New Zealand is a beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture, stunning natural scenery, and friendly people. But did you know that it also has a thriving gambling scene? Whether you are a local or a visitor, you can enjoy the excitement and thrill of playing at some of the best land-based casinos in New Zealand.
In this article, we will give you an overview of the six land-based casinos in New Zealand, their history, location, games, amenities, and more. We will also share some tips and advice from gambling experts on how to make the most of your casino experience. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what makes New Zealand casinos so special and why you should visit them.
What are Land-Based Casinos?
Land-based casinos are brick-and-mortar gaming venues that offer a variety of games for real money. Unlike online casinos, land-based casinos allow you to interact with other players and dealers, enjoy the atmosphere and ambiance of a casino floor, and experience the thrill of winning in person.
Land-based casinos usually have a range of games to suit different preferences and budgets, such as slot machines, table games, poker rooms, bingo halls, sports betting terminals, and more. Some land-based casinos also offer entertainment programs, such as live shows, concerts, comedy nights, and more. Additionally, land-based casinos often have hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, and other facilities to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
How Many Land-Based Casinos are There in New Zealand?
There are currently six official land-based casinos in New Zealand, situated in the largest five cities. However, the smallest casino, Wharf Casino in Queenstown, is currently closed indefinitely. The five remaining casinos are fully accessible and open 24/7. They are:
- Christchurch Casino
- Dunedin Casino (Grand Casino)
- SkyCity Auckland
- SkyCity Hamilton
- SkyCity Queenstown
Each casino has its own unique features and attractions that make it worth visiting. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Christchurch Casino
Christchurch Casino was the first casino to open in New Zealand in 1994. It is located in the heart of Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. It has a modern and elegant design that reflects the city’s heritage and culture.
Christchurch Casino offers over 500 slot machines and 36 table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and more. It also has a dedicated poker room that hosts regular tournaments and cash games. For sports fans, there is a sports bar with large screens and betting terminals.
Christchurch Casino also has three restaurants and two bars that serve a variety of cuisines and drinks. You can enjoy fine dining at The Grand Café, casual dining at Chi Kitchen or Monza Sports Bar, or grab a snack at Valley Bar. You can also relax and unwind at Mashina Lounge or Sixty6 on Peterborough.
Christchurch Casino is open 24/7 every day except Christmas Day, Good Friday, and ANZAC Day morning. The minimum age to enter is 20 years old.
📍 Address: 30 Victoria Street Christchurch Central City Christchurch 8013 New Zealand 📞 Phone: +64 3-365 9999
Dunedin Casino (Grand Casino)
Dunedin Casino (Grand Casino) is located in the Exchange area of Dunedin, the second-largest city on the South Island. It is housed in the Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel, a historic building that dates back to 1883. It opened in 1999 and has a Victorian-era theme that reflects the city’s history and charm.
Dunedin Casino offers over 180 slot machines and 12 table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and Caribbean stud poker. It also has a VIP room for high rollers who want more privacy and exclusivity. For dining options, there is The Grand Bar & Café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Dunedin Casino is open from 11 am to 3 am every day except Christmas Day, Good Friday, and ANZAC Day morning. The minimum age to enter is 20 years old.
📍 Address: High Street Dunedin Central Dunedin 9016 New Zealand 📞 Phone: +64 3-477 4545
SkyCity Auckland
SkyCity Auckland is the largest and most popular casino in New Zealand. It is part of the Sky Tower complex, a landmark attraction in Auckland, the largest city and the capital of New Zealand. It opened in 1996 and has a modern and sophisticated design that matches the city’s vibe and energy.
SkyCity Auckland offers over 2,000 slot machines and 150 table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and more. It also has a dedicated poker room that hosts regular tournaments and cash games. For sports fans, there is a sports bar with large screens and betting terminals.
SkyCity Auckland also has a range of entertainment options, such as a theatre, a convention centre, two hotels, and multiple restaurants and bars. You can enjoy live shows, concerts, comedy nights, and more at the theatre. You can also stay at the SkyCity Hotel or the SkyCity Grand Hotel, which offer luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views of the city and the harbour. You can also dine at one of the many restaurants and bars that serve various cuisines and drinks, such as The Sugar Club, Orbit 360° Dining, Huami, Gusto at the Grand, The Grill by Sean Connolly, Bellota by Peter Gordon, Andy’s Burgers & Bar, Rebo Café & Bar, Sky Café, and more.
SkyCity Auckland is open 24/7 every day except Christmas Day, Good Friday, and ANZAC Day morning. The minimum age to enter is 20 years old.
📍 Address: Victoria Street & Federal Street Auckland CBD Auckland 1010 New Zealand 📞 Phone: +64 9-363 6000
SkyCity Hamilton
SkyCity Hamilton is another casino that belongs to the SkyCity Entertainment Group. It is located in Hamilton, the fourth-largest city in New Zealand and the largest city in the Waikato region. It opened in 2000 and has a contemporary and vibrant design that suits the city’s atmosphere.
SkyCity Hamilton offers 23 table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more. It also has over 330 slot machines that cater to different tastes and budgets. For sports fans, there is The Zone Sports Bar that features large screens and betting terminals.
SkyCity Hamilton also has several dining options that offer a variety of cuisines and drinks. You can enjoy buffet dining at Eat Burger, Asian fusion dining at Marble Room, Italian dining at La Parrilla, or casual dining at The Local Taphouse or Coffee Post. You can also relax and unwind at Vue Bar or Zone Bar.
SkyCity Hamilton is open 24/7 every day except Christmas Day, Good Friday, and ANZAC Day morning. The minimum age to enter is 20 years old.
📍 Address: 346 Victoria Street Hamilton Central Hamilton 3204 New Zealand 📞 Phone: +64 7-834 4900
SkyCity Queenstown
SkyCity Queenstown is the third casino that belongs to the SkyCity Entertainment Group. It is located in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It opened in 2000 and has a cosy and intimate design that reflects the town’s charm and beauty.
SkyCity Queenstown offers eight table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. It also has 86 slot machines that offer a range of themes and features. For dining options, there is Wild Thyme Bar & Kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day.
SkyCity Queenstown is open from noon to 4 am every day except Christmas Day, Good Friday, and ANZAC Day morning. The minimum age to enter is 20 years old.
📍 Address: 16-24 Beach Street Queenstown Town Centre Queenstown 9300 New Zealand 📞 Phone: +64 3-441 0400
Tips and Advice for Visiting Land-Based Casinos in New Zealand
Now that you know more about the land-based casinos in New Zealand, you might be wondering how to make the most of your casino experience. Here are some tips and advice from gambling experts that can help you have a fun and safe time at any casino:
- Plan your budget and stick to it. Gambling can be addictive and can lead to financial problems if you are not careful. Before you visit any casino, decide how much money you are willing to spend and lose, and do not exceed your limit. Also, avoid borrowing money from others or using credit cards to gamble.
- Know the rules and etiquette of the games. Before you join any table game or slot machine, make sure you understand the rules and etiquette of the games. You can read the rules of casino table games on the Department of Internal Affairs website or ask the dealers or staff for assistance. You should also follow the basic casino etiquette, such as being polite and respectful to other players and dealers, tipping the dealers when you win, not using your phone or camera at the tables, and not touching your chips or cards once you have placed your bet.
- Choose the games that suit your skills and preferences. Land-based casinos offer a variety of games for different levels of skill and risk. If you are new to gambling or want to have fun with a low chance of losing, you might want to try slot machines, which are easy to play and have a fixed payout rate. If you want to have more control over your outcome and use some strategy, you might want to try table games, such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, or poker. However, these games require more knowledge and skill and have a higher house edge. You should also consider the minimum and maximum bets of each game and choose the ones that fit your budget.
- Take advantage of the casino promotions and rewards. Land-based casinos often offer promotions and rewards to attract and retain customers. These can include free spins, bonus chips, cashback, vouchers, prizes, and more. You should check the casino website or ask the staff for the latest promotions and how to participate. You should also join the casino loyalty program if they have one, which can give you points for every dollar you spend at the casino. You can then redeem these points for various benefits, such as free play, discounts, gifts, and more.
- Have fun and know when to stop. Gambling can be a fun and exciting activity, but it can also be addictive and harmful if you are not careful. You should always gamble responsibly and treat it as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. You should also set a time limit for yourself and stop playing when you reach it. If you feel that gambling is affecting your mood, health, relationships, or finances, you should seek help from a professional or a support group.
How to Find the Best Online Casinos in New Zealand
While land-based casinos offer a unique and thrilling experience, they are not always accessible or convenient for everyone. If you prefer to play casino games from the comfort of your home or on the go, you might want to try online casinos instead. Online casinos are websites or apps that allow you to play casino games for real money on your computer or mobile device.
However, not all online casinos are created equal. Some online casinos are better than others in terms of quality, variety, security, and fairness. Moreover, some online casinos are faster than others in terms of paying out your winnings. If you want to have a smooth and satisfying online casino experience, you need to find the best online casinos that suit your needs and preferences.
But how do you find the best online casinos in New Zealand? Here are some factors that you should consider when choosing an online casino:
- Best paying online casinos: These are online casinos that offer high payout rates and generous bonuses and promotions. Payout rates are the percentage of money that the casino pays back to players over time. The higher the payout rate, the more chances you have to win and keep your money. You should look for online casinos that have payout rates of 95% or higher.
- Fastest payout online casino: These are online casinos that process your withdrawal requests as fast as possible, usually within 24 hours or less. Fast payouts are important because they show that the casino is reliable, trustworthy, and respectful of your time and money. You should look for online casinos that have fast and easy payment methods, such as e-wallets, credit cards, or cryptocurrencies.
- Newest online casinos: These are online casinos that have launched recently, usually within the last year or so. Newest online casinos are often more innovative, creative, and user-friendly than older ones. They also tend to offer more games, features, and bonuses to attract and retain customers. However, you should also be careful when choosing a new online casino, as some of them might not be licensed, regulated, or secure.
- Safest online casinos: These are online casinos that protect your personal and financial information from hackers, fraudsters, and other threats. Safest online casinos use advanced encryption technology, firewalls, and anti-virus software to ensure that your data is safe and secure. They also have valid licenses from reputable authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. You should look for online casinos that have these licenses and certificates displayed on their website or app.
By considering these factors, you can find the best online casinos in New Zealand that will give you a fun and rewarding gaming experience. You can also check out our list of recommended online casinos that meet these criteria and more.
Conclusion
Land-based casinos in New Zealand are among the best in the world. They offer a wide range of games, entertainment options, dining options, and more. They also have a high standard of service, security, and fairness. Whether you are a casual player or a high roller, you can find a casino that suits your needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a memorable and thrilling casino experience in New Zealand, you should visit one of the land-based casinos we have mentioned in this article. You will not regret it!
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.