Last October, I visited Christchurch Casino for the first time. Located in the CBD, it’s easy to spot with its unique dome design that’s been part of the city since 1994. The casino spans 43,998 square feet, about the size of 10 basketball courts, and includes three restaurants and two bars spread across both levels.
I spent a couple of evenings there and want to share my experience. As someone who has visited other New Zealand casinos like SkyCity Auckland, I found this one different – smaller but more welcoming. At 450+ gaming machines and various table games, it offers plenty of options for both new and experienced players.
Christchurch Casino is smaller than SkyCity Auckland but bigger than most entertainment venues in Christchurch.
What surprised me was how easy it was to get around. The layout is simple, with gaming across two floors. Even as someone new to the casino, I could find everything easily. The staff helped whenever I had questions, which was great since English isn’t my first language.
In this review
Not only are you drawn towards the games, but you also enjoy the sports bar with live action from around the world and live bands every weekend, with the casino open from 11 am to 3 am in line with the other establishments around the country.
Christchurch also hosts the New Zealand Poker Championships.
Christchurch Casino Review
My experience
The entrance, an architectural space featuring a glass ceiling, a decorative clock surrounded by floral arrangements, and an open elevator shaft, framed by elegant railings and modern design elements.
I found the casino smaller than SkyCity Auckland but more welcoming. The staff were friendly. The gaming machines don’t accept $50 notes, so bring smaller bills. I joined Players Club and got good signup bonuses. The parking was convenient with plenty of spaces.
Pokies and tables available
Gaming options at Christchurch Casino.
Gaming Machine Selection:
- 450+ poker machines available
- Spread across two floors
- Betting range: 1 cent to $2
- TiTo system for easy payouts
- Smaller than SkyCity Auckland’s 2,100 machines
- Mix of classic and modern games
Table Games Available:
Blackjack:
- Multiple tables on main floor
- Uses 4-8 decks of cards
- Standard blackjack rules
- Dealer exchanges cash for chips
- Notable: Blackjack Plus $5 pays 3 to 2
Roulette:
- Two variations offered:
- Single zero (European)
- Double zero (American)
- Electronic Rapid Roulette available
- Accepts cash and machine tickets
- Multiple betting options
Baccarat:
- Midi Baccarat tables
- Two playing styles offered:
- Squeeze (players handle cards)
- Non-squeeze (dealer handles)
- Suitable for various budgets
Poker Room:
- Opens 6 PM Wednesday to Sunday
- Game types:
- Three Card Poker
- Caribbean Stud Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Cash games with varying buy-ins:
- $1/$3 Hold’em ($100-$400)
- $2/$5 Hold’em ($150-$600)
- $1/$2 Omaha ($100-$400)
- $5/$5 Omaha ($300-$1000)
Personal Experience:
- Tables well-maintained
- Professional dealers
- Clear game instructions
- Reasonable minimum bets
- Good mix of game options
- Busy evenings, quieter afternoons
Note: All information is based on my physical visit – this is not an online casino.
Costs and requirements
- Must be 20+ years old
- Valid ID required (passport or NZ driver’s license accepted)
- Gaming machine denominations: 1 cent to $2
- Blackjack minimum bets vary
- Poker cash games from $1/$3 to $5/$5
Gaming options
- Digital versions of roulette and baccarat available
- Over 450 gaming machines (pokies)
- Multiple table games including Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat
- Poker room open Wednesday to Sunday from 6PM
- One TAB facility on second floor
1. Pokies you’ll find at the casino
Gaming experience at Christchurch Casino
During my visit, I explored the casino’s gaming options across both floors. Here’s my detailed breakdown of what I found:
Pokies (Gaming Machines):
- Total machines: 450+
- Betting range: 1 cent to $2
- Location: Split between two floors
- First floor: Valley area near The Café
- Second floor: Gallery and Privé areas
- Modern machines with multi-line options
- TiTo system (Ticket in, Ticket out) for easier use
My Experience with Machines:
- Easy to understand systems
- Quick payouts with ticket system
- Good spacing between machines
- Comfortable seating
- Clear screen displays
- Note: Machines don’t accept $50 notes
Table Games:
- Advance booking available
- Professional dealers at each table
- Options include:
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Learning sessions available with dealers
- Tournament options offered
Personal Observations:
- Less crowded than other NZ casinos
- Good machine maintenance
- Helpful staff at machines
- Clear gaming instructions
- Regular cleaning noticed
Tips from My Visit:
- Break large notes before playing as machines don’t accept $50 notes
- Try machines on both floors
- Ask dealers about game rules
- Book tables in advance if learning
- Keep tickets safe for cashing out
Found the gaming setup more relaxed than Auckland or Hamilton casinos, with good options for both new and experienced players. The ticket system makes playing and cashing out straightforward, though remember to bring smaller bills.
Facilities
- Three dining venues: The Café, Monza Sports Bar, Skylark Bar & Lounge
- Smoking area located upstairs
- Players Club desk on main floor
- VIP area (Club Aspinall) by invitation only
- Happy Hour: 5-7PM
Food and Drinks at Christchurch Casino
During my visit, I explored all the dining and bar options. Here’s what I found:
Three Main Venues:
- The Café
- Quick meals and snacks
- Casual dining atmosphere
- Good for short breaks
- Regular menu updates
- Monza Sports Bar
- Sports screens throughout
- Bar food menu
- Casual atmosphere
- Good for watching games
- Happy Hour: 5-7 pm daily
- Skylark Bar & Lounge
- More upscale setting
- Full drink menu
- Quieter atmosphere
- Good for relaxing
My Food Experience:
- Reasonable prices
- Quick service
- Standard casino portions
- Multiple menu options
- Regular specials available
Dining Tips:
- Happy Hour deals worth checking
- Players Club points can be used for food
- The Café is good for quick meals
- Monza best for sports viewing
- Skylark quieter for conversation
Opening Hours:
- Match casino hours
- Kitchen closes earlier than bars
- Check times for specific venues
Price Range:
- Bar drinks: Similar to city prices
- Meals: Mid-range
- Snacks: Reasonable options
- Can use gaming points for payment
Overall, the food and drink options are sufficient for a casino this size. Not exceptional but serves the purpose for gaming breaks and casual dining.
Customer service and my interactions with staff
- Professional and helpful at entry
- Clear explanations of rules
- Quick response at gaming machines
- Friendly service at restaurants
- Efficient cashier service
At the casino, you will find the Customer Service team at the Players Club desk on the main floor, that will help you find your way around, answer any questions you might have, and let you know about the latest promotions, events, and to
tell you where you can find your favourite gaming machine.
As a casino member, you can use your card to earn points by playing the pokie machine and redeem those points for additional Casino Free Play.
Bonus and promotions
Trotting Cup at Christchurch Casino
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC) offers some of the country’s most prestigious harness racing, including the Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup and the Show Day Races.
With core values such as excellence, innovation, and integrity, the NZMTC is a force within the racing industry.
The New Zealand Trotting Cup, or the New Zealand Pacing Cup, is a Group One (G1) harness race held annually by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club at Addington Raceway in Christchurch, New Zealand.
It is generally considered the country’s most prestigious harness racing event.
The New Zealand Trotting Cup is considered Canterbury’s biggest day on its social calendar—many flock to Addington for the glitz and glamour of the event rather than the horse racing.
The race is held during Show Week on the second Tuesday in November, three days before the Show Day public holiday. Click here to learn more about this event at Christchurch Casino.
Casino Gold Card
Membership Levels
- Bronze: Basic level
- Silver: Earn 4,000 base points in 6 months
- Gold: Earn 10,000 base points in 6 months
- Each level offers increasing benefits
The Christchurch Casino Gold Card is a player’s card with a gold membership. There are five tiers of membership, starting from Bronze to Black.
As a player club member, you can earn and redeem points on gaming and food or beverages.
Also, Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee (from the drinks stations), and soft drinks while gaming. Gold Band Taxis offers a 15% discount on fares to and from Christchurch Casino upon presentation of your membership card.
The casino gold membership can be earned when you earn 10,000 points or more from gaming play in 6 months to qualify at the casino floor playing gaming machines.
Receive a 20% return on food & beverage cash purchases, i.e. spend $10 and earn 200 Points = $2 Gold Members earn dining offers from gaming promotions and exclusive Gold Member promotions and invites to events and redeem free car parking at customer kiosk.
Click here to apply for a gold card.
Lucky Draws and promotions
It seems like there is always a promotion going on at Christchurch Casino. Free to enter Fridays and Wednesdays jackpotting Cash draws allow visitors to win money and other prizes.
Winning hand table draws allow players to win a Vespa.
There are plenty of tournaments, half-priced pizza on Tuesdays, Mix and Mingle Singles events, and much more. The casino sends out emails to inform people of their promotions.
By registering as a new member, you could win an extra coupon for a lucky draw, a free car park, a $5 chip, a $5 voucher, and a playing card as a gift.
You can enjoy value-priced dining in The Grand Café with mains from $18 and discounted pricing for Players Club Members, great pizzas and tasty BBQ ribs or a buffet and a selection of craft beers in Monza Sports Bar and authentic Cantonese cuisine in Chi Kitchen, where you can have simply delicious local and international cuisine at great value prices.
Whether you’re visiting for a coffee, sipping cocktails, or prefer to dance the night away to live music in the Valley Bar or to relax and watch the sporting action in Monza Sports Bar on the flat-screen TVs and 208″ LCD wall in high definition picture.
Contact Sixty6 on Peterborough for the perfect place to host your following function. Add crazy cash promotions and fun events.
Also, check out how you can earn a free daily parking spot. Parking is NZ $3 per hour up to a maximum of NZ $12 per day. Contact Darren Henderson for permanent parking inquiries at (03) 372 8892.
Club Aspinall at Christchurch Casino
The VIP gaming area located on the upper floor. Here’s what I found out:
Gaming Options:
- High-limit baccarat tables
- Exclusive blackjack games
- Single zero roulette
- Selected slot machines
- Additional machines in Privé room
- Private dining room and bar
While I didn’t access Club Aspinall myself, I observed the separate entrance and professional security presence. The area maintains privacy for VIP guests while integrating smoothly with the main casino operations.
Hours of operation and dress code
Operating Hours:
- Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Open daily
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 12 PM – 2 AM
It is closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and from 3 am – 1 pm on ANZAC Day. As for the dress code, a smart, neat standard of presentation is always required.
Tips from experience
- Join Players Club immediately for benefits
- Break large notes before playing machines
- Visit during weekdays for quieter atmosphere
- Park at Peterborough Street for 1-hour free parking
- Check dress code – no caps or steel-capped boots allowed
Location and access
Easy to find with distinctive dome architecture
- Located in Christchurch CBD
- Two parking options: Peterborough Street and Victoria Street
- Free parking for Players Club members during casino hours
- Easy to find with distinctive dome architecture
30 Victoria Street, City Centre
P. O. Box 4141, Christchurch 8140
Telephone: 64 3 365 9999
Fax: 64 3 366 8888
Takeaways and recommendations
- Good for casual gaming and beginners
- Clean and well-maintained facility
- Strong poker offering with regular tournaments
- Reasonable table game minimums
- Consider weekday visits to avoid crowds
- Join Players Club for parking benefits
- Bring proper ID and follow dress code
- Break large notes before arriving
- Check website for current promotions
- Good for 3-4 hours of entertainment
Would recommend for casual players and those new to casino gaming. Not as large as other NZ casinos but offers good variety and friendly atmosphere.
FAQs
What payment methods can be used?
Cash accepted
Players Club points can be used
Can combine points and cash for purchases
Ticket system for machine gaming
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