Playing at Bars with Pokies in Australia

An interior view of a bar featuring slot machines, with Australian flags displayed prominently, and "DiceDealer.com" visible at the bottom.

Australia’s vibrant pub culture means a trip to the local bar for a cold beer and quality time with friends. But some bars also have the exciting addition of legal pokie machines. This is a feature that not only enhances the pub experience but also offers a unique blend of entertainment and potential winnings.

In fact, Australia boasts over 200,000 pokie machines nationwide, making it one of the largest concentrations of pokies in the world. This ensures that no matter where you are in the country, you’re never too far from the excitement and potential rewards that these machines offer.

We are your go-to resource for discovering the best bars with pokies across Australia. We provide all the information you need below, to find the perfect spot for enjoying a brewski while enjoying the thrill of pokies.

Interesting facts about pokies at bars

Australia hosts 2.5% of the world’s pokie machines, but only constitutes 0.3% of the world’s population. In fact, if you exclude Japanese Pachinko machines, the figure is closer to 6% of all the pokies machines in the world. That’s a massive number of machines.

A figure of around 241,000 pokie machines worldwide are found in non-gambling venues, with a massive 183,000 (76%) of those found in Aussie pubs and clubs alone.

Remove the pokies from pubs and you remove the authentic Aussie vibe.

How to find the best bars with pokies

To find the best bars with pokies, search and read reviews to find local bars known for their quality and entertainment value. Focus on customer feedback that highlights the quality of the pokies machines, the variety of games, and the overall atmosphere and service of the bar. Explore local forums and social media for personal recommendations. These insights can give you a more authentic perspective than commercial reviews.

Once you have a shortlist, it’s all about first-hand experience. Give your local bars a visit and see which ones best suit your preferences. The combined approach of online research and personal experience is a great way to find the top bars with pokies in your area.

At DiceDealer, we provide you with the best local pokie pubs and club venues in Australia. With hundreds of establishments in six states, we whittle them down for you to provide bucket-list destinations that have received rave reviews from us and the public.

We have opted to vet these venues in-house to ensure that we can provide you with a list of the best bars with pokies in the country.

We review the pubs by looking at five categories:

  • Pokie Machine Selection: The top selection of Bars with Pokies all have a good selection of exciting games to play.
  • Opening Hours: The best venues have longer opening times. This gives patrons a longer chance for enjoyment.
  • Atmosphere: People enjoy bright venues with a fun atmosphere. We have a look at the overall experience of each bar we review. Added amenities and services go a long way to ranking a pokie venue well in our books.
  • Menu: A good vibe is always accompanied by good food. Our selection of pokie pubs is always paired with a tasty menu.
  • Public Reviews: Word of mouth is a big factor in the success of a business. It’s vital to listen to the experiences of others in determining the performance of a business.

Personal preference is always a factor when it comes to selecting a bar and pokie venue of choice, but we remain objective in our processes to ensure that the average visitor will walk away from their experience at the venue satisfied and eager to return.

What is the current state of pokie play in Australia?

After shutdown restrictions, some pubs and pokie venues were delayed in re-opening to the public. Fortunately, pokie play was re-opened to the masses in most states of Australia, so players looking to have a few spins can head down to their favourite spot for a flutter without delay.

A close-up of a hand pressing a button on a slot machine with fruit symbols on the screen and "DiceDealer.com" at the bottom.

How to find a pokie bar near you

To find a local pokie bar near you, browse and choose from our list of 10 of the best bars with pokies in Australia. We admit that there are many more amazing places to visit in the country, but the following prove to be favourites time and time again.

Unlike commercial casinos, the venues are open a limited number of hours, thanks to the regulations that govern their alcohol licenses. For 23 hours of pub entertainment, the exception to the rule on this list, is the Sporting Globe in Richmond, Victoria. This venue offers high-quality fun with so many added amenities that add positively to your experience.

We have listed each of our top-rated venues by area/state.

Tasmania

Victoria

  • Spectators Sports Bar 
  • The Sporting Globe Richmond
  • Torquay Hotel
  • The Sports Bar, Crown Casino
    • Open from 11 am to 2 am on the weekend
    • Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank, VIC, 3006

Queensland

New South Wales

Western Australia

The above-listed bars provide great meals, drinks, and pokie entertainment. Be sure to keep an eye open for some fabulous bar specials from time to time.

Are there bar specials to enjoy?

Currently, two of our recommended venues have some stand-out pub specials that may appeal to eager Aussie pub-goers. These include:

Churchills Sports Bar: $5.50 for Schooners

  • Thursday from 5 pm to 6 pm
  • Friday from 5 pm to 6 pm
  • Saturday from 12 pm to 2 pm

Beers are dirt cheap if you make it for happy hour. Do not miss this special!

The Sporting Globe

There are daily menu specials to accompany your pokie play. These may change from time to time so be sure to phone ahead if you’re keen to join in on the fun.

  • Monday: Half Price on Wings, Ribs, All Pints, and House Wine. KIDS EAT FREE
  • Tuesday: Half Price Steak, Half Price Little Bull & TSG x 4 Pines APA Pints and House Wine. KIDS EAT FREE
  • Wednesday: Parmas and Pints on Special
  • Thursday: All Classic Burgers $16.90 and Signature Burgers $19.90
  • Friday: $6 Schooners on Friday

Be sure to check out the pub sites on a regular basis for more specials and offers from time to time.

A man with a grey beard and hat celebrating a 'BIG WIN' at a slot machine in a bar, with "DiceDealer.com" at the bottom.

How to win at pokies

To win at pokies, keep an eye on the local pokies, especially on the machines that are not paying out. Once the players move away, hit those machines for a chance to trigger a bit of luck. Pokies pay in cycles determined by the volatility of the machine. If one hasn’t been paying for a while, you can bet your bottom dollar that it is likely to payout soon.

Pokies payout based on a multiplier of your stake played. Ensure that your bets are high when the lucky combinations are landed; this way you will ensure the best potential of top rewards from the machine.

When gambling, fun is a sure thing! All game outcomes are randomly generated and are fully luck-based. Like they say, “You need to be in it to win it.” This means that the best hope of winning is to carry on playing but do so responsibly.

Enjoy the pub culture of Australia because it truly is unique. Embrace your heritage and live it to the max. If you are a visitor to the nation, be sure to make an effort to play the pokies and frequent the best bars around to experience the authentic Australian pastime for all its worth.

Use this helpful Dice Dealer guide to the best Pokie Pub options in the land.

Top bars with pokies FAQs 

What are bars with pokies?

Bars with pokies are establishments where people can enjoy alcoholic drinks and engage in gambling through slot machines. These bars hold licenses that allow them to operate slot machines, generating significant revenue. If you’re keen to experience pokie machines at a top-notch bar while enjoying a drink, then these establishments are for you!

Do these bars have specials?

Yes! You’ll find a wide range of special offers and happy hour deals at many of the bars listed on this page. Enjoy a drink or two while you play your favourite pokie.

Can I win when playing pokies?

You can win when playing pokies. Pokie machines are a great way to spin and potentially win big on a small bet. It’s all down to luck and how often you play.