History of gambling in NSW
New South Wales has a rich gambling history with the first authorised horse race taking place at Hyde Park in Sydney around 1810, and the first official lottery taking place in 1881. In 1956 NSW saw the beginning of the gambling era with the introduction of the New South Wales Gambling and Betting Bill. This brought on the first legal pokies operating in pubs and clubs which eventually led to the establishment of land-based casinos. This rise in popularity led one Sydney local by the name of Len Ainsworth to start up the Aristocrat Leisure Company, who released their first pokie in 1953. The company is now one of the biggest pokie machine manufacturers and game developers in the world with offices in Russia, US, South Africa and Japan.
New South Wales – Fun Facts
- NSW has an average of 95,800 pokies and is beaten only by Nevada in the USA with a record of 181,109 slots in 2014.
- A local town named Casino prides itself as the “Beef Capital’ of Australia as it is one of the largest beef producers in the country.
- The most widely spoken languages in NSW are; English, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Greek, Cantonese and Arabic.
- The most popular attractions include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Ridge and the Blue Mountains.
- Many celebrities such as Rebel Wilson, Rose Byrne, Hugh Jackman, Miranda Kerr and Elle Macpherson were born in NSW.
Online Casinos in New South Wales
With regards to online gambling, NSW residents are not allowed to gamble at local real money online casinos but are free to gamble at international sites. This is due to the Interactive Gambling Act passed in 2001. This act not only made it illegal for NSW residents to gamble at local casinos online, but also for local gambling operators to advertise real money online casinos. However, gambling operators that are based in Australia are allowed to offer betting services to international players.
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NSW – Land-based Casinos
As far as land-based casinos go, New South Wales offers locals a world class casino experience. One of the most popular casinos being The Star Casino located in Sydney offers residents and visitors a chance to experience the best in Ainsworth Gaming Technology. The casino offers classic table games and a massive range of pokies. After testing out the casino floor players can head to the dance floor at the various bars and clubs at The Star. Aussie locals can then tantalise their taste buds at one of the many top restaurants, spend a relaxing day at the spa or attend an exciting concert in the 2,000 seat arena. New South Wales residents can also look forward to the opening of another casino built by the Crown group. This addition will be located in Barangaroo and will feature table games exclusively. The casino will also have a six star hotel and is set to open in 2020.
Wagering in NSW – FAQS
Can I play at online casinos in New South Wales?- No, you cannot. Like all of the Australian states players are not allowed to gamble at local real money casinos online. However, NSW residents are more than welcome to play casino games at international sites.
- What is the legal gambling age in NSW?
- The legal gambling age in New South Wales in 18.
- How are casinos regulated in New South Wales?
- Casinos ensure that no player under the age of eighteen gambles at casinos. The Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing is in charge of regulating casino and gambling related advertisements thereby ensuring that casinos uphold and keep to the gaming rules and standards.
- Why should I gamble in NSW?
- Besides its rich gambling and casino history New South Wales is home to The Star, which is the second largest casino in Australia. This ensures that all casino enthusiasts will have access to their favourite casino games and tons of entertainment. Locals can also look forward to a new casino hitting their shores in 2020.