Crown Melbourne is renowned for its extensive collection of poker machines, operating approximately 2,500 to 2,628 machines, making it one of the largest venues for such games in Australia.
Crown Melbourne stands as one of the largest gaming destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, with poker machines (pokies) forming a significant component of its gaming portfolio. The casino's extensive collection of gaming machines reflects its position as a major player in Australia's casino industry and highlights the centrality of poker machines to modern gaming entertainment venues.
Crown Melbourne operates approximately 2,500 to 2,628 poker machines, making it one of the largest collections of gaming machines at any single casino venue in Australia. This substantial number represents nearly 10% of all poker machines in Victoria, which totals around 26,321 machines across the state. The casino also maintains a licence for 540 table games (including 100 poker tables) to complement its extensive pokies offering.
The entire Crown Melbourne complex spans 510,000 square meters, equivalent to two city blocks, positioning it as the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest globally. This expansive footprint accommodates not only the gaming machines but also three hotels (Crown Towers, Crown Promenade, and Crown Metropol), multiple restaurants, bars, and retail outlets.
Crown Melbourne has implemented significant regulatory changes regarding its gaming machines. By September 30, 2025, a Valid Card (carded play) requirement became mandatory for all electronic gaming machines and electronic table games at the casino. This system requires players to register with acceptable identification and set personal time and loss limits before accessing any gaming machines, representing a critical responsible gambling measure.
Crown Melbourne ranks among the highest in Australia for poker machine availability. Here's how Australia's major casinos compare:
Crown Melbourne maintains the highest number of poker machines among all Australian casinos, with its 2,628 machines exceeding the second-place Crown Perth by 199 machines.
The total number of poker machines across Australia's 13 licensed casinos reaches 13,445 machines. When including pokies in pubs and clubs throughout New South Wales, the total extends to 93,468 machines in that state alone, demonstrating the vastly larger scope of poker machine distribution beyond dedicated casino venues.
Crown Melbourne is a leader in gaming machine offerings within the Australian casino industry.
Its regulatory compliance measures set a benchmark for responsible gambling.
Crown Melbourne has faced significant regulatory scrutiny regarding responsible gambling practices. In November 2022, the casino received a $120 million fine from Victorian authorities for breaching responsible gambling legislation over more than a decade. Specific violations included allowing patrons to gamble continuously for over 24 hours without breaks and failing to prevent the use of plastic picks for unauthorized auto-play on poker machines.
In response to regulatory requirements and government reform initiatives, Crown Melbourne has implemented comprehensive safer play measures:
Crown Melbourne's poker machines generate significant player engagement, with the venue remaining a primary gaming destination in Melbourne. The casino's gaming floor maintains a diverse range of machine types and denominations, catering to various player preferences and betting levels.
Player reviews on travel platforms reflect mixed experiences, with some patrons expressing concerns about service quality and machine fairness, while others appreciate the entertainment value and gaming variety offered. The availability of both high-limit and standard poker machines accommodates different player profiles and spending preferences.
Crown Melbourne hosts the Aussie Millions Poker Championship, a major international poker event scheduled to return from April 24 to May 10, 2026, featuring 18 tournaments with an estimated prize pool of AUD $14 million. While this event focuses on traditional poker tables rather than poker machines specifically, it underscores Crown Melbourne's significance in the broader gaming industry.
Crown Melbourne operates approximately 2,500 to 2,628 poker machines, establishing itself as the premier casino venue for poker machine gaming in Australia. This substantial collection represents a critical component of the casino's gaming offerings, alongside its 540 table games and other entertainment facilities.
The casino's prominence in Australia's gaming landscape is reinforced by its position as the largest poker machine operator among dedicated casino venues, surpassing competitors like Crown Perth and The Star Sydney. Recent regulatory reforms and the implementation of mandatory carded play requirements reflect an evolving commitment to responsible gambling, following the significant penalties imposed in 2022.
Crown Melbourne's poker machine operations exemplify the intersection of large-scale gaming infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and player protection mechanisms that characterize contemporary casino gaming in Australia. The venue continues to attract substantial player engagement while navigating increasingly stringent regulatory requirements designed to ensure safer gambling practices across its expansive gaming floor.
Crown Melbourne collaborates with top industry partners to enhance its gaming offerings and ensure a premier experience for all visitors.
Explore the offerings of Crown Melbourne, a major player on the international casino stage.
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Crown Melbourne has rolled out new responsible gambling frameworks to ensure player safety and security across its extensive gaming collection.
Significant renovations at Crown Melbourne aim to upgrade guest experiences and gaming facilities, with completion expected by 2026.
Crown Melbourne will host the internationally renowned Aussie Millions Poker Championship in April 2026, attracting poker enthusiasts from around the globe.