No matter what time of the night (or day) it is, there’s always plenty going on behind closed doors at a casino. But before you go sauntering in, you better make sure you’re dressed for the occasion. Because every casino enforces a strict dress code.
Does the dress code differ from casino to casino?
Thankfully, the fashion rules are pretty similar for every casino in Australia, but there may be slight variations so it pays to plan ahead or you may be left on the curbside while your friends are ushered in.
What to wear to a casino
The typical casino dress code requires you to dress smart and look well-presented. A casino is one of those destinations where you could very easily get away with overdressing in something with a little glitz and glamour. But worst-case scenario, think sophisticated and stylish. Leave the sneakers, ripped denim and athleisure at home. Ballet flats, skinny jeans and a cami *should* get you in, but there’s a chance you may not.
What not to wear to a casino
Casino dress codes are more about what you can’t wear than what you have to wear. Here’s what most casinos generally do not allow:
- Offensive slogans or pictures on clothing
- Clothing that appears ripped, dirty, soiled or untidy
- Headwear, regardless of style or size
- Camouflage clothing
- Work singlets or work tank tops
- Security uniforms
- Any form of disguise, including face paint
- Activewear and sporting attire
- Swimwear
- Unclean, untidy or torn footwear
- Ugg boots and rubber gumboots
- Any form of work boot, including those fitted with steel caps
- Rubber thongs after 6pm
The unique casino attire rules in select Australian casinos
There are a lot of great casinos in Australia, from the Treasury Casino in Brisbane and the Adelaide Casino, which is both housed in heritage-listed buildings that look unassuming from the outside, to the remote Mindil Beach Casino & Resort in Darwin (formerly SKYCITY Darwin). And while most of them enforce a basic dress code, there are a couple that has some specific additional requirements.
Crown Casino in Melbourne
If you’re dancing the night away at one of Crown Melbourne’s nightclubs, you must “dress in smart club wear and remain clean, neat and tidy at all times,” notes their dress code rules. This means cocktail/evening attire for the ladies and a jacket/blazer, dress pants, collared shirts and dress shoes for the guys. At Club 23, strictly no t-shirts, sneakers or polo shirts are permitted.
Crown Casino in Perth
In Perth, the Crown Casino’s nightclub Eve has a few extra items on their unacceptable attire list: flannelette shirts, hoodies, shorts (excluding 3/4 pants on Sundays only), excessively revealing clothing, fancy dress (exemptions may apply for specific events), thongs, sneakers, high tops, joggers, runners, beach sandals and massage sandals.
The Star Casino in Sydney
In The Star’s list of forbidden footwear, they have specifically included Crocs! Certain shorts and open toe shoes may be deemed unsuitable at the casino’s discretion, too.
The Star on the Gold Coast (formerly Jupiters Casino)
On the Gold Coast, they introduced one very specific (and controversial) rule a couple of years ago: no uncovered tattoos on the face, neck or head. Pack a good concealer!
5 cocktail dresses to wear to a casino
Nervous about not getting in? Nail the casino-style dress code with these foolproof finds.