Finding the best online casinos Australia has to offer is no minor feat since there are hundreds of options to pick from, making it easy for players to get confused. With a plethora of choices available, it’s crucial to sift through the noise and find platforms that truly deliver on quality, variety, and user experience.
This article is part of TheSunPapers picks series in which our iGaming expert Simon reviews 50 sites to find the top 10 recommendations worth our readers’ attention. This time around, we’ve handpicked the top online casino sites for Aussie players. Ready to check them out? Let’s go!
Best Online Casinos in Australia
Best Online Casino in Australia – Casinonic
Games tested: Luck of Tiger, Lamp of Wander, Zoom Roulette, Blackjack 16, Golden Tree
Payment methods tested: Bitcoin, Neosurf
Hours spent testing: 5
Bonus claimed: AU$5,000 welcome package
At first glance, Casinonic seemed like just another Australian online casino (hint: they all look pretty similar). But after spending a few hours exploring, I was pleasantly surprised by what it offers.
I love how easy it is to find important information here. Everything from payment methods to withdrawal limits and payout speed is readily available. Casinonic doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks to attract players – instead, it’s honest and transparent, giving you all the details you need to decide if it’s the right fit for you.
What I liked:
First off, I really liked the welcome bonus for new players here, not because of the fact that it goes up to A$5,000 – but because it covers as many as 10 deposits. The game selection and mobile experience were on point as well.
I could choose from over 1,500 titles, including some of the best online pokies in Australia, table games, and specialties from popular software providers. Being a jackpot hunter myself, I was happy to find over 100 progressive jackpot pokies at Casinonic, with the largest payout reaching an astounding $18 million. One of my favourite games is Luck of Tiger – a Chinese-themed online pokie bringing an RTP of 96.52%, high volatility, and a grand jackpot of 5,000x your initial stake.
What I didn’t like:
In today’s world, most Australian online casinos have the tools to make their sites visually appealing, but Casinonic keeps things pretty simple. While it’s easy to navigate, I wish it had a bit more flair. The payment options are solid, but most cash withdrawals take 3 to 5 business days, leaving you with the only option to go for cryptos like Bitcoin if you want to get paid on the same day. Deposit limits are higher for digital coins as well (up to 5 BTC), which feels a bit unfair for those using regular currencies.
>> Claim up to AU$5,000 welcome pack [Casinonic]
Best Online Casino in Australia for Pokies – Joe Fortune
Games tested: Gold Express, Amigos Fiesta, Carnival Bonanza, Caribbean Hold’Em, Hooked on Fishing
Payment methods tested: Bitcoin, Wire Transfer
Hours spent testing: 4
Bonus claimed: AU$5,000 plus 450 free spins
I know that Australians are passionate about online pokies, and one of my main goals was to find a site that provided an excellent selection of them. Then I came across Joe Fortune, which hosts over 300 slot machines, including the newest releases. Most AU casino sites tend to stick to the oldest and most popular titles, which is not the case here, as Joe Fortune constantly updates its portfolio with titles like Carnival Bonanza and Hooked on Fishing.
What I liked:
You’ve probably come across plenty of online casinos that offer thousands of games but rarely focus on quality. Joe Fortune takes a different approach, keeping things small yet diverse and exciting. In its more compact portfolio of around 300 titles, you’ll find a mix of games – progressive jackpot pokies, classic table games, and even specialty titles like bingo and keno. Every game I tried had something unique to offer. For example, Gold Express offers free spins, additional free spins, and three types of jackpots, with a max win of up to 2,000x.
I also loved exploring the site’s Help Center. It’s super handy for finding answers in just a few clicks, so you don’t always have to rely on the 24/7 live chat agents.
What I didn’t like:
Joe Fortune offers players a generous AU$5,000 welcome package plus 450 free spins, spread across the first five deposits. You can unlock it with a deposit of just AU$30, but it does come with 50x wagering requirements – which, to be honest, is higher than average. If you’re after a bonus with less hassle, the referral program might be a better fit. It rewards both you and your friend, offering up to AU$75 instead of the larger AU$5,000. It’s nice that you can still get rewarded, even if the prize is smaller.
>> Grab AU$5,000 and 450 FS [Joe Fortune]
Best Online Casino in Australia for Poker – Ignition
Games tested: $1/$2 No-Limit Texas Hold Em, Omaha, Sit & Go Tournament, Jacks or Better, Double Double Bonus Poker
Payment methods tested: Bitcoin, MasterCard
Hours spent testing: 4
Bonus claimed: AU$3,000 sign-up bonus
Playing online pokies is fun, but it can get a bit repetitive after a while. I wanted to shake things up, and that’s when I found Ignition – a top-notch platform for poker. Whether you’re into cash games or tournaments, this Australian online casino has it all.
I’m not talking about a typical casino that just throws in a few video poker games. Ignition stands out with unique features like a fast, smooth interface, anonymous tables, a quick seat option, and even a poker tournament search tool.
What I liked:
I’ve played at a lot of online poker sites, but Ignition really stepped up its game with player-friendly features. There’s everything from fast-paced events to bigger tournaments with massive prize pools of up to $200K – just like the World Series of Poker format. What I enjoyed most is the tournament structure: you can play sit & go’s, bounty hunter tournaments, satellites… the whole lot. There are around 50-100 daily tournaments, so there’s action regardless of when you want to play.
On top of that, Ignition offers a range of poker-specific promotions, including a welcome package of AU$1,500 just for poker players. They also have a bad beat bonus that awards 100x the big blind up to AU$1,000.
What I didn’t like:
This Australian online casino works seamlessly on desktop, but it can be a bit frustrating on smaller screens. While poker is easily accessible from smartphones, many other casino games are not compatible with mobile devices. Also, you won’t be able to find any e-wallets in payment options, which is a bit unfortunate. On the bright side, you can use both cards and crypto.
>> Enjoy up to AU$3,000 [Ignition]
Best Variety of Casino Games in Australia – Ricky Casino
Games tested: Multihand Blackjack, Big Catch Bonanza, Golden Plinko, Lucky Clover, Just A Bingo
Payment methods tested: Bitcoin, Bank Transfer
Hours spent testing: 3
Bonus claimed: AU$7,500 and 550 spins
Ricky Casino made it onto my list of the best online casinos in Australia for one simple reason – its game variety. In addition to the usual pokies, table games, and live dealers, I also found casual and lottery games, which are pretty rare. I also got to compete in Ricky’s Daily Rush Race, where the top player on the leaderboard wins AU$350.
What I liked:
This time at Ricky Casino, I decided to dive a bit deeper into table games and loved playing Multihand Blackjack by Platipus. With an RTP of 99.37%, it’s a great pick for strategic players who want to take on multiple hands at once. The bonus selection is also incredible here. While the AU$7,500 welcome package with 550 free spins is impressive enough, this AU casino also offers promos each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. You can even get a AU$250 bonus on your birthday!
What I didn’t like:
Exploring this website was a pleasure until I started receiving random notifications like “We miss you, come back,” along with a support agent messaging me to offer help. While it’s great to feel supported, it’s best when it’s requested. I would also love to see a lower withdrawal limit for bank transfers, as the current AU$300 minimum isn’t ideal for low-stakes players.
>> Claim up to AU$7,500 and 550 free spins [Ricky Casino]
Best Online Casino in Australia for Crypto Players – BitStarz
Games tested: Indyz Gold, Pachinko, Aztec Magic Deluxe, Book of Pyramids, Plinko
Payment methods tested: Bitcoin
Hours spent testing: 2
Bonus claimed: 125% Up to 1 BTC + 180 free spins
BitStarz is a dream come true for crypto players. They processed my Bitcoin winnings instantly – something even the best online casinos in Australia rarely offer. Out of all the top picks on my list, BitStarz was the easiest to use. Its user-friendly interface makes finding your favourite games simple, even with over 5,000 to choose from. Plus, I was surprised to see just how many awards this crypto casino has, proudly displayed right on the homepage.
What I liked:
Authenticity is the name of the game at BitStarz, and it’s evident throughout the site. The first section I explored was BitStarz Originals, which, as you may have guessed, features games created by this Australian online casino itself. I played Indyz Gold, a fun, visually appealing mine game with an RTP of 97% and high volatility. The gameplay is engaging, featuring 80 tiles and exciting boss battles. With a max multiplier of 100,000x and potential winnings up to $100,000, it’s a great choice for thrill-seekers like me.
I finally got to try provably fair games and see what the fuss was about. Games like Aztec Magic Deluxe, Plinko, and Book of Pyramids let me manually check the fairness, which made playing even more interesting and fun.
What I didn’t like:
This Australian casino has plenty of games, but I couldn’t find poker or sports betting options. While other sites on my list also lack dedicated sportsbooks, they make up for it with features like virtual sports betting (like Ignition does). I also couldn’t access live dealer games, as they’re restricted in Australia, which might be frustrating for those seeking a more authentic casino experience.
>> Claim 1 BTC plus 180 free spins [Bitstarz]
Best Bonuses of any Online Casino in Australia – Red Dog
Games tested: Jo-Jo-Joker, Incan Wilds, Horse Race, Max Catch, Buffalo Ways
Payment methods tested: Bitcoin, Neosurf
Hours spent testing: 2
Bonus claimed: AU$2,000 and 50 spins
Most of the sites I tested offered one or two variations of welcome bonuses. But Red Dog stood out with at least five, including one that goes up to AU$8,000 in bonus funds. I loved the Missions section, where tasks range from simple things, like logging in, to more challenging ones, like placing bets. Progress updates instantly, and the tabs for tracking are super easy to use. After trying five missions, I completed three and unlocked new challenges.
What I liked:
Red Dog fills the gap left by BitStarz when it comes to live dealer games. It offers over 70 tables with flexible betting limits. At 6+ Poker, you can start with just AU$1 and go up to AU$100. For Blackjack Classic, wagers range from AU$250 to AU$20,000. Whether you’re into slots, table games, or using crypto, the site offers plenty of promotions so you can pick your favourite.
What I didn’t like:
Cryptocurrencies at Red Dog have unlimited deposit limits, while fiat options are restricted to up to AU$1,000, which is a bit disappointing. Withdrawal times aren’t the fastest either. Even if you decide to opt for digital coins, they will take somewhere between 1 to 3 business days.
In-Depth Comparison of Top 3 Online Casinos in Australia
Choosing the right online casino in Australia can feel like navigating the bustling streets of Sydney. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare three leading AU casino sites across key categories like game selection, bonuses, and customer support.
Game Selection Comparison
When diving into the game libraries of my top three Australian online casinos, it’s clear that online pokies dominate the scene. Casinonic leads the pack with over 1,000 pokies, setting a high bar for variety and excitement. Ignition follows with a solid collection of over 400, while Joe Fortune, despite having a smaller offering of 300+, provides the highest-quality slot machines with the biggest jackpots.
The competition heats up in the table game section. Ignition stands out here, boasting 40 different table games, giving players plenty of options for classic gaming. Joe Fortune, with 35+ table games, shows a strong presence as well. In summary, while Casinonic reigns supreme in the pokies department, Ignition takes the lead in table games. Casinonic also sets a standard in the “other” category, supplying games like bingo, keno, and Aviator.
Bonuses and Promotions Comparison
One thing I noticed when comparing the bonuses is that all Australian online casinos are quite generous with them. Casinonic offers a solid welcome bonus of AU$5,000, which is available not only on the first deposit but also on the next nine. This makes each qualifying payment exciting, as it comes with additional funds. While there are no free spins included in the welcome bonus, Wednesdays are designated as free spins days, allowing you to claim 250 spins for just AU$30.
I also prefer Casinonic over Ignition and Joe Fortune because it features numerous reload bonuses daily, whereas the other two are limited to a weekly deposit bonus and referral and rewards programs.
Customer Support Comparison
In terms of customer support, the top three Australian casinos are quite similar. Each offers a 24/7 live chat feature, which is definitely good news for players. Ignition and Joe Fortune also have dedicated help centers, which can come in handy for those who prefer not to chat with strangers online. Regarding speed, Casinonic’s live chat representatives are the leaders, providing quick responses in just a few seconds.
My Advice for Beginners
The best online casinos Australia has to offer are filled with excitement. If it’s your first time playing, start with the basics. This includes determining what you like. I advise you to play for free and discover what interests you. If you love strategies, poker and other table games might be your cup of tea, but if you just want to have fun and experience a rush of adrenaline, slot machines might be the way to go.
Also, don’t rush things. It takes quite a while to learn your preferences. Remember, patience is key, and at the end of the day, playing at Australian casinos is all about having as much fun as possible.
My Advice for Experienced Players
As an experienced player at online casinos in Australia, it’s essential to stay sharp and adapt your strategies. Focus on refining your skills by exploring advanced techniques in your favourite games. Set realistic goals and manage your bankroll wisely to ensure a long and enjoyable experience. Don’t hesitate to try new games or features as this keeps your gaming fresh.
Finally, remember to take breaks. Stepping away not only helps maintain your focus and enjoyment but also reduces the risks of gambling harm.
Info Guide to the Best Online Casinos Australia
Casino Games
Australian online casinos are no different from the land-based ones. In fact, they might be even better in terms of the variety. You’ll find classic table games like blackjack and roulette, where strategy plays a crucial role. I personally enjoy poker, not just for the thrill but for the chance to outsmart my opponents.
Then there are the vibrant slot machines, featuring everything from traditional fruit symbols to elaborate themes inspired by movies and popular culture. Each game offers a unique experience, so I recommend trying a mix to discover what resonates with you.
Banking Methods
Most Australian online casinos accept credit cards, e-wallets like MiFinity and eZee Wallet, and even cryptocurrencies, each with its pros and cons. For instance, credit cards are widely accepted and easy to use, but they may come with fees. E-wallets are fantastic for quick deposits and withdrawals, though not all casinos support them. I’ve found cryptocurrencies to be a game-changer due to their speed and security, but they can be a bit tricky for newcomers.
Casino Bonuses
At each Australian casino I’ve played at, I’ve taken advantage of welcome bonuses that are unlocked with a small qualifying payment, usually ranging between AU$20 and AU$30 – the amount I was going to spend anyway. Besides sign-up packages, you can also opt for reload bonuses, referral programs, and VIP clubs. These are for people who like the website and plan to stay with it for a long time.
Sign Up Process
Signing up at Australian online casinos is generally straightforward but varies by platform. Typically, you’ll start by providing some basic personal information, like your name and email address. After that, you’ll usually verify your identity, which might involve uploading documents. It’s a small step that ensures your account’s security. Once registered, you can deposit funds, claim a bonus, and start playing.
FAQs
What Is the Best Online Casino in Australia?
To choose the best Australian online casino, you should first know what your preferences are. Based on my research, Casinonic is the best Aussie casino online for numerous reasons. Among these are its welcome package of up to AU$5,000, a game library filled with thousands of thrilling games, and much more.
Are Online Casinos in Australia Safe?
Yes, it’s safe to play at online casinos in Australia, as long as you go for gambling sites that are fully licensed—just like the ones on this list. These licences guarantee that every casino game on the website is checked for fairness and everyone gets equally fair results while playing.
Can I Get Free Spins at Online Casinos in Australia?
Yes, in most cases, you can get free spins while playing at online casinos in Australia. Free spins can either be a part of the welcome bonus or come separately as part of a different promotion. Most of the casinos I included offer free spins in their welcome packages, perfect for spinning those pokies.
Which Payment Methods Do Online Casinos in Australia Accept?
The best Australian online casinos support traditional payment options like debit and credit cards. You can also make deposits with e-wallets and popular cryptos like Bitcoin. All of these are considered fast and safe ways of getting money into your account.
Are Online Casinos in Australia Mobile-Friendly?
Yes, most online casinos in Australia are mobile-friendly, meaning you can browse all your favourite casino games using your iOS or Android devices. If the casino doesn’t have a dedicated app, simply visit the casino site using your mobile browser.
Can I Play Free Casino Games at Online Casinos in Australia?
Yes, it is possible to play casino games for free at some Australian Casinos. Red Dog and Ricky Casino are one of the few sites where you can enjoy your favourite games without having to make real money bets. Beginners should definitely take advantage of this.
DISCLAIMER: 18+ only. Online gambling comes with many risks. Players are advised to gamble responsibly and only use funds they can afford to lose. Remember, gambling is only intended for entertainment purposes and is not a solution to any financial difficulties.
Gambling laws and policies vary from one region to another. Some sites mentioned in this review may not be accessible in your area. Always do your due diligence and check your local gambling policies. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you believe you may have a gambling problem, reach out to www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.