We take a trip ‘Down Under’ to check out the wondrous Crown Casino, home to next month’s Aussie Millions.
Australia may not have a true monarchy to call its own but they do have a crown with enough “bling” to hold court over most of the gambling world.
The Crown Casino in Melbourne is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and houses some of the finest entertainment and dining experiences in Australia. The complex is in operation 24/7 but it’s during the twilight hours that the venue really comes alive, with more bars and nightclubs than you can body pop your way through in one night. Whether you’re looking for a real spit and sawdust pub or a refined cocktail bar the Crown has more than enough outlets to keep you well lubricated. And, if you don’t like to drink and gamble then you can take some time out to spend your winnings in one of the many top quality restaurants and high-end shops. The Crown is much more than the just a gambling hall and if you’re planning a casual trip Down Under it’s a must-see.
Casino and Poker
Australians love to gamble and the plethora of punting opportunities available is as extensive as any establishment you’d find in Vegas or beyond. Casino War, where simply the highest card wins, Blackjack, Roulette and Sic Bo (an Asian dice game) are stretched across the half kilometre floor space. If, however, your years of religiously drumming poker concepts such as odds, tactics and logic into your mind make the thought of entrusting Lady Luck with your money undesirable, then there’s more than enough action in the poker room. The poker floor can accommodate over fifty poker tables with cash games and tournaments running daily. If you’re an online player and have decided to remove the power cables and venture out into the real world you'll find some solace in the PokerPro tables that the Crown have on offer. The electronic tables use an LCD screen which incorporates the latest touch technology to make the game as real as possible.
If you’re a regular donator at the tables the Crown Players Club will get you entry into some tempting freerolls and also offers a seat reservation facility so you’ll never miss out on a chance to pounce on any added value. The free car parking is also a nice bonus, especially if you’re planning on a marathon session at the tables. Overall, the poker facilities at the Crown are exceptional; indeed, if the venue was good enough for former WSOP World Champ Joe Hachem then it should be good enough for you.
Getting There
All major US and international airlines offer return flights into Melbourne.
American Airlines: Return flights start from $1,000. www.aa.com
Qantas Airways: Prices start from $1,995 inclusive of all taxes and fees. www.qantas.com
Get Some Shut-Eye
The Crown Casino complex is certainly the place to be in Melbourne and standing sceptre-like at the centre of the complex is the Crown Towers. All of the Towers’ 482 apartments are fitted to the highest standards and no matter which type of room you opt for you’ll feel like you’re rolling with the big boys. With 15 bars, 2 nightclubs and 28 restaurants on your doorstep the price per room isn’t exactly cheap so you’re going to have to dig deep to get yourself a slice of opulence. A deluxe king size room starts from US$300 per night with the prices escalating up to a jaw dropping US$1,280 per night for a Crown Towers suite.
If you’d rather spend the bulk of your cash on actually playing some poker there are plenty of other more than suitable sleeping quarters in close proximity to the casino.
Best Western Riverside Apartments
These serviced apartments have a panoramic view of the Yarra River and are just a stone throw away from the Crown complex. Prices start at a fairly reasonable US$137 per night. www.riversideaprts.com.au
Crowne Plaza
“A home away from home” is how the company describe their Melbourne abode. The hotel normally caters for business folk, so for the average poker player there will be more than enough comfort and facilities to make it a pleasant stay. A stay in one of their 383 rooms will set you back US$158 per night, which, considering the amenities and location, is a great price. reservations.melbourne@ichotelsgroup.com
Travelodge Southbank
This budget option is within spitting distance of all the major attractions of Melbourne so if you’d prefer to spend the bulk of your bankroll on playing some poker then this is a perfect choice. With 275 rooms starting at AUD$114 it is certainly one of the cheaper sleeping quarters in the area so if you don’t want to pay the sky high rates of the Crown towers then this is hotel is at a much more suitable level.
CASINO OVERVIEW
Nuts
- Electronic tables prevent a dodgy dealer spoiling your action.
- The computerised notification system keeps the waiting lists rotating nicely and something common across many of the best casinos. The automatic text message alerts you can receive when your seat is ready makes for a handy extra and leaves you free to roam the complex while you’re waiting.
- Poker is growing rapidly in Australia but the same can’t be said for the average Australian’s poker prowess. Their typical laid back Aussie attitude certainly manifests itself at the table which means you’ll find plenty of soft spots during your visit.
Flop:
- The whole venue can get crowded at nights because of the excellent entertainment. This is the downside of being Melbourne’s hottest nightspot.
- Regular players will feel the pinch of the rake on their profit margins. $5/hour + 10% rake up to $6 a pot is rather high. This won’t affect the casual players too much though.
- The poker room is below the main gaming floor so the supply of random casino donks popping in on a whim is low. Games therefore tend to be populated by people who at least know what a flop is. |
