Who Owns Darwin Casino?

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Darwin Casino, or Mindil Beach Casino & Resort starting from 2019, is owned and operated by Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, the gambling and racing operations company of the hospitality corporation headquartered in Buffalo, New York.

Darwin Casino Sales Information

The famed Darwin Casino has a long history in town and was considered a good purchase and investment by many previous owners. Delaware North acquired it in April 2019 for $188 million, from SkyCity when it also changed the name to Mindil Beach Casino & Resort. Since then, it has posted promising numbers with $70 million in revenue and more than 100 employees.

The Only Gambling Option in Darwin

Mindil Beach Casino & Resort is the only land-based gambling operator in town, and it reverted to one of its original names after three decades. It used to be simply called Darwin Casino by the city residents, as its previous two owners named it MGM Grand Darwin and SkyCity Darwin.

The casino is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m., with VIP table games and poker welcoming patrons on Friday and Saturday evenings. Australians and foreigners also appreciate the location, restaurants, and pools, although some have mixed feelings about the somewhat dated interiors. 

The property offers views of the Arafura Sea while inviting the guests to explore the day spa, conference spaces, and 30 acres of tropical gardens.

The casino has a well-diversified selection of slots, table games, and poker, in line with what is expected from such venues. The most recent numbers indicate more than 600 electronic gaming machines and 30 table games, with gaming options for casual players and high rollers.

Three Decades of Gambling Experience 

Mindil Beach Casino got its license in 1983, one year before it was forcibly acquired by the Territory government, in exchange for $50 million. When Aspinall Holdings started to operate the casino, it changed its name to Diamond Beach Hotel and Casino. 

An important milestone in Darwin Casino’s history was reached in 1995 when it was acquired by MGM Grand for $75 million and renamed the MGM Grand Darwin. One decade later, it was purchased by SkyCity Entertainment Group, which owned it between 2004 and 2019. Following its acquisition by Delaware North for $188 million, the original name was reintroduced.

It changed its owners and name many times over the years, but always operated from the same location:

  • Don Casino (1979–83)
  • Mindil Beach Casino (1983–85)
  • Diamond Beach Hotel and Casino (1985–95)
  • MGM Grand Darwin (1995–2004)
  • SkyCity Darwin (2004–2019)
  • Mindil Beach Casino & Resort (2019–present)

Meet Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment

Delaware North is the global food service and hospitality business that owns Mindil Beach Casino & Resort, through its subsidiary. 

With over 55000 employees worldwide and more than $3 billion in annual revenues, it was founded back in 1915. The company has a global reach, with a presence in many U.S. states, such as New York, West Virginia, Illinois, Florida, and Arizona. All in all, it operates over 10,000 video gambling machines.

Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment is a regional casino gaming operator in the U.S. and Australia, known for its highest payout casinos. Among their racing venues where patrons can find video gambling machines, poker rooms, and table games, it’s worth mentioning Southland Casino Hotel, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, and Wheeling Island Casino Racetrack. Patrons can also enjoy the services provided by the company’s restaurants, retail shops, and hotels.