Top 6 Most Popular New Zealand Casinos

The fast growth of gambling in the last few years of the last century actually led to the opening of the first casinos in the country. The maiden casino happens to be Christchurch Casino in New Zealand which first started operating in 1994. It enabled local people and visitors to legally bet while having delicious nourishment, local liquor, and other refreshments.

This expanded to NZ horse races and pokies and other table games. Currently, there are six most popular casinos in New Zealand that are described as under!

History of New Zealand Casinos

Land-based casinos in New Zealand as well as in any other country of the world are that places that are designed to look attractive to visitors and are usually located in hotels, discos, restaurants, and cruise ships. Even though not all gambling houses look amazing and expensive, they still give a special appeal and feeling and make millions of people return to those places over again. So do you know the history of land-based casino and how it was established?

Gambling came into the lives of New Zealanders in the 18th century. But initially, it was banned in no time. Unfortunately, we won’t find any thrilling twists and turns in New Zealand brick-and-mortar casino history but it surely had its own twist and turns.

Finally, in 1908 horse racing betting was legalized. And only one century later, in 1994, the first land-based casino was introduced – the Christchurch Casino. After that, there came a time when more and more operators started opening their doors both to locals and international travellers. And luckily, now we have the option to choose from a range of offline casinos that differ in shapes, sizes, bankrolls, and whatnot.

The most popular New Zealand brick-and-mortar casinos

1. SkyCity Auckland – Popular New Zealand Casinos

SkyCity Auckland is considered to be the largest and most amazing casino in New Zealand. It consists of two high-end hotels, one of which earned five stars. Located in the bustling capital of New Zealand it attracts not only the locals but also several tourists coming to New Zealand every year. This is one of the most popular New Zealand casinos.

Features

1. Extensive Gaming Options
2. High-Quality Facilities
3. VIP Gaming Rooms
4. Live Entertainment
5. Fine Dining Options
6. Bars and Nightclubs
7. Sky Tower Observation Deck
8. Accommodation

What makes this casino Special

1. Iconic Sky Tower
2. Comprehensive Entertainment Complex
3. Award-Winning Dining Experiences
4. Luxurious Accommodation Options
5. Exciting Events and Promotions
6. Exceptional Customer Service
7. Responsible Gambling Initiatives
8. Convenient Central Location

This casino not only entertains the guests with its casinos but also offers the convenience of a hotel in which the casino is located. It boasts high-quality rooms, with 1600 slot machines and 700 table games. It is packed with 12 bars and restaurants that can satisfy the whims of any person. It also has two other casinos in Queenstown and Hamilton. Both casinos have excellent hotels with Wi-Fi and an Internet facility for the guest to play slot machines and other favourite games on their mobile devices from the comfort of their room.

2. Skycity Hamilton – best land-based casinos

For the most scenic of all the best casinos in New Zealand, Hamilton SkyCity is the best bet. It faces the gorgeous Waikato River, this is another fantastic offering from the SkyCity group and has all the usual perks like responsible etiquette and education. 

Features

1. Casino Gaming
2. Entertainment Venue
3. Restaurants and Bars
4. Function and Event Spaces

What Makes SkyCity Hamilton Unique

1. Boutique Casino Experience
2. Localized Charm and Atmosphere
3. Focus on Community Engagement
4. Support for Local Businesses and Suppliers

There are 330 gaming machines and 23 table games for the players with a members-only VIP area called Salon 8. You can satiate your palate here at 5 different restaurants – Local Taphouse, Eat Burger, Marble Room Cocktail and whiskey bar, exciting Vue or Number 8 Bars, and Zone Sports Bar.

Here you will find constant events throughout the year from Halloween themes to burlesque shows, UFC matches to pub quizzes. And if you’re still bored, you can play a 9-hole at the world-class golf simulator and relax with your bored kids at the bowling alley that includes VIP lanes!

3. Christchurch Casino

This casino is yet another popular gaming hub, although this casino has been older and has been visited longer by the locals enjoying the entertainment it has in store to offer. Although this casino and hotel do not boast such chic and splendour as SkyCity Auckland, still a well-equipped gaming floor, where visitors are offered great fun, entertainment, and exciting activities is a regular affair.

Features

1. Casino Gaming
2. Restaurants and Bars
3. Function and Event Spaces
4. VIP Gaming Room

What is so Unique about this Casino

1. Historic Setting in a Restored Heritage Building
2. Beautifully Landscaped Gardens
3. Strong Local Community Presence
4. Support for Local Charitable Initiatives

Recently Christchurch Casino has reeled under some problems, but now it is again on its track serving the players with fervour.  It was closed for a couple of months due to the 6.3 earthquake magnitude, which occurred in the city in 2011. With the help of the local community and the casino managers, this casino was restored in May 2011.  Since then it hasn’t looked back. Apart from this, Christchurch Casino also has its casino website where players can visit the casino and play games like classic cards and practice popular pokies for real money or for free also.

4. Dunedin Casino

This casino is a great place of interest for the gambler from across the world. This is one of the most popular New Zealand casinos. This casino is located close to the local attractions of the city Dunedin Otago Museum, the University of Otago, Botanical Garden Dunedin, and Olveston Historic House. This casino runs a casino as well as a sports arena Carisbrook also.

Unique Features

1. Casino Gaming
2. Restaurants and Bars
3. Function and Event Spaces
4. High Tea Experience

What Makes Dunedin Casino Unique

1. Located in a Beautifully Restored Victorian Building
2. Elegantly Themed Interiors
3. Strong Ties to Dunedin’s History and Culture
4. Architectural Beauty and Heritage Value

You can find several shops, cafes, galleries, and bars in the nearby area, most of which are just within walking distance from the hotel. The Dunedin International Airport is 24 km away which makes the place more comfortable for the visitors. This hotel has 50 rooms that are a combination of all types of rooms including the corporate suite; studio; twin room; family suite in addition to the casino hall.

5. Skycity Queenstown Casino

The next is the Queenstown casino which started in 2000 and was the fourth gambling location in New Zealand. It offers eight tables, VIP tables in individual rooms, and 86 video casino games. Here you can also play other titles on offers like blackjack, roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Midi-Baccarat, and others.

Features

1. Casino Gaming
2. Live Entertainment
3. Premium Dining and Bars
4. Spectacular Mountain Views

What Makes SkyCity Queenstown Casino Unique:

1. Stunning Alpine Setting with Remarkable Views
2. Outdoor Terrace for Gaming with a Scenic Backdrop
3. Focus on Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Activities
4. Integration with Queenstown’s Thriving Tourism Industry

As a new player, you get a welcome team, which helps to familiarize you with casino events and games, so you’ll never be left one on one with a diversity of features. You can also find Learn-to-play brochures, which contain information on the rules, requirements, dress code, and even a few important tips. Don’t miss sponsored events, entertainment evenings, and tournaments.

6. Wharf Casino

Located on the same street as the Skycity Queenstown casino, this establishment offers 75 slot machines and table games such as American roulette, blackjack, and mini-baccarat. Wharf Casino also boasts a spectacular lakeside view and is located in the Steamer Wharf complex. This is one of the best casinos in New Zealand where whale watching is also a popular attraction.

Features of Wharf Casino

1. Casino Gaming
2. Waterfront Views
3. Restaurant and Bar
4. Private Gaming Rooms

What Makes Wharf Casino Unique

1. Prime Location on the Waterfront
2. Charming and Intimate Setting
3. Focus on Personalized and Attentive Service
4. Access to Other Attractions and Dining Options in the Vicinity

It to is owned by Skycity bringing its total number of casinos to five. Where ever you go in the country a land-based casino is never far. Just remember that you must play responsibly and be over the age of 21.

Internet Gambling

Online casinos have already spread the access of mobile gaming and the ubiquity of betting in New Zealand due to their easy access and entry and the way that most casinos allow multiple games to access. These online casinos have been in the picture since the land-based gambling of the 1990s was introduced and have transformed into a $20 billion industry across the world today.

Nowadays, the player can play an assortment of classic casino games like baccarat, pokies, blackjack, poker, and roulette from their mobile setting up their own locations all over the globe.  The player can play pokies, wager on games and bet on anything that is legitimate in New Zealand’s land-based casinos.

Startling Facts and Figures

As per estimation, New Zealanders spend more than 2 billion US dollars on gambling online casinos every year. It shows the passion of the people which has now become an important part of the local culture of this country. Most of the population is aware of how to install poker machines on their system and play on their mobile devices nowadays. The average New Zealander spends nearly 41 USD on gambling every week.

No wonder, New Zealand has a widely ramified network of bookmakers with hundreds of offices, taking bets on all sorts of events that include rugby and other sports also. Earlier for some time, the development of gambling with poker machines in New Zealand was not regulated.

But in 2003, the Law on the gaming industry was finally embraced, and it limited the number of casinos to be opened and other types of institutions, taking bets. But now it has become a part and parcel of the people of this country.

Read: 9 Casino Etiquette To Follow

Synopsis

In conclusion, the top six most popular casinos in New Zealand, including SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Hamilton, Christchurch Casino, Dunedin Casino, SkyCity Queenstown, and Wharf Casino, offer a variety of gaming options, entertainment, and unique features. These casinos contribute to the country’s tourism industry and provide visitors with exciting experiences in different locations across New Zealand.

FAQs

1. How expensive it is to visit a land-based casino?

This depends on what you decide to spend inside. There’s no entrance charge on any of our recommendations but you’ll need some money to buy chips if you want to play. There are often on-site dining deals for gamblers, but otherwise, it’s a similar cost to the local area. We suggest setting yourself a limit to avoid landing yourself in any financial issue

2. How old should I be to play in a land-based casino and should I have ID?

New Zealand gambling laws state that you must be a minimum of 20 years old with a valid ID to enter and play in a land-based casino.

3. Will anybody be able to assist me with gaming queries?

The staff working at the casino and in the customer service team are there to answer any of your queries. You can also seek help on games and they can guide you well if you need advice for any type of game.

4. Are there free games I can play?

You can’t play any games for free in a land-based casino, but of course, you can find and play free games at an online casino. If you’re planning to try out a new game, hone your skills, or just have a play around without involving any money, at our top-rated sites you can do just that.

5. Will I need to adhere to a dress code?

Most casinos have a smart-casual dress code, so you don’t have to panic about going in black tie. You’ll not be allowed if you appear in ripped or dirty clothing, flip flops, and usually, you’re not allowed in with hats. You can wear sunglasses only for the poker room.

6. What are the opening hours during Covid-19?

All casinos will update the most important info during Covid-19. Click on the review and you can see opening hours during Covid-19 together with everything else important for you to know.

7. What form of identification is accepted at local casinos?

Most land-based casinos in New Zealand accept ID in the form of a passport, a driver’s license, a Hospitality Association (HANZ) card, or a government ID document, provided that these documents are updated.

8. How do I join a players club at a land-based casino?

The depends on the land-based casino itself. Although, most casinos have a simple method requiring you to show a valid form of ID and then fill out an application form.

9. Will I be taxed for my local casino winnings in New Zealand?

The New Zealand government considers gambling as a recreational activity; therefore you will not be taxed if you are a professional gambler and if your winnings are substantial.