While pokies (slot machines) dominate Australia’s gambling scene, the country’s casino enthusiasts also enjoy a rich variety of other exciting games. These games offer unique thrills, strategic depth, and social interaction that pokies alone cannot provide. This comprehensive review explores the most popular casino games in Australia beyond pokies, highlighting their appeal, gameplay, and why they continue to captivate Aussie players in 2025.
1. Blackjack – The Classic Card Game of Skill and Strategy
Blackjack, also known as “21,” is one of the most beloved casino games worldwide and holds a special place in Australian casinos. The game pits the player against the dealer, with the goal of achieving a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over.
Why Australians Love Blackjack:
-
Strategic Gameplay: Unlike pokies, blackjack requires players to make decisions such as hitting, standing, doubling down, or splitting pairs. This blend of skill and chance appeals to players who enjoy influencing the outcome.
-
Low House Edge: With optimal strategy, blackjack offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino, often around 0.5%, making it attractive for players seeking better odds.
-
Variety of Versions: Australian casinos offer multiple blackjack variants, including Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, and Live Dealer Blackjack, providing fresh experiences.
-
Live Dealer Popularity: The rise of live dealer blackjack brings the authentic casino atmosphere to players’ screens, enhancing social interaction and immersion.
2. Roulette – The Timeless Wheel of Fortune
Roulette is a casino staple that combines simplicity with suspense. Players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets.
Key Features of Roulette in Australia:
-
Multiple Betting Options: Players can bet on single numbers, groups of numbers, colours (red or black), odd/even, or dozens, offering diverse risk and reward profiles.
-
European vs. American Roulette: Australian casinos predominantly feature European roulette, which has a single zero and a lower house edge (~2.7%) compared to American roulette’s double zero (~5.26%).
-
Exciting Live Versions: Live roulette games are highly popular, with real dealers spinning the wheel and interacting with players in real-time, replicating the casino floor experience.
-
Social and Fast-Paced: Roulette’s fast rounds and social betting environment make it a favourite for players seeking excitement and camaraderie.
3. Poker (Texas Hold’em) – The Game of Skill, Bluffing, and Strategy
Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variant in Australia, both in live casinos and online platforms.
What Makes Poker Popular Among Aussies:
-
Skill-Based Competition: Unlike most casino games, poker pits players against each other rather than the house, rewarding skill, psychology, and strategy.
-
Tournament Scene: Australia hosts numerous poker tournaments, and online poker rooms attract players with various stakes and formats.
-
Online and Live Play: Australian players enjoy both live poker tables and online poker rooms with features like multi-table tournaments and cash games.
-
Community and Thrill: Poker’s social aspect, combined with the thrill of bluffing and winning big pots, keeps players engaged.
4. Baccarat – The Elegant Game Favoured by High Rollers
Baccarat has gained significant traction in Australia, especially among high-stakes players seeking a straightforward yet sophisticated game.
Why Baccarat Appeals to Australian Players:
-
Simple Rules: Players bet on the “player” hand, the “banker” hand, or a tie, with minimal decisions during play, making it easy to learn.
-
Low House Edge: The banker bet has a house edge of just 1.06%, making baccarat a favourable game for serious gamblers.
-
Live Baccarat: Live dealer baccarat tables offer immersive gameplay with professional dealers, attracting players who want a realistic casino experience from home.
-
High Stakes & Glamour: The game’s association with high rollers and glamorous casinos adds to its allure.
5. Craps – The Fast-Paced Dice Game Full of Energy
Craps is a dynamic dice game that has a dedicated following in Australian casinos, known for its lively atmosphere and range of betting options.
Highlights of Craps:
-
Social Gameplay: Players often cheer and interact around the craps table, creating a communal, energetic vibe.
-
Variety of Bets: The game offers numerous betting options with different odds and payouts, allowing players to tailor their risk levels.
-
Exciting Gameplay: The roll of the dice and rapid pace keep players engaged and entertained.
-
Online Versions: While craps is less common online than other table games, live dealer craps has grown in popularity, bringing the excitement to virtual players.
6. Keno – The Relaxed Lottery-Style Game
Keno is a simple, lottery-like game widely available in Australian casinos and online platforms.
Why Keno is Popular:
-
Easy to Play: Players select numbers from a pool (usually 1 to 80), and random draws determine winners, requiring no special skill or strategy.
-
Large Payout Potential: Matching many numbers can lead to substantial payouts, appealing to casual players.
-
Casual and Social: Keno’s relaxed pace suits players who enjoy a low-pressure gambling experience.
-
Online Accessibility: Keno is popular in online casinos, often featured alongside pokies and table games.
7. Two-Up – Australia’s Iconic National Game
Two-Up is a uniquely Australian gambling game with deep cultural significance, especially played on Anzac Day.
What Makes Two-Up Special:
-
Simple Mechanics: The game involves tossing two coins and betting on the outcome—both heads, both tails, or one of each.
-
Cultural Heritage: Traditionally played in pubs and clubs on Anzac Day, Two-Up celebrates Australian history and camaraderie.
-
Pure Luck: The game is based entirely on chance, making it accessible to all players.
-
Limited Legal Play: While usually legal only on Anzac Day, online versions and informal games keep the tradition alive year-round.
8. Sic Bo – The Exciting Dice Game from Asia
Sic Bo is a fast-paced dice game that has gained popularity in Australian casinos, especially in live dealer formats.
Appeal of Sic Bo:
-
Multiple Betting Options: Players bet on the outcome of three dice, including totals, specific triples, or combinations, offering varied odds.
-
Quick Rounds: The fast gameplay keeps players engaged and offers frequent betting opportunities.
-
Live Dealer Versions: Live Sic Bo tables provide an immersive experience with real dealers and interactive play.
-
Exotic Alternative: Sic Bo offers a refreshing alternative to traditional Western table games, attracting players seeking variety.
Trends Driving Popularity of Non-Pokie Casino Games in Australia
-
Growth of Live Dealer Casinos: Live dealer games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and Sic Bo have surged in popularity, providing authentic casino experiences remotely.
-
Mobile Gaming: The majority of Australian players now access casinos via smartphones and tablets, and these platforms support a wide range of table and specialty games.
-
Increasing Player Sophistication: Australian players are exploring games that combine skill and strategy, such as poker and blackjack, moving beyond pure chance games.
-
Regulatory Environment: Licensed and regulated online casinos in Australia emphasize fair play and security, boosting player confidence in diverse game offerings.
Conclusion
While pokies remain the most iconic and widely played casino games in Australia, a vibrant world of alternative casino games thrives alongside them. From the strategic depths of blackjack and poker to the social excitement of craps and roulette, Australian players enjoy a rich variety of games that cater to all tastes and skill levels.
Whether you seek the elegance of baccarat, the cultural heritage of Two-Up, or the quick thrills of Sic Bo and keno, Australian casinos offer something for every gambler. The rise of live dealer games and mobile-friendly platforms ensures these games are more accessible and immersive than ever before.
For players looking to diversify their casino experience beyond pokies, exploring these popular games can provide new challenges, social interaction, and the chance to develop skills — all while enjoying the excitement of real money gambling in a safe and regulated environment.