend most of my time playing slots because they offer such mindless fun. It’s a great way to turn your brain off after a stressful day, and the thrill of hitting a big score is unmatched.
Seriously, if the clinking sound of your winnings falling into the tray doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, I don’t know what will.
- Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and many others.
The appeal of these games is clear: because there’s usually some strategy involved, you have much more control over the outcome than you do when you play slots. These games also tend to have some of the best odds for players.
I love a good hand of blackjack almost as much as a spin of my favorite slot. There’s just something about outsmarting the dealer, even if it’s only for a hand or two.
- Live Dealer Games – These are real tables with live dealers that are streamed over the internet. It’s as close as you can get to actually being at a casino without leaving the house.
These games were the first ones I sought out when I started playing online. After all, what could be better than having the thrill of watching a roulette ball bounce around the wheel without having to shove against a bunch of rude chain-smokers to do it?
Sports Betting
While I didn’t do any sports betting during my research for this article, I did notice that most of the online gambling sites also ran sportsbooks. It’s clear that Aussies take their sports seriously.
One thing that impressed me about these sportsbooks is that you can bet on events worldwide, not just in Australia. This neat detail makes it easy to jump right into the action.
Online Poker
While most Aussie online casinos offer video poker and table games like Caribbean Stud, some also operate poker rooms where people can pit their wits against one another for real money.
Texas Hold ‘Em is still the game of choice for most players, but Omaha is gaining ground fast – most online poker sites feature these and many other options. Regardless of which one you prefer, there’s always a game running somewhere.
Online Bingo and Lotteries
Yes, you can play bingo and lotteries online — didn’t I tell you they had everything? No matter what your game of choice is, there’s a site out there that has it (and likely a few others you didn’t even know about besides).
Best Online Pokies for Real Money in Australia
Slots (or pokies or whatever you want to call them) are the biggest game in town, regardless of whether that town is Sydney, Melbourne, or some small village somewhere in between.
If you’re a dedicated slot jockey, here are some of the top games you should try today at the top Aussie online casinos:
Coin Volcano Hold and Win – Play at: OnLuck
- RTP: 95.66%
- Theme: Adventure
- Maximum Win: 2,551x your bet
- Where To Play: OnLuck
- Bonus: A$13,500 combo bonus + 225 free spins
It’s man vs. nature on Coin Volcano — but instead of spewing lava, this mountain is paying off in red-hot gold coins. While it doesn’t have a traditional theme, the gameplay is so fun you won’t miss it.
With medium volatility, this game strikes the sweet spot between never paying out and parsing out small wins. You’ll have to earn your scores here, but when you do, they’re well worth it.
The best way to hit it big is by snagging mystery symbols and volcano multipliers, which can take an ordinary win and make it truly earth-shattering.
Jewel Sea: Pirate Riches – Play at: Slots Palace
- RTP: 96.00%
- Theme: Aquatic
- Maximum Win: N/A (progressive jackpot)
- Where To Play: Slots Palace
- Bonus: A$4,000 matched bonus + 150 free spins
Journey 20,000 leagues under the sea to discover long-abandoned riches in this game, which has three different jackpots for you to chase. The ocean-themed graphics are sharp and engaging, and while the soundtrack is a bit generic, it never gets annoying.
If you’re lucky, you can trigger sea wilds on the middle reel; these lock in and expand, creating opportunities for massive hauls indeed.
Diamond of Jungle – Play at: Golden Crown
- RTP: 97.01%
- Theme: Jungle
- Maximum Win: 1500x your bet
- Where To Play: Golden Crown
- Bonus: A$1,500 welcome package + 300 free spins
This comic book-style title from BGaming is the perfect option for anyone who wants low-risk and steady payouts. With a 97% RTP and low volatility, you won’t see the massive swings that sometimes ruin other games.
The idea is to find the diamonds hidden in the jungle, but first, you’ll have to sidestep gorillas, tigers, and toucans (presumably man-eating toucans?). Scatter diamonds are the big draw here, as they can trigger free spins with multipliers up to 10x.
Flame & Fortune Hold & Win – Play at: Neon54
- RTP: 95.74%
- Theme: Fantasy
- Maximum Win: 3,000x your bet
- Where To Play: Neon 54
- Bonus: A$4,000 matched bonus + 150 free spins
Bad news: you have to beat a dragon to walk away with any money here. The good news, however, is that this particular Smaug is cute, plus he hands out multipliers that can reach up to 3,000 times your stake.
This is a feature-rich title, as in addition to those multipliers, you can also nab wilds, cash collects, and more. This is the rare title that’s as fun in normal mode as it is during bonus rounds, so you may find it hard to walk away from this flying lizard.
My Advice on the Best Aussie Online Casino Bonuses
One huge advantage that online casinos have over their brick-and-mortar counterparts is their bonuses. You can get crazy rewards for signing up and playing, from thousands of dollars in cash to hundreds of free spins and everything in between.
Try finding any of that at a physical casino. You’ll be lucky to get a free keychain.
However, there are so many types of online casino bonuses that it can be overwhelming at first. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s out there so you can find the best one for you.
Types of Casino Bonuses
Different sites have different offers, and they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common you’ll see:
Welcome Bonuses: These offers go out to new players who are thinking of signing up at an online casino. Many of them are deposit matches, which means that if you deposit a certain amount, the site will match it — and possibly more.
No Deposit Bonuses: These are just like welcome bonuses, except you don’t have to put down any cash of your own to claim them. While that makes them a great deal, the catch is that they’re often much smaller than traditional bonuses, or they come in the form of free spins rather than cash.
Free Spins: A free spin is just a free shot at playing an online pokie. Win, and the money is yours to keep. Lose, and you’re no worse off than when you started. Plus, you get the fun of actually playing the game.
Cashback Bonuses: Some sites return a percentage of your losses to you on a daily or weekly basis. For example, if you play at a site with a 20% cashback offer and lose A$100, they’ll put A$20 back in your online casino account. These are a great way to stay in the action longer than you would normally be able to.
Reload Bonuses: A reload bonus functions almost identically to a welcome bonus, except they’re available to a site’s existing players. Some casinos have reload bonuses that are always available, while others only release them at certain times.
Loyalty and VIP Rewards: Most sites have programs that reward you for playing at the casino, usually in the form of points. The more points you acquire, the more perks you can receive. These perks range from special bonuses to the use of a dedicated account manager, plus much more.
What to Look Out For in Casino Bonuses
Wagering Requirements: You can’t just grab a bonus and leave at an online casino; first, you have to meet their wagering requirements. This is the number of times you must wager your bonus before you can cash it out, and the higher the wagering requirements, the harder the bonus will be to claim.
Expiration Dates: Nothing lasts forever, not even cold November rain or casino deposit bonuses. Many have expiration dates ranging from 24 hours to a few months. Be sure to read the fine print to see how long you have to earn your cash.
Game Restrictions: Certain bonuses (like free spins) are restricted to certain games. These can either be game types like pokies or even specific titles.
Withdrawal Restrictions: Some bonuses — especially free spins and no deposit bonuses — limit how much you can win from the bonus.
How Deposits & Cashouts Work at Top Australian Online Casino Sites
One thing that many people fail to think about before signing up at online casinos is how easy it will be to get your money on and off the site. This can go a long way towards determining how enjoyable a site is (after all, nothing’s more frustrating than being charged a fee just to get your hands on your own money).
Below, I’ll walk you through what to expect from the financial side of the operation, covering everything from processing times to potential charges.
Making Deposits
One thing about online casinos is that they make it really easy for you to give them your money.
Deposits are almost always instant, and you can use credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
If you’re going to use a deposit bonus, you’ll need to claim it before you put money on the site for the first time, so don’t skip that step.
Cashing Out
Cashing out is more complicated than depositing. For one thing, you may not always be able to withdraw using the same method you used to deposit. If that’s the case, you’ll have to figure out a workaround.
Also, cashouts take longer than deposits (because, of course, they do). How long exactly?
That depends on a variety of factors. You’ll have to provide paperwork verifying your identity before you cash out for the first time, so you can add a day or two if you don’t take care of it ahead of time (which I recommend).
From there, it’s a matter of the withdrawal method you use. Cryptocurrencies tend to be the king of speedy cashouts, and you can often get your money back in your wallet in a matter of minutes. E-wallets are almost as fast.
If you want a bank transfer or a physical check, be prepared to wait a few days.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Online Casinos in Australia
While I didn’t expect to spend so much of my trip gambling on the internet, I can honestly say I don’t regret a second of it.
The online casino scene Down Under is second to none. I spent hours playing slots, table games, and more, and it was completely safe and incredibly convenient.
And while I’m not quite ready to give up on going to physical casinos just yet, it’s refreshing to know that there are so many fantastic options for gamblers online down here.
Seriously — if I ever move down to Australia, I’ll tell people it’s for the beaches and the food, but honestly? The online pokies action will play a big part in it, too!
Best Online Casinos Australia: FAQs
Even after all I’ve shared here today, you may still have a few questions. Don’t worry — I did, too, and I only know the answers because I asked. Here are some of the most common questions that I (and others) have had:
What is the Best Australian Online Casino?
Let’s cut right to the chase. While all of the sites I played at were fantastic, OnLuck was the best of the bunch, thanks to its massive game selection and generous bonus options.
How Quickly Can I Cash Out at Australian Online Casinos?
The speed at which you’ll get your money depends on a few things, including how quickly you get your paperwork in. The biggest factor, though, is the withdrawal method you use.
Crypto and e-wallets tend to be the fastest and are often instant (or nearly so). Bank transfers can take a few days, but even in that case, you should have your cash in no time.
Do I Have to Pay Fees on Cashouts?
Transaction fees are the worst, and I try to avoid them as much as possible. Luckily, most of the sites I’ve tried, including the ones listed above, are fee-free. Be sure to check the cashier page on any site you try.
Can I Play Online Casino Games on My Mobile Device?
Of course! Most players nowadays prefer to play online casino games on their phones, so the Australian online casino sites are all optimized for mobile use. Some have dedicated apps, while others can be played directly from your browser. I found Golden Crown to have the best mobile site, but you should try a few out to see which one you like best.
I’m off to pack for my next adventure! In the meantime, you can write to me with questions, comments, or suggestions about what I should do next at Nathalieeder@metrotimes.com.
