If you are looking for a place to enjoy world-class casino games, live entertainment, delicious dining, and a vibrant atmosphere, look no further than Christchurch Casino. This is the first and one of the most popular casinos in New Zealand, offering a variety of options for both locals and tourists. In this article, we will give you an overview of what you can expect from Christchurch Casino, and why it is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves gaming and fun.
What is Christchurch Casino?
Christchurch Casino is a premier gaming and entertainment venue located in the heart of Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. It was established in 1994 as the first casino in the country, and has since grown to become a leading attraction for both domestic and international visitors. The casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and features over 450 slot machines, 32 table games, a poker room, a VIP gaming club, three restaurants and bars, a sports bar with a giant screen, and a live music venue. The casino also hosts regular events, promotions, giveaways, and tournaments for its guests.
The History of Christchurch Casino
Christchurch Casino is not only a popular gaming and entertainment venue, but also a historic landmark in the city. The casino was the first of its kind in New Zealand, and has witnessed many changes and challenges over the years. Here is a brief overview of the history of Christchurch Casino:
1994: Christchurch Casino opened its doors on 4 November 1994, after receiving the first casino license in the country. The casino was owned by a consortium of local and overseas investors, including Aspinall (NZ) Limited, Skyline Enterprises, Southern Equities Limited, and Queenstown Tourist Co Limited. The casino was designed by the renowned architects Warren and Mahoney, and featured a modern and elegant style. The casino offered 500 slot machines, 34 table games, three restaurants and bars, and a live music venue. The casino also hosted the first New Zealand Poker Championships in 1994.
2004: SkyCity Entertainment Group, a leading gaming and entertainment company in New Zealand and Australia, acquired a 40.5% stake in Christchurch Casino NZ from Aspinall (NZ) Limited for NZ$93.75 million. The deal was approved by the Casino Control Authority and the Commerce Commission, despite some opposition from Skyline Enterprises, which held a 41% stake in the casino. SkyCity Entertainment Group aimed to expand its presence in the New Zealand casino market and leverage its expertise and resources to enhance the performance of Christchurch Casino.
2010: Christchurch Casino faced a major challenge when a series of devastating earthquakes struck the city in 2010 and 2011. The casino suffered some damage and had to close temporarily for repairs and safety checks. The casino also experienced a decline in visitors and revenue due to the impact of the earthquakes on the city’s infrastructure, tourism, and economy. The casino supported the recovery efforts by donating funds and resources to various charities and causes, as well as hosting fundraising events and activities.
2012: SkyCity Entertainment Group sold its 40.5% stake in Christchurch Casino NZ to Skyline Enterprises for $80 million, and bought Skyline’s 40% stake in Skycity Queenstown for $5 million. The deal resulted in Skyline Enterprises becoming the major owner of Christchurch Casino NZ with an 81% stake, while Southern Equities Limited and Queenstown Tourist Co Limited retained their 9.5% stakes each. The deal also allowed SkyCity Entertainment Group to focus on its core assets and growth opportunities in Auckland, Hamilton, Adelaide, Darwin, and Queenstown.
2016: Christchurch Casino announced its plans to build a 200-room hotel on its site as part of its redevelopment project. The hotel was expected to cost $85 million and take two years to complete. The hotel was designed to cater to both domestic and international guests, especially those from Asia, who were looking for quality accommodation near the casino and the city center. The hotel was also expected to boost the casino’s gaming revenue and attract more visitors to Christchurch.
2023: Christchurch Casino celebrated its 29th anniversary as one of the leading gaming and entertainment venues in New Zealand. The casino continued to offer a range of games, dining options, live entertainment, events, promotions, and giveaways for its guests. The casino also completed its renovation project, which included a new cocktail bar called Skylark Bar & Lounge, a refurbished poker room, and upgraded slot machines and table games. The casino also opened its new hotel, which added more value and convenience to its guests.
What are the games available at Christchurch Casino?
Christchurch Casino offers a wide range of games for all levels of skill and preference. Whether you prefer classic table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, or poker, or modern slot machines with exciting themes and features, you will find something to suit your taste at the casino. Here are some of the games you can enjoy at Christchurch Casino:
- Table Games: The casino has 32 tables offering various games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Caribbean stud poker, money wheel, tai sai, and ultimate Texas hold’em. You can also try your luck at the electronic roulette terminals or the rapid fusion terminal. The table games are located on the main gaming floor and the VIP gaming club.
- Slot Machines: The casino has over 450 slot machines ranging from 1c to $2 denominations. You can choose from a variety of themes and features such as progressive jackpots, free spins, bonus rounds, multipliers, wilds, scatters, and more. Some of the popular titles include Lightning Link, Dragon Link, Lock It Link, Dancing Drums, Buffalo Gold, Wheel of Fortune, and Game of Thrones. The slot machines are located on the main gaming floor and the VIP gaming club.
- Poker: The casino has a dedicated poker room that hosts cash games and tournaments every day. You can play Texas hold’em or Omaha with different stakes and blinds. The poker room also offers a bad beat jackpot that pays out when a player loses with a very strong hand. The poker room is located on the main gaming floor.
- VIP Gaming: The casino has an exclusive VIP gaming club called Club Aspinall that caters to high rollers and members. The club offers a private and luxurious environment with personalized service and access to premium games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, slot machines, and electronic roulette. The club also has its own bar and lounge area where guests can relax and enjoy complimentary food and beverages. The club is located on the top-level floor of the casino.
What are the dining and entertainment options at Christchurch Casino?
Christchurch Casino NZ is not only a place to play games but also a place to have fun and socialize. The casino has three restaurants and bars that offer a range of cuisines and drinks for all occasions. You can also enjoy live entertainment such as music, comedy, sports, and events at the casino. Here are some of the dining and entertainment options you can find at Christchurch Casino NZ:
- The Grand Café: This is the main restaurant of the casino that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. The menu features international dishes such as burgers, pizzas, salads, steaks, seafood, curries, noodles, desserts, and more. You can also enjoy daily specials such as roast dinners on Sundays or seafood buffets on Fridays. The Grand Café is located on the ground floor of the casino.
- Chi Kitchen: This is an Asian fusion restaurant that offers authentic flavors from China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. The menu includes dim sums, sushi, sashimi, noodles, rice dishes, stir-fries, curries, and more. You can also order from a selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and mocktails to complement your meal. Chi Kitchen is located on the main gaming floor of the casino.
- Skylark Bar & Lounge: This is a new cocktail bar that opened in 2023 as part of the casino’s renovation project. The bar offers a chic and carefree atmosphere with a variety of drinks and snacks. You can choose from a range of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as nibbles such as cheese boards, charcuterie platters, nachos, and sliders. Skylark Bar & Lounge is located on the main gaming floor of the casino.
- Monza Sports Bar: This is the ultimate destination for sports fans who want to catch the action on the biggest TV screen in Christchurch. The bar shows live sports from around the world, such as rugby, cricket, soccer, basketball, AFL, and more. You can also enjoy a range of drinks and food such as burgers, pizzas, wings, fries, and nachos. Monza Sports Bar is located on the ground floor of the casino.
- Live Music: The casino hosts live music every week on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. You can listen to local and national bands and artists perform various genres such as rock, pop, jazz, blues, and more. You can also dance the night away on the dance floor or relax in the lounge area. The live music venue is located on the ground floor of the casino.
Why should you visit Christchurch Casino?
Christchurch Casino is a one-stop destination for anyone who loves gaming and entertainment. The casino offers a variety of games for all tastes and budgets, as well as a range of dining and entertainment options for all occasions. The casino also provides a safe and responsible gaming environment with a host responsibility programme that ensures guests can enjoy their experience in a healthy way. The casino also supports the local community by sponsoring various events, charities, and causes.
If you are looking for a place to have fun, socialize, and win big in Christchurch, you should definitely visit Christchurch Casino. You will find that there is no better place to be!
How to get to Christchurch Casino?
Christchurch Casino is located at 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City. You can easily get to the casino by car, bus, taxi, or bike. There is also a free shuttle service that runs between the casino and selected hotels in the city. You can find more information about the shuttle service on the casino’s website.
To enter the casino, you must be 20 years or older and present a valid photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license. You must also follow the dress code and house rules of the casino.
Online casinos in New Zealand are becoming more popular and accessible for players in New Zealand, thanks to the advancement of technology and the internet. Online casinos offer a variety of games, bonuses, and payment methods that can suit different preferences and budgets. Online casinos also safe provide convenience, security, and entertainment for players who want to enjoy gambling from the comfort of their homes or on the go. However, not all online casinos are created equal, and players need to be careful and informed when choosing where to play.
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive guide to Christchurch Casino and what it has to offer. If you are ready to experience the thrill of gaming and entertainment in Christchurch, book your visit today and enjoy!
Posted by: Valerii B.
Valerii B. is a passionate gambling aficionado and online gaming expert based in the beautiful country of New Zealand. With a deep-rooted fascination for casino games and sports betting, Valerii has accumulated invaluable years of experience in the ever-evolving iGaming industry. As a renowned contributor to Gamblorium, Valerii draws from his extensive knowledge to provide insightful reviews, in-depth analysis, and compelling articles on the latest trends and events in the world of online gambling.