Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Ruby And The Wolf
Since 1994, Crown Melbourne has dotted the side of the Yarra River. The casino resort combines the central feature of Melbourne’s business district, hosting nearly 3000 casino games on its massive floor.
According to their website, the hotel’s 1600 rooms accommodate more than 20 million people every year. As cultural landmarks go, that’s hard to beat.
If you are visiting Victoria, Australia, you should know that Melbourne has plenty to offer. It is well known for the Melbourne Cup, one of the biggest horse races in Australia. For horse racing enthusiasts who are familiar with the Kentucky Derby odds, they will be happy to know there is a competition down under which is quite similar and happens in November.
Meanwhile, Crown Melbourne is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy some gaming. Still, there are other opportunities if you are willing to expand your horizons.
Laying it Out: What Crown Melbourne Has to Offer:
So you can make an informed decision. Crown Melbourne does have a lot. This includes thousands of games, luxury suites, family-friendly entertainment such as a game room and bowling, tons of shopping places and seven restaurants.
This is where celebrities often stay when they are in Melbourne. Tiger Woods. Kim Kardashian. Katy Perry. If you want luxury, decadence, and a lot of stuff to do, Crown Melbourne might be where you begin and end your search.
Then again, people with sticker shock will keep looking. While there are budget-friendly rooms under $200, they go fast. Higher-end accommodations can run you as much as $3000 a night.
Players on Lygon
Players on Lygon is a budget-friendly Melbourne-based casino with cheap tables ($5 minimum) and a spacious layout. Crown without the frills. Players on Lygon have a simple but appealing layout, not so different from strip mall venues you see in the States.
This is the kind of place that appeals to people who like the idea of going to a casino but don’t have a ton of experience with it. Luxe accommodations are nice but they can contribute to a fast-paced (and often very expensive) experience that not everyone is ready for.
Players on Lygon and its ilk may look a little shabby side by side to Crowne, but here’s the thing: It’s a self-contained experience. You don’t need to compare it to anything else to have a good time. Sit back, and enjoy the cheap drinks and affordable cheeseburger. Spin the wheel.
Horse Racing
That’s pretty much it for casinos in Melbourne. However, there is also a moderately prominent racing scene in Melbourne that is worth checking out while you are in town. Flemington Racecourse is a high-end venue complete with a dress code.
The rules technically only apply to members. Visitors are encouraged to remain comfortable but there is a clear emphasis on putting your best foot forward.
You can bet on races taking place there, or on other locations, all from the comfort of this luxurious venue. Keep in mind that the Flemington Racecourse provides different experiences for different people.
There are “member only,” areas in which dress codes are strictly enforced and guests are not allowed. Pretty much what you can expect from a place with a stated aversion to denim.
Moonee Valley Racing Club is a more accessible alternative to people who find themselves a little intimidated by the hoitee-toitiness of the other venue.
There are tickets available for as little as $25 and for that, you can enjoy a day of drinks, races, and good, affordable fun.
Online Play
If you aren’t finding the casino experience you were looking for in Melbourne, that is understandable. Australians are actually pretty big on gambling: more than 70% of adults report having gambled in the last twelve months—but Melbourne isn’t Las Vegas.
Online gambling is completely legal in Australia, so you won’t have any sketchy VPN issues. You can log on from whatever hotel you are staying at and enjoy unrestricted access to your favorite casino online.
Online play lacks the casino glitz that you will find at Crown, but it makes up for it with convenience. Plus, you don’t need a three thousand-dollar hotel room to use a phone app.
Conclusion
Crown Melbourne may be where the Kardashians go when they are in Australia. Here’s the thing: most of us here aren’t celebrities with twelve-figure net worths. Crown is great for those with the means. Even budget-minded families can rent a piece of its luxurious accommodations for a week with the right planning.
If you want to plan a high-end experience, this could be the spot for you. If not, a simpler casino, like Players on Lygon might be the better fit.
And don’t sleep on the horse tracks. Racing is an enjoyable experience even if you don’t place a wager. The two options spotlighted in this article provide different but satisfying experiences. Flemington for those looking for high-end accommodations, and Moonee for the rest of us.
Keep in mind also that you can always hop around. That’s commonplace on the Vegas Strip where so many of the major casinos are next-door neighbors. It’s still possible in Melbourne.