In New Zealand, both the North and South Islands feature a range of locations where gaming machines are available.
| North Island | South Island |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Canterbury |
| Wellington | Christchurch |
| Hawkes Bay | Waitaki |
| Northland | West Coast |
| Gisborne | Westland District |
| Hamilton | Otago |
| Waikato | Dunedin City |
| Palmerston North City | Queenstown Lakes District |
| Manawatu | Nelson City |
Notably, 18 pokies machines are commonly found in approximately 80% of these venues across the country.
Among these, Auckland stands out as the most popular location on the North Island, while Christchurch holds the top spot on the South Island.
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Pokies Venues in North New Zealand
There are several cities on the North Island where pokies can be played, including Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North City, Waikato, and Hamilton.
- Auckland has 218 pokie venues and 3,195 pokie machines.
- In Wellington, there are 36 pokie venues with 593 pokie machines.
- Palmerston North City has 21 venues with 295 pokie machines.
- The Waikato district has 17 venues with 226 pokie machines.
- Hamilton City has 24 venues with 376 pokie machines.
SkyCity Auckland
SkyCity Casino Auckland, situated at the corner of Victoria and Federal Street in Auckland CBD, is open 24 hours.
According to Google Maps, 2,047 visitors have rated it 4.2 stars.
The casino features a good number of pokies, although some visitors have noted concerns about the payout of these machines.
Inside the casino is a mini food court with limited options, offering selections from three different cuisines. More information can be found at skycityauckland.co.nz.
Hamilton Workingmen’s Club
Hamilton Workingmen’s Club is located at 45 Commerce Street, Frankton, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
The club features 23 pokie machines and offers a range of amenities, including a TAB, sports bar, golf, bowling, fishing, darts, and snooker.
The club also has bars and a bistro, with live music and line-dancing events. Operated by the Hamilton Workingmen’s Club Incorporated, it holds a 4.4-star rating on Google Maps.
The club is closed on Mondays and is open from 10 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The price range for services is between $10 and $20.
| City | Places | Number of Pokies | Google Rating | Contact | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Auckland | SkyCity Auckland | More than 2500 | 4.4 star rating | 09 363 6000 | Live Music, Hotel, Restaurants, Bars, Theatre, Online Pokies |
| The Crown Sports Bar | 18 | 4.2 star rating | 09 815 2112 | TAB Gaming Room | |
| Franklin Club Incorporated | 18 | 4.5 star rating | 09 238 9465 | Upmarket environment, good Food, Darts, Pool, Live Sports | |
| The Zookeeper’s Son | 18 | 4.3 star rating | 09 625 7550 | Many Entertainment Options, Gaming Area | |
| 2. Wellington | Wellington Sports Cafe | 16 | 4.0 star rating | 04 801 5115 | RoofTop Bars, Bistro, Nightlife with Meals and Drinks |
| The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers | 18 | 4.0 star rating | 04 801 1950 | Bar, Bistro, Live Music | |
| 3. Waikato | SkyCity Hamilton | Over 330 | 4.2 star rating | 07 834 4900 | Bars, Bistros, Music, Dance, Nightlife, 23 Table Games |
| Hamilton Workingmen’s Club | 23 | 4.4 star rating | 07 847 6476 | Sports Bar, TAB, Golf, Bowling, Fishing, Darts, Snooker, Live Music | |
| Aleways Hotel | 18 | 4.0 star rating | 07 847 5065 | Bingo, Pools, Live Music, Karaoke | |
| 4. Taranaki | New Plymouth Club | 18 | 4.1 star rating | 06 758 5792 | Sports Bar, Live Music, Pub, Bistro |
| Fitzroy Tavern | 9 | 4.2 star rating | 06 759 2084 | Sports Bar, TAB, Bar, Bistro, Raffles, Live Music | |
| 5. Gisborne | Gisborne Cosmopolitan Club | 18 | 4.3 star rating | 06 867 9719 | Price range – $20 to $30 Bar, Bistro, Live Music |
| The Rivers Restaurant & Bar | 9 | 4.3 star rating | 06 863 3733 | Irish Pub, Bistro, Pool Tables, Live Music, Sports Bar |
Also, find SKYCITY Auckland Casino.
Also read: 2 Bars At Christchurch Casino with Live Sports and Cocktails
Pokie venues in South New Zealand
Compared to the North Island, the South Island of New Zealand has fewer places where you can play the machines.
Christchurch, Canterbury, Dunedin, Nelson City, Queenstown Lakes District, and Waitaki are the main cities with pokie venues.
- Christchurch has the most, with 79 venues and 1,281 pokie machines.
- In Waitaki, there are 11 venues with 108 machines.
- Dunedin has 27 venues with 384 machines.
- Nelson City offers 9 venues with 131 pokie machines.
- Queenstown Lakes District has 6 venues with 65 pokie machines.
Grand Dunedin Casino
Grand Casino Dunedin, located at 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, has a 4.1-star rating.
It offers a range of gaming options, including Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, and over 180 electronic gaming machines with denominations ranging from 1 cent to $1.00.
The casino is open daily from noon, except on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
In addition to gaming, the venue features a bar and restaurants that host events and offer a rewards program where players can earn points, enjoy discounts, and draw on food and beverages.
Dunedin Casino occupies the grand and historic Southern Cross Hotel, an architectural gem from the late 19th century.
These machines come in various themes and denominations, offering a diverse gaming experience for players of all preferences and budgets.
Beyond pokies, the casino features traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat.
Visitors can also enjoy dining at the Grand Bar and Café within the casino, which offers a blend of classic and contemporary cuisine.
Christchurch Casino
Christchurch Casino, located at 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, holds a 4.1-star rating on Google Maps.
Open daily from 12 pm to 12 am, the casino features 32 table games, over 450 gaming machines, and three restaurants and bars.
The gaming machines offer denominations from 1 cent to $2 and use the TiTo (Ticket in, Ticket out) system for quicker and easier play.
While enjoying the venue, drinking responsibly is important, as excessive drinking may result in being refused entry. More details can be found on their website at Christchurch Casino.
| City/Region | Place | Number of Pokies | Google Rating | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canterbury | Christchurch Casino | 450+ | 4.1 | 03 365 9999 |
| Horse & Jockey | 18 | 4.2 | 03 260 0698 | |
| Fitz 2 Sports Bar | 18 | 4.5 | 03 261 4167 | |
| Miller Bar & Cafe | 8 | 4.4 | 03 338 9361 | |
| Waitaki District | Boots & Jandals Hotel | 5 | 4.0 | 03 438 9713 |
| Northstar Motels Restaurant And Bar | 16 | 3.9 | 03 437 1190 | |
| Dunedin City | Mitchells Tavern | 18 | 4.5 | 03 487 6932 |
| Rope And Twine | 18 | 4.3 | 03 455 2802 | |
| South Dunedin TAB | 16 | 4.4 | 03 455 3915 | |
| Queenstown-Lakes District | Pub On Wharf | 9 | 4.3 | N/A |
| Woody’s Sports Bar | 3 | 4.1 | 630 422 1930 | |
| Nelson City | Hardys Bar | 18 | 4.1 | 03 546 0060 |
| Post Boy Hotel | 16 | 4.2 | 03 548 3662 |
Also, find Dunedin’s Hidden Gambling Gems: Where Locals Play Pokies.
Read also about Auckland City Pokies.
Changes and developments in gaming
The pokies gaming scene in New Zealand is far from static; it’s a dynamic and evolving landscape influenced by various factors, including regulatory changes, shifts in consumer behaviour, and economic conditions.
This section will delve into some notable changes and developments that have shaped the pokies gaming scene, including recent closures and new openings in both the North and South Islands.
Dynamic nature of NZ Gaming
Regulatory Changes: The New Zealand government regularly reviews and updates gambling regulations to ensure responsible gambling and protect consumers.
Regulation changes: The NZ government updates gambling regulations to ensure responsible gambling and protect consumers, which may impact venues.
The New Zealand government regularly reviews and updates gambling regulations to ensure responsible gambling and protect consumers.
Regulatory changes can impact pokies venues’ availability, operation, and advertising. The New Zealand government regularly reviews and updates gambling regulations to ensure responsible gambling and protect consumers.
Regulatory changes can impact pokies venues’ availability, operation, and advertising. The NZ government updates gambling regulations to ensure responsible gambling and protect consumers, which may impact gaming venues.
The New Zealand government regularly reviews and updates gambling regulations to ensure responsible gambling and protect consumers.
Regulation changes can impact pokies venues’ availability, operation, and advertising. The New Zealand government regularly reviews and updates gambling regulations to ensure responsible gambling and protect consumers.
Regulation changes can impact pokies venues’ availability, operation, and advertising.
Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences in entertainment and gaming are continually evolving. Venues adapt by introducing new games, technologies, and amenities to cater to changing tastes.
Economic Factors: Economic conditions can influence the gaming industry. Economic downturns may affect patronage, while economic growth can increase investment in gaming facilities.
Recent closures and new openings
Closures: It’s important to note that the pokies gaming scene has seen some closures in recent years. These closures may be due to various reasons, including changing market dynamics and regulatory pressures.
For example, as mentioned earlier, Lasseters Wharf Casino in Queenstown, South Island, closed its doors in 2013.
New Openings: The gaming industry in New Zealand is not limited to traditional casinos; smaller gaming venues, clubs, and pubs offer poker machines.
Demand and local regulations influence opening new venues or expanding existing ones.
New openings may occur in response to consumer demand shifts or regional demographics.
It’s worth noting that the gaming industry is closely monitored and regulated in New Zealand to ensure the integrity of operations and the protection of consumers.
Responsible gambling initiatives and problem gambling support services are also essential components of the industry.
Read also: Gaming Lounges in Auckland
Editor’s Verdict
New Zealand has two main islands: North Island and South Island.
Additionally, there are several smaller islands, including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands.
In total, New Zealand has 1,028 class 4 gambling venues with 14,503 pokies machines spread across the country.
Despite the significant amount of money lost each year on pokies, many Kiwis enthusiastically continue to visit these venues.
The North and South Islands offer numerous venues, some particularly popular. As you explore these options, it’s important to play responsibly and be mindful of the risks of addiction.
You can check out SkyCity’s places in Hamilton, Auckland and Queenstown.
Stay informed and gamble responsibly.
Before planning a visit to any pokies venue, it’s essential to check the latest information regarding operating hours, available games, and any specific health and safety measures in place, especially considering the potential impact of unforeseen events such as pandemics.
Moreover, responsible gambling practices are of paramount importance. Always gamble within your means and set limits to ensure that gaming remains an enjoyable form of entertainment.
Enjoy your gaming adventures responsibly, and may the odds ever be in your favour.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is sourced from PGF.nz and is intended for informational purposes only. Gambling can be addictive and may lead to financial problems. Always play responsibly and be aware of the risks associated with gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, seek help from a professional.
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