Sydney Gaming Venues - Clubs and Hotels with Poker Machines

Sydney CBD is home to a surprisingly large number of gaming venues, spread across the city from Circular Quay in the north down to Haymarket in the south, and from King Street Wharf in the west across to Hyde Park in the east. The majority of venues on this page are hotels, which in NSW are limited to a maximum of 30 poker machines each. The registered clubs - including City Tattersalls Club and Club York Sydney - can hold significantly more machines and generally offer a broader gaming floor. Most clubs require you to sign in at the front desk before entering the gaming area, either as a member or a visitor.

Getting Around Sydney CBD Gaming Venues

Sydney CBD is well served by public transport, making it easy to visit multiple venues. Town Hall and Wynyard train stations sit at the heart of the venue cluster, with most of the hotels and clubs on this page within a five to ten minute walk of either station. The light rail runs along George Street and has stops close to several of the southern CBD venues including the Civic Hotel and World Square Bar.

Unlike Melbourne, Sydney does not have a free tram zone, so bring your Opal card if you're travelling in from outside the CBD. From Central Station it's a short walk north up George Street to reach the bulk of venues. Venues near Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour such as the Pontoon Bar and Shelbourne Hotel are a short walk west from Town Hall station.

Scroll down to browse gaming venues in the Sydney CBD, with directions and opening hours for each.


Explore Venues in Sydney CBD

Frequently Asked Questions

How many gaming venues are in Sydney CBD?

This directory lists 33 gaming venues in the Sydney CBD, including registered clubs and licensed hotels. City Tattersalls Club on Castlereagh Street is the largest, with 260 machine entitlements.

What is the difference between clubs and hotels with poker machines in NSW?

In NSW, registered clubs and licensed hotels are both permitted to operate poker machines but under different rules. Clubs are required by law to return a minimum percentage of their gaming revenue to members and the community. Hotels operate under a separate licensing arrangement with different machine limits and return requirements.

Do I need to be a member to enter a club in Sydney CBD?

Most registered clubs in Sydney CBD require you to either be a member or sign in as a guest. If you live outside a certain radius of the club you can generally sign in as a visitor at the front desk. Requirements vary by club - check with the venue directly or look up their entry requirements before visiting.

What are the opening hours for gaming venues in Sydney CBD?

Under the Gaming Machine Act 2001, all registered clubs and hotels in NSW must shut down their gaming machines between 4AM and 10AM every day as a standard requirement. Outside of these hours venues may operate as they choose. Some venues hold exemptions allowing a shorter three-hour shutdown - for example from 6AM to 9AM on weekends and public holidays - subject to approval by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority. Individual venues may also choose to close earlier than the permitted hours.

How many poker machines can a venue have in NSW?

NSW law sets caps on the number of poker machines a venue can operate. Hotels are limited to a maximum of 30 machines. Registered clubs can hold more machines depending on their size and classification, with large clubs able to hold several hundred machine entitlements.

How do I get to gaming venues in Sydney CBD?

Most gaming venues in the Sydney CBD are within easy walking distance of Town Hall or Wynyard train stations. The light rail runs along George Street with stops near several southern CBD venues. Venues near Darling Harbour such as the Pontoon Bar and Shelbourne Hotel are a short walk west from Town Hall station. Use the map above to find the nearest venue to where you are.

What responsible gambling measures are in place at Sydney gaming venues?

All licensed gaming venues in NSW are required to comply with responsible gambling measures under the Gaming Machines Act 2001. This includes displaying responsible gambling signage, offering self-exclusion programs, and providing access to gambling help information. Staff are trained in responsible service of gambling.