Discover The 5 Best Casinos In New Zealand

Real Casinos in New Zealand to Play for Real Money — Brick-and-Mortar Casinos in New Zealand

Casinos in New Zealand are exciting destinations for those looking to enjoy thrilling gaming experiences and the chance to win big. For that, you must know which casino to visit. When it comes to the casinos in New Zealand, there are plenty of options to opt for. These might include land-based casinos like Dunedin casino, Skycity Hamilton, Skycity Auckland, etc. Here, we have rounded up some of the most popular and widely visited NZ casinos for you if you happen to pay a visit.

Visiting the above casinos, you can choose to play casino games like pokies, roll dice on craps, or roulette table, or spend your time playing various card games including Blackjack, Baccarat, Poker, and more.

If you love lotto then the casinos in New Zealand have TAB facilities for trying your luck on Keno and Bingo as well. Bringing fortunes home is not only luck but spending time with family and friends at casinos enjoying drinks, music, or entertainment, or simply watching live streaming of sports is another advantage of visiting a brick-and-mortar casino in New Zealand.

How We Pick the Best Casino in NZ ?

When it comes to selecting the casinos our experts look for the following parameters:

Check Casino’s Reputation
Look for licensing and reputation
Plenty of banking options
Look for gifts and bonuses
Types of Games

Interesting Facts About Gambling/Casinos in NZ

It was long back when real money gambling was introduced in New Zealand. Now in New Zealand, gambling is controlled by the Department of Internal Affairs, and all public gambling is expected to return a portion of profits to the community. The largest proportion of the gambling industry is operated by state-owned institutions.

The National Government introduced the Golden Kiwi lottery around 1961.
The New Zealand Lotteries Commission was established in 1987. Its original product, Lotto, has since been supplemented by Instant Kiwi scratch cards, daily Keno, and a Lotto variant named Big Wednesday. Lotto tickets became available online in 2008.
The Totalizator Agency Board, commonly called the TAB, is a sports betting organization run by the New Zealand Racing Board.
Pokies were introduced in 1991, are operated by charitable foundations and are mostly placed in hotels and bars. Maximum jackpots are regulated.
Since 1 July 2009, all machines must have Player Information Displays, which inform the gambler how long they have been playing, how much they have lost, and which encourage them to take breaks.
The largest casino in the entire country of New Zealand is Sky City Auckland Casino which is located in Auckland. Sky City Auckland Casino has 100 table games, 9 poker tables, and 1,600 gaming and video poker machines.
In May 2013 the Government announced it would allow casino Skycity Auckland to install an additional 230 pokie machines and 40 new gambling tables, in exchange for a $402 million convention center.
The largest gambling city in New Zealand is Queenstown with 2 gambling facilities, 12 table games, and 161 gaming, pokies, and video poker machines.

Best Casinos in New Zealand:

There are six casinos operating in New Zealand:

1. Dunedin Casino

Address : 118 High Street, Dunedin, Otago 9016, New Zealand. 0800 477 4545

This casino is amazingly traditional when it comes to first impressions. The casino itself will evoke memories of time-honoured New Zealand architecture, something that will come as no surprise to players when they discover that the casino itself is in a building that was originally built in 1883 and underwent a restoration process that ensured that many of the older features were retained and improved.

Having opened in 1999, it is located within easy walking distance of Dunedin city center and serves both locals and visitors as a hub of entertainment that is all centred around the casino experience itself.

Games to Play

Pokies Machines
Roulette
Blackjack
Baccarat
Caribbean Stud Poker
Live Poker
Electronic Games
Fun Games

It offers great pokies games to be played with as low as 1 cent to as high as $1 per game. There are over 180 gaming machines that are coinless and now operated with ticket-in and ticket-out systems.

Open from 11 am until 3 am daily, players can enjoy all of the latest pokies and table games under one roof, not to mention taking advantage of top-class rewards and some of the most exclusive VIP treatment in the country.

While space may be limited, locals and visitors alike still have access to one of the most impressive ranges of casino games around, and players are spoilt for choice on every single visit.

A major part of any New Zealand casino is of course the pokies and Dunedin Casino offers more than 180, covering not only traditional pokie games but also video poker, electronic roulette, and more.

The tables feature all of the country’s most popular games, making it the perfect place to take in a hand of blackjack or to enjoy roulette or baccarat under standard rules.

Features: Mini Baccarat Baccarat, Blackjack, Money Wheel, Poker, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Tai Sai, and pokie machines.

Club Casino at Dunedin Casino

Club Casino is a free rewards program available to all players at Dunedin. Membership gives you access to exclusive draws, discounts on food and beverage in Grand Bar & Cafe, and the ability to earn Club Casino points while gaming.

All you need is to complete a membership application form and present it to a host at the Club Desk. Two appropriate forms of identification must also be presented e.g. driver’s license, firearms license, passport, and name-embossed bank card. You must be 20 years of age to become a member of the casino.

Once you become a member simply insert your Club Casino card into the gaming machine or present it to your host at any gaming table.

Features

Every 100 Bonus Points = $1 in value and can be used Casino-wide.
Gaming Machines – members can transfer bonus points to credits. Insert your Club Casino Card into the card reader, select ‘My Balance’ & enter your PIN number. You can then choose how many points to turn into credits.
Table Games – You can turn your Bonus Points into play for a Table Game by visiting the Club Desk and asking to turn your points into cash.
The Grand Bar and Café – members can redeem bonus points for food and beverage in the restaurant.
Car Park – members can use their points to pay for Dunedin Casino’s secure car parking facilities, located on High Street.

All new members start at the Club Casino Gold level. If you earn the requisite number of Bonus Points per visit over a review period (a continuous 6-month period), you may qualify to be offered a membership to a higher level.

The number of Bonus Points per visit required for each level is as follows:

Gold – less than 500 BP
Sapphire – 500BP or more
Platinum – 2000BP or more

Finally, remember that Bonus Points are valid for 12 months from the date of accrual. Bonus Points not redeemed within 12 months from accrual will expire.

If you want to have fun with friends then visit Grand Bar & Cafe and Room 118 for some fine wine and dining. For more details, you may contact Dunedin Casino for a free toll number 0800 477 4545.

2. Christchurch Casino

Address : 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. +64 3 365 9999

Christchurch Casino is Christchurch’s premier entertainment destination that features fine dining, live entertainment, and gaming right in the heart of the city. The Christchurch casino provides all your gambling needs all under one roof the latest in gaming technology, over 500 machines, and 36 table games.

Experience the fantastic food and drink in their two restaurants and three bars. Whether you fancy a la carte in The Grand Café Restaurant or great pizzas in the Monza Sports Bar, they will produce superb international cuisine.

Games to play

Pokies Machines
Poker
Table Games
VIP Games
Fun Games

Christchurch Casino has one of the largest ranges of Pokie Machines in New Zealand. You can choose from any of the 500 Pokie Machines available, with denominations ranging from 1c to $2. These include state-of-the-art Pokies with multiple denominations and multi-line options to enjoy.

You’ll find pokie Machines located over two floors which are divided into the Valley area on the first level and the Gallery and Privé areas both located upstairs that cater to a variety of preferences. Christchurch Casino’s Pokies machines offer the use of TiTo (Ticket in, Ticket out), which is simply quicker and easier to use!

The table games section offers great promotions. They have $2 Blackjack from 7 pm on Wednesday and Thursday and 6 pm Friday and Saturday nights. Spin Money Wheel and Roulette wheel, or play the brand new table game Casino War to see who will come out victorious!

Players Club

Players Club Rewards is a free-to-join loyalty program that rewards players. Plus, you can see what’s currently on offer, and view the latest promotions and food and beverage deals.

Features

Bronze Members promotions: Receive a 10% return on all food & beverage cash purchases i.e. spend $10 you earn 100 Points = $1

Silver Members promotions: Receive a 15% return all on food & beverage cash purchases i.e. spend $10 and earn 150 Points = $1.50

Gold Members promotions: Receive a 20% return on food & beverage cash purchases i.e. spend $10 and earn 200 Points = $2

The three bars offer enjoyment for all tastes, from a simple coffee to a sublime cocktail and dancing the night away. The sports bar features massive TV, including a 140″ LCD HD

If you’re new to games you can check out the basics at the new ‘Learn to Play’ on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Christchurch casino is the home of New Zealand Poker

Whether you’re a poker professional or an absolute beginner or looking for a private Poker function, you can be sure to find what you’re looking for here.

The casino has regular tournaments and cash games and you can win cash and progressive seats to bigger tournaments as well as a gain great experience.

Features: American Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Mini-Baccarat, Money Wheel, Poker, Tai Sai, Touch Bet Roulette.

3. Skycity Auckland

Address : Victoria and Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand. 0800 759 2489

The Sky City Casino in Auckland is one of New Zealand’s best gambling venues. A superb bar offers relaxation whilst you lay your cash down. From Blackjack to Rapid Roulette, Baccarat to their 2100 gaming machines and over 150 table games, the Sky City casino doesn’t fall short in any area.

Staying at the Sky City Hotel is also a fantastic experience as they provide 2 premier suites, 4 luxury suites, 32 executive suites and 305 standard deluxe rooms. If you are feeling hungry, hit the 7 Restaurants & Cafés or sip a cocktail in their 6 bars.

Games to Play

Pokie Machines
Skycity Poker
Table Games
VIP Games
Baccarat Room

This casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for non-stop fun and excitement. Excluding Christmas Day, Good Friday and between 3 am – 1 pm on Anzac Day.

It has two levels of casino gaming with over 2100 Gaming Machines and over 150 Table Games at just about every level of excitement.

Also, they offer to Learn to Play packages for some of the most popular table games that are perfect for a group of friends or work colleagues or just for yourself. You’ll be provided with your own PRIVATE table for your exclusive use and a personal coach.

You can also look out for their range of How to Play brochures on the Main Casino Floor or speak to one of their friendly gaming staff.

Remember – you must be aged 20 years or older to enter the gaming areas at SKYCITY Auckland.

Features: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Pokie machines, Bingo, 3 Card Poker, Video Poker, Pai Gow Tiles, Caribbean Stud Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Money Wheel, Rapid Roulette, Tai Sai, NL Texas Hold’em, Limit Holdem, Pot Limit Omaha, Omaha, Poker Room.

Premier Rewards

Membership gives you access to exclusive draws and competitions and great value food and beverage offers at SkyCity Auckland. Plus, you can earn Premier Points and redeem them for exciting rewards. Signing up for Premier Rewards is free and easy to do. Premier Rewards members can access certain information online about their SkyCity Premier Rewards accounts at any time and from anywhere with the SkyCity app.

You can earn Premier Points, which you can redeem for exciting rewards. You can also enjoy a wide range of exciting benefits such as discounted parking, great value food and beverage offers, entry into exclusive draws and promotions, and much more.

All new members start in the Premier Rewards Ruby tier, which immediately entitles you to exclusive benefits and special member-only promotions at SkyCity Auckland. On earning sufficient Premier Points, you’ll move up through the tiers – allowing you to enjoy an even higher level of benefits and rewards. For more information contact +64 9 363 6070.

4. SKYCITY Hamilton

Address : 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand. +64 7 834 4900

Skycity Hamilton is a casino in Hamilton, New Zealand, that opened in September 2002. It has 339 gaming machines and 23 tables, a restaurant, and a bar, with live music and other performers on Friday and Saturday nights. It is part of the Riverside Centre on the Waikato River, which includes bars, restaurants, and ten-pin bowling all operated by Skycity Hamilton.

Some facts about SKYCITY Hamilton casino in New Zealand

This casino is open seven days a week for non-stop fun and excitement.
The casino has over 339 gaming machines and 23 tables.
You must be aged 20 years or older to enter the gaming areas at Skycity.

Games to play

Pokie Machines
Free Play
Table Games
VIP Games
Vegas Star Games

Power Winners is an exciting way to WIN Premier Bonus Dollars or instant prizes while playing Gaming Machines at SkyCity Hamilton. From time to time, eligible members can participate in exciting Power Winners’ promotions. Simply play during the promotion times and you could WIN a prize at casino in one of the random prize draws!

SkyCity Hamilton offers a variety of Table Games including the classics Blackjack, Roulette, and Midi Baccarat. There are learning packages where you can learn to play table games at the casino.

SkyCity Hamilton offers a range of Vegas Star games including Baccarat, Roulette, and Sic Bo in the Vegas Star Game area. Vegas Star is the brand name of Fully Automated Table Games machines, where you can play Table Games one-on-one with a dealer on a TV screen via an automated kiosk.

Remember – you must be aged 20 years or older to enter the gaming areas at SkyCity Hamilton.

Premier Rewards

Like Skycity Auckland, Skycity Hamilton also offers Premier Rewards. Membership gives you access to exclusive draws and competitions and great value food and beverage offers at SkyCity Hamilton. Plus, you can earn Premier Points and redeem them for exciting rewards. Simply present your Premier Rewards card when you play Gaming Machines or Table Games at SkyCity Hamilton and when making a purchase at participating SkyCity Hamilton outlets.

Every 100 Premier Points = $1 in value and can be used right across SkyCity.

You can turn your points into play on a Gaming Machine by inserting your Premier Rewards card into the card reader, selecting ‘My Balance’, and entering your pin number. You can then choose how many points to turn into credits. Alternatively, you can turn your points into play for a Table Game by visiting the cashier and asking to turn your points into Bonus Play Chips. For more information contact +64 7 834 4989

5. Skycity Queenstown

Address: 16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown, New Zealand +64 03 441 0400

The excitement of gaming entertainment is alive at Skycity Queenstown Casino. Wrapped up in one magnificent venue you’ll find the world’s most popular casino games, fantastic live entertainment, and great food and bar offerings. It offers over 86 pokies machines. SkyCity Queenstown casino opened on 7 December 2000. In December 2012, SkyCity acquired full ownership of Queenstown Casinos Limited, the venue license holder for SkyCity Queenstown Casino. The Queenstown casino license currently runs until December 2025.

The casino is open from 12 noon until 4 am every day you don’t even need to wait for night. This casino is closed on Christmas day, Good Friday, and from 3 am to 1 pm ANZAC Day.

Your favourite table games include Blackjack, Roulette, Midi Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold’em Poker, as well as 86 gaming machines in an exciting range of games and denominations.

You must be aged 20 years or older to enter SKYCITY Queenstown Casino.

Games to play

Pokie Machines
Table Games
Poker Games

SkyCity offers a variety of Table Games including the classics Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat. Play and learn poker games as well that include Caribbean Stud Poker or Three card poker. Also as said above there are 86 pokies gaming machines to spin and win.

Premier Rewards

Like other Skycity casinos in NZ, Skycity Queenstown also offers players premier rewards. Download the app or register at premierrewards.co.nz for the latest SkyCity offers and casino promotions at your fingertips!

The SkyCity app allows you to access certain information online about your SkyCity Queenstown Premier Rewards account at any time and from anywhere. Here you can keep track of your Premier Points and Premier Bonus Dollars balances, find out what’s on offer at SkyCity Queenstown, and be notified about any exclusive offers for you.

As a Premier Rewards member, you can earn Premier Points, which you can redeem for exciting rewards. You can also enjoy a wide range of exciting benefits such as discounted parking, great value food and beverage offers, entry into exclusive draws and promotions and much more.

You can earn Premier Points and redeem them for an exciting range of rewards right across SkyCity Queenstown. Premier Points are valid for 6 months from the dates of accrual. For more information contact 03 441 0400.

6. Skycity Wharf Casino

Address : 88 Beach Street, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand. +64 3 441 1495

In June 2013, SkyCity acquired Otago Casinos Limited from Lasseters (NZ) Limited. Otago Casinos Limited holds the casino venue license for the rebranded SkyCity Wharf Casino. It opened for business as SkyCity Wharf Casino in June 2013. The Wharf casino license currently runs until September 2024.

Games to play

Pokie Machines
Table Games
Poker Games

This casino is in Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand and is open daily 11 am-3 am. The casino’s gaming space features seventy-four gaming machines and seven table and poker games.

This boutique casino may be small, but it has a large helping of fun.

They have classic and popular table games from around the world as well as pokies.

With their table limits as low as $2 NZ, it doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny to join!

Premier Rewards

Skycity Wharf casino also offers players premier rewards. Simply present your Premier Rewards card every time you visit SkyCity Queenstown! Earn 1 Premier Point for every $1 you spend.

The top New Zealand casinos are all fully licensed and regulated by reputable gaming authorities, use software by the world’s leading developers and undergo auditing by major independent agencies such as eCogra.

What to look for before visiting a casino in New Zealand?

What to look for before playing a real casino game in New Zealand — What to look for before visiting a casino in New Zealand

1. License and Registration

When selecting the casino, you should check the license of that NZ casino. A reliable casino should be registered with the local authorities.

2. Promotions

In New Zealand, both land-based and online casinos offer various promotions to attract and retain players. These promotions can include welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses, free spins, cashback offers, and VIP programmes.

When exploring casino promotions, it’s essential to consider factors such as wagering requirements, validity periods, and game restrictions. Look for promotions with reasonable terms and conditions, as these provide a better opportunity to enjoy the benefits and potentially win some cash.

Remember to always gamble responsibly and check the casino’s reputation, licensing, and security measures. Comparing promotions across multiple casinos can help you find the most suitable offers and enhance your gaming experience.

3. Variety of Games

Most of the New Zealand casinos provide a great repository of games that are available to play for gaming enthusiasts. You would find something or the other for your entertainment. The wide range of games that a casino in NZ offers, the better the casino.

4. Cashout Process

At a casino like SkyCity, the cashout process is quite straightforward. Here’s a general outline of how it works:

Exchanging cash for chips: When you first arrive at the casino and want to play, you’ll need to exchange your cash for chips. You can do this at the cashier’s cage, where a casino employee will give you the appropriate chips for the amount of money you provide.
Playing games: Use your chips to play various casino games like blackjack, roulette, or slot machines. When you win, the dealer or the machine will give you additional chips as your winnings.
Cashing out: When you’re ready to leave the casino and cash out your chips, head back to the cashier’s cage. The cashier will count your chips and give you the equivalent amount in cash. If you have a large number of chips, the casino may issue a cheque instead.
TITO system (Ticket-In, Ticket-Out): Some casinos, including SkyCity, use the TITO system for gaming machines and electronic gaming machines. When you’re finished playing, the machine prints a ticket with your remaining balance. You can then take this ticket to the cashier’s cage or a redemption machine to receive your cash.

Remember to bring a valid ID, as the casino may require it for cashing out, especially for larger amounts.

Conclusion:

New Zealand offers a range of exciting casinos for those seeking thrilling gaming experiences. Popular options include Dunedin Casino, Skycity Hamilton, Skycity Auckland, and more. These casinos offer a variety of games such as pokies, roulette, blackjack, and poker. They also provide TAB facilities for lotto games like Keno and Bingo. In addition to the chance to win big, visitors can enjoy drinks, entertainment, and live sports streaming. When choosing a casino in New Zealand, factors to consider include licensing, promotions, game variety, and the cashout process. The country has six operating casinos, including Dunedin Casino, Christchurch Casino, Skycity Auckland, Skycity Hamilton, Skycity Queenstown, and Skycity Wharf Casino.