Top 5 Gaming Lounges In Auckland

Gaming Lounge	Location	Contact	Opening Hours
Gordy’s Bar and Gaming	5 Jack Conway Ave, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104	+64 9 262 0899	Everyday – 9:00 am to 3:00 am
123 Palm Bar	495 Pakuranga Rd, Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2010	+64 9 533 8560	Everyday – 9:00 am to 3:00 am
The Fox, A London Pub	85/87 Customs St W, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand	+64 9 358 2767	Sun to Wed – 11:00 am – 12:00 am Thursday – 11:00 am to 1:00 am Fri & Sat – 11:00 am to 4:00 am
The Way Point	89 Springs Road East Tamaki Dannemora 2013	+64 9 265 1612	10:00 am to 11 pm
Shakespeare Tavern	61 Albert St, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand	+64 9 373 5396	10:00 am to 11 pm

In the heart of Auckland’s vibrant urban landscape, a haven for gamers awaits – gaming lounges.

These entertainment venues, often found in fancy hotels or exclusive clubs, offer a fun combination of video games, pokie machines, live sports on TV, and different gaming tables.

Auckland has emerged as a focal point for these gaming lounges, attracting a diverse community of gaming enthusiasts.

From the bustling city centre to serene suburban corners, this article unveils the top 5 gaming lounges that Auckland proudly hosts.

Let’s journey through these gaming havens that promise memorable experiences.

If you are in Auckland or visiting this area, here are the top 5 Gaming Rooms or Lounges in Auckland to have fun and play games.

Council Policies on Pokies in Auckland

The Auckland Council has revealed its policies regarding gambling classes, including tab venues and pokie venues.

According to them,

• A maximum of 43 TAB venues are allowed in Auckland.
• New TAB venues may not be opened within 50m of certain locations (e.g., schools, places of worship, early childhood education facilities, and marae).
• No authority over TAB facilities in pubs, clubs, or self-service machines.
• “Sinking lid” policy: no new venues are allowed when an existing venue closes.
• There is no increase in the number of machines allowed at existing venues.
• No relocation of existing Class 4 venues.
• Merging of pokie venues allowed only for club-operated venues, with fewer machines in the merged venue.

Top 5 Gaming Lounges in Auckland

1. Gordy’s Bar and Gaming

• Location:  5 Jack Conway Ave, Manukau, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 9-262 0899
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=124971194241364
• Opening Hours: Open hours: 9:00 am to 03:00 am every day.

Gordy’s Bar and Gaming is the best gaming lounge for relaxing with friends and playing games. The bar offers drinks, music, and friendly chat sessions.

Regarding pokies, there are 20 poker machines and over games to enjoy here with a TAB terminal.

Gordy’s Bar and Gaming: A Top Spot

Gordy’s Bar and Gaming is a hot spot in town, offering more than a cold pint and tasty pub food.

With 20 state-of-the-art gaming machines featuring games like Big Red, Lightning Link, Mega Moolah, and Starburst from top-notch manufacturers like Aristocrat, Novomatic, and Konami, it’s a paradise for pokie lovers.

Their gaming portfolio extends with TAB facilities, enabling betting on sports, horses, greyhounds, harness racing, and Lotto and Instant Kiwi.

Keno, the popular lottery game, is another crowd-puller with drawings every few minutes and enticing prizes. Beyond gaming, Gordy’s welcomes patrons to savour beers, wines, spirits, burgers, pizzas, and wings.

The bar’s vibrant atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a fun night out with mates. Whether you’re a fan of pokies, TAB, Keno, or just a hearty meal and drink, Gordy’s has got you covered.

Enjoy Pool games or watch live sports events. When tired, enjoy a wonderful meal and food. For entertainment, they have DJ nights and other fun activities to keep you busy for the rest of the time.

2. 123 Palm Bar

• Location: 495 Pakuranga Rd, Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2010
• Phone: +64 9-533 8560
• Website: www.123bar.co.nz
• Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 03:00 am Everyday

The 123 Palm Bar is a South African-themed gaming lounge that offers 12 pokies, delicious food, refreshing beverages, an atmosphere, and a safe environment to have fun with family and friends.

Unwind and Win at 123 Palm Bar

123 Palm Bar, a bustling entertainment hub, offers drinks, a hearty pub grub, and an array of gaming experiences.

Housing 12 state-of-the-art gaming machines, each armed with a selection of games and progressive jackpots, the bar delivers ample opportunities for those hoping to try their luck.

Games range from the iconic Big Red and Lightning Link to Gold Reef and Plenty O’ Fortune, catering to varied tastes.

At 123 Palm Bar, besides playing pokies, you can also enjoy betting on sports, horse races, and greyhound racing through TAB facilities.

They also have Keno, a lottery game with regular draws and prizes. The bar offers a wide range of drinks and delicious food like burgers, pizzas, and wings, making it the perfect spot for a fun night out.

Their specialty is The Cook on the Rock, where you can enjoy delicious, naturally cooked food for $16.

3. The Fox, A London Pub

• Location: 85/87 Customs St W, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 9-358 2767
• Opening Hours: Sun to Wed – 11:00 am – 12:00 am, Thursday – 11:00 am to 1:00 am, Fri & Sat – 11:00 am to 4:00 am

The Fox is Auckland’s iconic sporting bar and restaurant in the beautiful Viaduct Harbour, in the heart of Auckland City.  

Established in 2002, The Fox thrived on the Viaduct and has a long-standing, well-deserved reputation as the best place to watch sports in New Zealand.

The Fox, A London Pub, is in the heart of Auckland, on the corner of Queen Street and Victoria Street. The bar is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

All the major international and New Zealand sports are streamed live on the 9 large TV screens.

The bar has a 24/7 license, so it is a good choice when significant international events are being played in the middle of the night in New Zealand. The bar includes 11 tap beers, two pool tables, and a private gaming lounge.

The Perfect Blend of Brews and Games

The Fox, A London Pub, is a destination for friends seeking fun, food, and an enticing gaming experience.

The venue has 15 state-of-the-art gaming machines from Aristocrat, all hosting games like Big Red, Lightning Link, Buffalo, Gold Reef, and Plenty O’ Fortune.

Players also get the opportunity to try their luck with progressive jackpots available on all games.

The establishment provides a complete betting experience with TAB sports, horse, and greyhound racing facilities. Keno, the fan-favourite lottery game, runs its drawings every few minutes and promises gratifying prizes.

Beyond the gaming scene, The Fox, A London Pub, offers patrons a comprehensive bar service featuring many beers, wines, and spirits and a food menu serving mouthwatering pub favourites like burgers, pizzas, and wings.

4. The Way Point

• Location: 89 Springs Road East Tamaki Dannemora 2013
• Phone: +64 9 265 1612
• Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 11 pm

The Waypoint bar is another popular destination for those seeking the best pokies, leisure, delectable food and drink, and the best gaming lounge in Auckland, where you can taste delicious food and refreshing beverages.

You can relax with wine over lunch or dinner or pop in for social after-work drinks to unwind for the day. Sports fans can enjoy Sky Sports events LIVE on the Big Screen.

There are 10 flat-screen TVs to watch live sports and games. Also, pool table games are available for casual players, and gaming and TAB facilities are for those who wish to try their luck with pokies.

You can enjoy nightclub music and dance with your friends or family.

A Hub for Entertainment and Gaming Machines

The gaming arena features 10 top-notch gaming machines complemented by TAB and Keno facilities, providing entertainment options for patrons. The Waypoint boasts a function room, ideal for hosting private events such as parties or corporate gatherings.

With 10 Aristocrat poker machines, The Waypoint promises all patrons a captivating gaming experience. The pokies feature popular games, engaging players alike.

Pokies machines at The Waypoint Auckland:

• Big Red
• Lightning Link
• Buffalo
• Gold Reef
• Plenty O’ Fortune

5. Shakespeare Tavern

• Location:  61 Albert St, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 9-373 5396
• Website: www.shakespeare.nz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShakespeareNZ/
• Opening Hours: From 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and from noon to midnight Sunday.

Located centrally in Auckland’s CBD, Shakespeare Tavern is an English-style bar that doubles as a 10-room hotel. The 120-year-old bar has several large-screen TVs, a gaming lounge, and a restaurant with an outdoor decking area.

The Shakespeare Brewery has been renowned over the decades for giving New Zealand its iconic craft beer brand.

The beer is LIVE here, which means they don’t flash pasteurize or filter beer, and you can taste all the luscious flavours of malts.

The Shakespeare’s main bar, located level to Albert Street and Wyndham Street, is a place to relax and unwind. Eight beers, some brewed in-house, are on tap, and a fantastic selection of New Zealand wine and spirits is available for refreshment.

There are 16 pokies at Shakespeare Tavern:

• Big Red
• Buffalo
• Cleopatra
• Da Vinci Diamonds
• Golden Goddess
• Hot Shot Progressive
• Jackpot Party
• King Cashalot
• Lucky Links
• Mega Moolah
• Piggy Riches
• Quick Hit Platinum
• Red, White, & Blue Diamond
• Ruby Slippers
• Serenity
• Starburst
• Wheel of Fortune

Shakespeare Tavern does not offer TAB betting.

Shakespeare Tavern is a place to enjoy a night of gaming and entertainment.

The restaurant here caters to all with mouth-watering burgers, deliciously fresh salads, and tender steaks with all your old favourites.

Rules of Gaming Lounge in Auckland

Every place has certain rules, and it’s essential to follow them to ensure safety and a fun-filled environment for everyone involved.

Maintaining and following rules prevent us from causing any harm to people or property, even unintentionally.

Similarly, gaming lounges in Auckland also have some rules that contribute to a welcoming and secure atmosphere for everyone.

Here are some general rules for Gaming Lounges in Auckland.

• Dress Code: You should dress decently and try not to wear anything that is offensive.
• ID Proof: Always carry a valid identity proof before entering any gaming lounge. It is required for both entry and other purchases.
• Age Restriction: The permissible age to enter and access any gaming lounge is 18+.
• No Outside Food/Drink: Only food and beverages purchased on-site are allowed.
• No Smoking: Some gaming lounges prohibit smoking. However, some have designated smoking areas as well.
• Conduct: Respectful behaviour is expected; no abusive language or actions.
• Gaming Limits: Adhere to set betting and time limits; responsible gaming is encouraged.
• Mobile Phones: Phones aren’t prohibited, but their usage at gaming tables is restricted, and no calls can be made while playing at a gaming table.
• COVID-19 Protocols: Comply with any health and safety guidelines in place.

24-Hour Gaming Lounges In Auckland

Pixel Gaming Lounge

• Location: Shop 4, 342 Great North Road, Henderson, Auckland
• Phone: 09-838-1230
• Operating Hours: Open Monday to Sunday

Pixel Gaming Lounge boasts a strong community, with over 1,000 members relishing their extensive gaming portfolio. An enticing selection of food and drink ensures patrons are fueled for long gaming sessions.

Notably, the lounge frequently hosts tournaments for fan-favorite games like Fortnite, League of Legends, CS: GO, DOTA2, and Valorant. Players engage themselves in the latest titles using:

• LG 27″ 240Hz monitors
• ASUS Strix video cards
• Overclocked Ryzen 2600X CPUs
• Corsair T2 Road Warrior seating for optimum comfort.

Shakespeare Hotel & Brewery

• Location: 61 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
• Phone: 09 373 5396
• Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday Till 9 am

The Shakespeare Hotel is special because of its old-style design, made of brick from Melbourne. It’s in a spot close to cool places like The Sky City Casino, Britomart Centre, and the Viaduct area. Being near the waterfront and shopping areas in Auckland CBD is good.

At The Shakespeare Hotel Auckland, you can have fun in the gaming area. There are 18 poker machines and a TAB terminal for betting. It’s a comfy and friendly place to visit in Auckland City.

The Cav Gastropub

• Location: 68 College Hill, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
• Phone: 09 -376 4230
• Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday Till 1 am

The Cav is a fancy pub in Ponsonby that has existed since 1866. It used to be called Suffolk Hotel in Deadwood, the old name for Ponsonby. Campbell and Ehrenfried mainly managed it until 1972, when they sold most of their pubs to Lion Breweries.

This place also has a cool gaming lounge with eight of the best poker machines. It’s a favourite spot for pokies gaming in Ponsonby, Auckland CBD, with machines from IGT and Aristocrat that Kiwis enjoy playing.

SKYCITY Casino Auckland

• Location: 72 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
• Phone: 09 363 6000
• Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday for 24 hours

Whatever game you’re into, there’s a good chance it’s being played now at SkyCity Auckland Casino. They offer levels with over 2,100 Gaming Machines and 150 Table Games.

This is just a reminder that you need to be 20 years or older to access the Gaming areas at SkyCity Auckland.

QF Tavern Auckland

• Location: Level1/16 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
• Phone: 09 302 0228
• Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday till 4 am

This place in the middle of Auckland city is one of the coolest spots for playing pokies. They’ve got 18 of the latest and most loved pokie machines from IGT and Aristocrat.

Inside, there’s a big screen for popular sports matches and four other TVs with sound for other games. The blackboard outside lists the matches. And when big sports events are on, they have special deals on drinks.

If you’re coming by bus or taxi, there’s a stop outside, and Britomart is close. And if you’re driving, you can park on the street.

Other notable mentions include:

• Oceans Bar & Gaming Lounge: Known for its coastal-themed interiors and a mix of classic and modern gaming titles.
• Coyote Bar and Gaming Lounge: This vibrant venue features live music on select nights, enhancing the gaming ambience.
• Mercury Bar and Gaming Lounge: Popular for its spacious layout and exclusive membership deals.
• M’m Lounge VR gaming lounge: Standing out from the crowd, M’m Lounge exclusively offers a virtual reality gaming experience, a must-visit for tech lovers.

Is Playing Pokies at Gaming Lounges Legal?

In New Zealand, gambling on gaming machines in places such as pubs, hotels, and clubs is classified as Class 4 gambling.

While this classification does not encompass casinos, it’s entirely legal for Kiwis to engage in pokies at these gaming lounges.

Understanding Class 4 Gambling:

• Purpose: Class 4 gambling operates not-for-profit, aiming to generate revenue that gets returned to communities through contestable grant processes.
• Operation: The venues hosting these machines are managed by venue operators, with a designated person, the venue manager, overseeing the gaming machine operation.
• Revenue Management: Gaming lounges must keep the proceeds from gaming machines separate from other funds. These machines are electronically monitored to track the money input. After dispensing prizes, the remaining amount is sent to the society’s bank account and distributed to the community.
• Commission: Gaming lounges receive up to 1.28 percent of their weekly turnover as commission, capped at 16 percent of their yearly net gaming machine profits. The commission rate ensures that while the actual costs of operating Class 4 gambling are covered, pubs and bars don’t profit from gaming machine operations.

Gambling Classifications under the Gambling Act 2003:

• Classes 1 & 2 involve smaller money amounts, like office sweepstakes.
• Class 3: This includes bingo and larger raffles, requiring a license from the Department.
• Class 4: Pertains to non-casino electronic gaming machines in pubs, clubs, or gaming lounges.

Pokie Machine Limits: The permissible number of pokie machines in gaming lounges depends on when the venue’s license was granted:

• Before October 2001: A maximum of 18 machines.
• After October 2001: A maximum of nine machines.

Many gaming lounges opt to host pokie machines, providing customers with a diverse entertainment range within their premises.

In New Zealand, individuals have plenty of legal gambling options, including:

• Casino gambling
• Electronic gaming machines
• Lotto and Instant Kiwi (scratch tickets)
• Track betting (for horse and dog races)
• Sports betting
• Keno
• Housie (bingo)
• Internet gambling
• Telephone gambling

This diverse array ensures that there’s something for everyone, catering to preferences and levels of risk tolerance.

Click here to locate other games’ lounges or rooms in Auckland.

Our Verdict

Auckland’s gaming lounges offer a captivating blend of entertainment, from pokies and gaming tables to live sports and vibrant social atmospheres.

These venues have become integral to the city’s culture, attracting a diverse range of gaming enthusiasts seeking experiences.

Each lounge offers unique charm, from the relaxed ambience of Gordy’s Bar and Gaming to the South African-inspired 123 Palm Bar.

The Fox, A London Pub, is a testament to sports fervour, while The Way Point caters to those seeking a complete entertainment package.

With its rich history and craft beer, Shakespeare Tavern adds a distinctive touch. Whether you’re a pokies enthusiast, a sports lover, or simply looking for a fun night, Auckland’s gaming lounges have you covered, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Auckland’s entertainment scene.

FAQs

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