Opening date 1983 Casino type Land-based | No. of rooms 117 | |
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Location Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Address Gilruth Avenue, Mindil Beach Owner Skycity Entertainment Group | ||
Skycity Darwin is a casino in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It is the only casino in Darwin.
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Don Casino (1979–83)
The first casino in Darwin, and the second in Australia, operated at the Don Hotel, Cavenagh Street, and was granted a licence as the "Don Casino" in 1979.
Mindil Beach Casino (1983–85)
The licence was in 1983 transferred to the Mindil Beach Casino. In 1984, the Territory government forcibly acquired it, along with the Alice Springs Casino, from Federal Hotels for $50 million. A joint venture between Greate Bay Casino Corp. (owner of the Sands Atlantic City) and Aspinall Holdings (a British casino operator) was set up to operate the two casinos.
Diamond Beach Hotel and Casino (1985–95)
The Mindil Beach Casino was renamed as the Diamond Beach Hotel and Casino. Aspinall bought out Greate Bay's interest for US$1 million in 1986, and then acquired the territorial government's 17 percent interest for $5 million in 1987.
MGM Grand (1995–2004)
In 1995, MGM Grand acquired the property for US$75 million, including US$13 million of assumed debt. It was renamed as the MGM Grand Darwin.
Skycity (2004–present)
The Skycity Entertainment Group purchased the hotel in 2004 for $195 million and took ownership on 23 July 2004.