Adelaide Casino is a large casino and recreational venue on the north edge of the Adelaide city centre. Located in the heritage-listed Adelaide Railway Station building on North Terrace, Adelaide, the Casino has 90 gaming tables and 950 gaming machines, as well as several bars, function areas and restaurants. Operated as part of the Skycity Entertainment Group, it is the sole licensed casino in South Australia, regulated by the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner and the Casino Act 1997.
The Casino is the 10th largest employer in South Australia, currently employing over 1100 staff members. In 2007/2008, Adelaide Casino paid over $41 million in taxes and charges to the State and Federal Governments.[]
The Adelaide Casino opened in December 1985, the gaming licence held by the Lotteries Commission which appointed Aitco Pty Ltd to establish and operate a casino on its behalf. Originally consisting of 89 gaming tables, in 1991 the casino was authorised to operate video gaming machines, and in 1993 to operate poker machines. By 1997 they totalled 674 machines. The monies received by the Commission from the Casino operator include unclaimed prizes, licence fees, 13.75% of net gaming revenue from tables, and 4.0% of turnover from machines. In the year ending June 1995 the amount paid to the Government was $20.20 million.
In June 2000 the casino was sold to SKYCITY Entertainment Group. It officially became the SKYCITY Adelaide in April 2001. A three year interior redevelopment project began in December 2003. In 2009 the name reverted to Adelaide Casino, although the property is still owned and managed by Skycity.
In 2007 following widening of North Terrace to create space for two tramlines, the historical Balfours Pie Cart, which famously sold pie floaters, was removed from its location.
Adelaide Casino also holds the State's only table gaming license, thus giving it a monopoly on this particular industry; the South Australian Government will not issue another table gaming license.
