Highly involved in the up-and-coming Pokies scene, Auckland City is also the proud host of one of New Zealand’s biggest casinos, SkyCity. Opening in 1996, SkyCity was the second Casino to open, in the country. You can easily find and access other pokie machines at various bars and pubs scattered across the city. Let’s check out Auckland City pokies.
Table of Contents
Over recent years, the number of pokie machines across Auckland has stayed the same and yet there has been a large increase in the amount of money being put into pokies. As a result, it is believed that many are blaming accessibility for the increase.
Of all profits from gaming machines, about 40 percent goes back into the community through various trusts. This money forms the backbone of numerous organizations. There is no legislation to ensure the money returns to the same community it came out of.
Current Machine Numbers
Two questions regularly asked are:
1. Is There a Limit to the Number of Machines a Bar Can Have?
Yes. Depending on when the venue’s license was granted, the limit may vary between nine and 18. The maximum number is 18 if it was before October 2001. Whereas, if it was after October 2001 the maximum number is nine.
2. Is There Any Limit on the Number of Pokie Machines in a District?
The Gambling Act requires any territorial authorities to adopt a policy in the location of Class 4 gambling venues. It must be specified whether Class 4 venues may be established in the territorial authority district, and if so, where they may be located. It may specify restrictions as to the maximum number of operating gaming machines.
Local councils also have class 4 venue policies which may typically include the following:
- an ability to relocate 18 machine venues to new sites
- caps on the number of venues
- total number of gaming machines
- A ‘sinking lid’ policy
Class 4 Venues
Venues must be entirely non-commercial and be established to raise funds for “authorized” or community purposes. Class 4 gambling involves non-casino electronic gaming machines, hosted in pubs and clubs.
‘Sinking Lid’ Policy.
The Auckland City Council is considering a ‘sinking lid’ policy for pokie machines, which means that the council will act upon their responsibility to reduce harm from gambling.
Doing so by restricting the openings of new pokies venues over time, as well as the replacement of any closed down pokies venues. With this policy in place, the number of pokies in Auckland will reduce.
Why?
Auckland hosts 4,183 pokie machines across 305 different venues throughout the city. Problem gambling figures suggest that 40 percent of the money ‘lost’, comes from problem gamblers. Designed to be both costly and addictive, poker machines are the most harmful mode of gambling.
Social Gambling is causing an enormous amount of social harm. For every problem gambler, there are approximately 9-12 people who it is adversely affecting. These people are mainly children.
so, all-in-all the objectives are;
- To control the growth of gambling in Auckland.
- To minimize the harm caused by gambling in Auckland.
You may be happy to hear that the council does not have any control over gambling at the Sky City Casino. Government legislation regulates this. In return for a national convention center, the Government is unashamedly considering changing the law to allow hundreds of more pokie machines at Sky City.
There is evidence that this will increase problem gambling. As well as Reduce the amount of money returned to the local community by gaming machines.
Auckland Pokies Near Airport -Auckland City Pokies
1. Mangere Cosmopolitan Club
Mangere Cosmopolitan (Cossie) Club is a well-known venue in the Mangere area for those who love the entertainment, drinks, pokies gaming, and dining it provides. Established in the year 1976, it is one of the most popular clubs in the area. This club is just a 6-minute / 5 km drive north of Auckland Airport.
The club timings start from 11 am to 9 pm on Monday, 11 am to 11 pm from Tuesday to Wednesday, from 11 am to midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 11 am to 9 pm on Sunday.
The club is a member of Clubs New Zealand, and you can enjoy the facilities of other affiliated clubs.
Entertainment Options
You can play nearly any of the 18 pokies machines in the awesome gaming lounge. To allow customers to place their bets on horse, greyhound racing, and most sports matches whenever they wish, the club has a self-service TAB pod for a few wagers.
Pokies Machine Gaming & TAB Gaming @ Mangere Cossie Club
This club has a great poker machine gaming to play Auckland City pokies. With 18 of the latest pokies from Aristocrat and a TAB area to place a few wagers on the horses, dogs, or sports.
It is a popular venue in Mangere, Manukau near the Auckland Airport to play the pokies, dine, have a drink, and watch sports.
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 11 am Till Late
2. Airport Garden Inn
This combines a hotel with a conference center, pokies gaming lounge, bar, and restaurant. Located at 12, Tidal Road in the Mangere area of Auckland, it is about 6 minute’s drive from both the domestic and international terminals of the Auckland airport.
About Airport Garden Inn
The hotel has a pokies gaming lounge with poker machines featured for playing all your favorite games where you can play Auckland City pokies. The hotel can be accessed by those with a wheelchair. The hotel has a provision for stroller parking for families with small children.
You can book the rooms in the hotel online from the hotel website and other websites.
Pokies Machine Gaming
The Airport Garden Inn has a great gaming area with 18 of the latest and greatest poker machines from Aristocrat and a TAB area.
West Auckland Pokies
1. Mangere Bridge Tavern
It is one of the most known pubs near the Auckland Airport with pokies gaming, sports watching, entertainment, a bar, and great eats available. Located just a 10-minute drive north of the Auckland Airport, so if you going to or from the airport make sure you pay a visit to this cracker tavern along the way.
Operating since the year 1968 locals in the Mangere called the pub “The Lazy Lion” since it was the flagship bar for the Auckland-based Lion Breweries.
About the Mangere Bridge Tavern
In the 1980s the pub was owned by a Maori former player of the New Zealand national rugby team the All Blacks Pat Walsh. He was joined by his son Mark Walsh, in running the pub.
It is located at 123, Coronation Road in the Mangere area of Auckland. Hocken Place is a popular landmark, and it is a few minute’s drive from Auckland Airport. The pub opens at 9 am from Monday to Saturday, though it closes early at 9 pm on Monday, 10 pm on Tuesday, 11 pm on Wednesday, and late on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Sunday the pub opens at 10 am and closes at 9 pm.
Entertainment & Happenings
You can play pool at the pool table and throw darts at the dart board. The weekly Karaoke night is popular among customers, where you get an opportunity to sing and listen to other singers perform.
A Flip the Joker draw is held on every Thursday, all those who purchase products from the bar after 5 p.m., can participate in the draw between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Pokies Machine Gaming
The Mangere Bridge Tavern has an exclusive gaming area with 18 of the latest pokies from Aristocrat and a TAB area to place a few winning bets. This is a top spot to visit before or after your visit to the Auckland Airport and enjoy Auckland City pokies.
East Auckland Pokies
1. Pacific Bar and Restaurant
This bar is situated at 12 Tidal centers along the Tidal Road in the Mangere area of Auckland in New Zealand. Many people who are looking to eat out are looking for a restaurant that will offer a buffet meal. As they can eat as much as they wish while paying a fixed amount simultaneously, they can enjoy Auckland City pokies.
About the Pacific Bar and Restaurant
It has a pool table, and visitors to the bar can enjoy a game of pool with their friends.
Great Pokies Gaming Near the Auckland Airport
You will find 18 exciting Auckland City pokies from Aristocrat and IGT available to play here, it’s a great gaming lounge in Mangere. Located just about an 8-minute drive to/from the Auckland Airport so if you check in at the Auckland Airport you can easily get back here for some pokies entertainment before you board your flight.
Read: Gaming Lounge Near Me
2. Auckland Local Pokies Gaming Bars, Clubs & Venues
Orakei RSA is a servicemen association in the Eastern Suburbs of Auckland, it has some awesome pokies gaming options for you to play. It caters to current and retired members of the armed forces, and their family members.
The RSA is situated at 78, Kepa Road, Orakei in New Zealand. Kepa Bush Reserve, New World Eastridge, Eastridge Shopping Centre, Orakei Community Centre, Presbyterian Church, Okahu Bay Bowling Club, and Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium are some of the local landmarks in the area near this RSA.
Read: 16 Cheap Things to Do In Auckland
Menu and Eats of Note Orakei RSA Club
You can enjoy delicious and affordable food at the bistro of the club. The lounge is only open from Tuesday to Saturday every week, and it serves lunch and dinner.
The menu includes special treats, fast food items, steak, and fish. There is a daily special dish on offer at great rates.
Pokies and TAB Gaming at Orakei RSA Club
It has 10 poker machines games for customers, it’s a very popular pokies gaming venue for some TAB bets and entertainment in the Mission Bay, Auckland area.
National Convention Centre
In exchange for a 3500-seat,$402 million National Convention Centre, the government is allowing Sky City 230 more pokie machines, 40 more gaming tables, new cashless gambling technology, and a 35-year extension to their gambling license to play Auckland City pokies.
Talks are “commercially sensitive” but the center will be a major asset for the country. Employing 1000 people to build and a further 800 to run, the center will also provide a $90m boost to the economy.
Conclusion
Auckland’s pokies landscape presents a dynamic and evolving environment where policy decisions can significantly impact communities and individuals.
Understanding the intricate balance between economic growth, social responsibility, and community welfare is essential to ensure the vibrant pokies scene in Auckland City remains a source of entertainment rather than harm. In this ever-changing context, stakeholders must work together to create a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for all.
1. What are pokie machines, and where can you find them in Auckland City?
Pokie machines, also known as gaming machines or slots, are popular electronic gambling devices. In Auckland City, you can find them in a variety of venues, including bars, pubs, clubs, and the well-known SkyCity Casino.
2. Is there a limit to the number of pokie machines a bar can have?
Yes, there is a limit on the number of pokie machines a bar can have, which depends on when the venue’s license was granted.
The maximum number is 18 licenses issued before October 2001 and nine licenses issued after that date.
3. Are there any limits on the number of pokie machines in an entire district?
Yes, there are limits on the number of pokie machines in a district. The Gambling Act requires territorial authorities to adopt policies regarding Class 4 gambling venues, specifying if they are allowed in the district and setting restrictions on the maximum number of operating gaming machines.
Local councils may also establish their venue policies, including caps on the number of venues and the total number of gaming machines.
4. What is the ‘sinking lid’ policy, and why is it being considered?
The ‘sinking lid’ policy is a regulatory approach aimed at reducing harm from gambling. It restricts the opening of new pokie venues over time and prohibits replacing closed venues.
This policy is being considered in Auckland City to control the growth of gambling and minimize the harm it causes, particularly from highly addictive pokie machines.
5. Why is there concern about the proliferation of pokie machines in Auckland City?
Auckland City hosts thousands of pokie machines in various venues, and there is a growing concern due to the social harm associated with problem gambling.
Approximately 40% of the money “lost” comes from problem gamblers, and pokie machines are considered the most harmful form of gambling. The concern is not only about problem gamblers but also the significant impact on their social circles, including children.
