When I started looking into the world of casinos in New Zealand, I realised just how much there is to explore. From lively city centres to scenic towns, casinos have become a popular place for both locals and visitors to enjoy games, entertainment, and a fun night out.
I want to give you a clear and simple list so you can easily find out where the main casinos are in New Zealand. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious, you’ll find everything you need to know about the key spots in the country.
1) Christchurch Casino
When I visited Christchurch Casino, I found it lively and inviting. The floor had over 450 gaming machines and 32 table games. I saw blackjack, poker, and roulette tables with people having a good time, and the staff were friendly and helpful.
There are three bars and restaurants inside, so I grabbed a quick meal between games. The food was pretty good for a casino, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Live music played on Friday and Saturday nights, which made the place feel even more energetic.
I heard about their VIP area, which is called Club Aspinall. Only members and their guests can go up there, but it sounded like a nice spot if you want a bit more privacy. Poker draws some of the best players from around New Zealand, so even beginners have a chance to watch and learn.
The casino is open every day, usually from midday until just after midnight or later on weekends. I liked how everything was in one place, from gaming to dining and live entertainment.
Rating: 4.1 (3,874 reviews)
Location: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Contact: 03 365 9999
Website: Visit Website
2) SkyCity Casino
When I went to SkyCity Casino in Auckland, I noticed straight away how lively it was. There were all sorts of games and lots of machines, which made it easy to find something fun to play. The place felt modern and had a good vibe without being too loud or crowded.
I liked that the casino had clear rules. You have to be at least 20 years old to go into the gaming area. I made sure to bring my ID with a photo, and staff checked it at the entrance, which made me feel safe. People were dressed neatly; things like hats and jandals were not allowed after 9pm.
The staff were friendly and willing to help if you had any questions about joining the Premier Rewards programme or learning about the games. There was also a lot of choice for food and drinks nearby if you wanted a break from gaming. I also noticed signs about playing responsibly, and staff members were available if anyone wanted to talk about their gambling.
Rating: 4.1 (2053 reviews)
Location: 72 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 363 6000
Website: Visit Website
3) SkyCity Auckland
When I visited SkyCity Auckland, I was impressed by how lively and modern it felt. The casino had a lot of energy, with people at every table and slot machine. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, especially with so many games to choose from.
The building is huge and hard to miss. There are many restaurants and bars right inside, so I didn’t have to go far for food or drinks. The variety is nice, whether I wanted something quick or a fancy dinner.
I noticed that the place was clean, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It was easy to ask questions and find my way around. Even though it can get crowded, I never felt lost or ignored.
SkyCity Auckland also has a hotel, which was convenient for me. It made it easy to relax after spending time in the casino or exploring the city.
Rating: 4.4 (4,422 reviews)
Location: Corner Victoria and, Federal Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 363 6000
Website: Visit Website
4) SkyCity Hamilton
When I walked into SkyCity Hamilton, I noticed how busy and lively it was right away. The place is set up in the centre of Hamilton’s CBD and has a fun atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy yourself.
The casino floor has a good mix of table games and pokie machines. I liked how there were different areas to check out, so it didn’t feel crowded. It was easy to find something I wanted to play.
Besides gambling, I saw a bowling alley that looked popular with groups and families. There were also several restaurants and bars, so I had plenty of choices for food and drinks. The staff were friendly and made me feel welcome as soon as I walked in.
I even spotted a few live events being set up while I was there. It seemed like a good place to visit for a night out or just to try something different with friends.
Rating: 4.2 (2451 reviews)
Location: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204
Contact: 07 834 4900
Website: Visit Website
5) Grand Casino
I walked into Grand Casino and noticed right away how fancy the gaming rooms looked. The ceilings were decorated with nice designs, making the place feel special. It felt like the kind of spot you could dress up for and enjoy a night out.
The casino had a good mix of electronic gaming machines and table games. Everything was neat, and I never felt crowded. There was an upscale restaurant as well, perfect if you get hungry or want a quiet break from the tables.
Staff greeted me with a smile and were quick to offer help, whether I was asking about a game or needed advice. They also shared info about gambling responsibly, which made me feel like they cared about everyone having a safe experience.
Grand Casino seemed focused on making sure guests had fun but stayed in control. I left feeling comfortable and happy with my visit.
Rating: 4.1 (815 reviews)
Location: 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016
Contact: 03 477 4545
Website: Visit Website
6) SKYCITY Queenstown Casino
I walked into SKYCITY Queenstown Casino and liked how it sits right in the middle of Queenstown’s CBD. The place has a lively yet relaxed feel, and I found it easy to get around. I could see tables for games, rows of gaming machines, and a few places to sit and watch race betting.
During my visit, I watched a group of friends play blackjack and tried my luck at a slot machine. There were also options for TAB facilities, which is perfect for anyone interested in betting on the races. Staff were friendly and willing to help with questions about the games and machines.
I enjoyed the fact that the casino isn’t too big or loud, making it less intimidating for first-timers. It’s also nice to have food and drinks just a few steps away, and there’s often entertainment or live shows going on.
Rating: 3.8 (834 reviews)
Location: Stratton House Level 2/16/24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
Contact: 03 441 0400
Website: Visit Website
Online Casinos Available to Kiwis
New Zealand players can access quality online casinos that offer secure gaming environments with exciting pokies, table games, and live dealer options.
Wildz Online Casino NZ – The best and most popular Kiwi Online Casino
Wildz Online Casino NZ stands out as a trusted gaming destination for Kiwi players. The platform features over 1,000 pokies from top software providers like Microgaming and NetEnt.
Players can enjoy fast payouts within 24 hours and multiple payment methods including:
- Bank transfers
- Credit cards
- E-wallets
The casino offers a rewarding loyalty programme with cashback rewards and free spins. Their customer support team operates 24/7 through live chat.
SkyCity Online Casino
SkyCity Online Casino brings the famous Auckland casino experience to the digital world. They maintain strict security measures and hold proper gaming licences.
The platform features:
- 300+ pokies
- Live blackjack tables
- Real-time roulette games
- Progressive jackpot games
New members receive welcome bonuses and regular promotional offers. SkyCity uses top-tier encryption to protect player data and transactions.
Their mobile-friendly website works perfectly on phones and tablets, letting Kiwis play their favourite games anywhere.
History Of Casinos In New Zealand
Casinos have changed the way people gamble and socialise in New Zealand. I’ve found that their journey started with important legal steps and has since affected many parts of community life.
Legalisation And Development
For many years, gambling in New Zealand was only allowed for horse racing or at small clubs. In 1989, Parliament chose to allow casinos to be built, bringing a new phase to the country’s gaming scene. This decision was brought in after much debate about social and economic impacts.
The first casino opened in Christchurch in 1994. Soon after, others popped up in major cities like Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, and Dunedin. These places brought modern gaming options like card games, roulette, and poker machines, all under tight government rules.
Licences are granted with strict laws to stop crime and protect people. I think these rules make sure the casinos remain safe for visitors and staff. For a detailed list of each casino now open in the country, you can visit listings such as this category page of major casinos in New Zealand.
Impact On Local Communities
Casinos have made a big difference to local economies. I’ve noticed that they help to create jobs in hospitality, security, and service roles. They also attract tourists, which is good for nearby hotels, restaurants, and shops.
However, not everyone feels positive about them. Some community groups say casinos can encourage problem gambling and affect families. Others worry about possible increases in crime, but every casino must follow strict laws to help limit harm.
Casinos pay taxes and fees that help fund local projects. In some cities, these funds support sports teams, art programs, or public spaces. If you want to read more about the impact and how the government manages these concerns, the Te Ara Encyclopedia on gambling is a good place to start.
Casino Experiences And Facilities
When I visit casinos in New Zealand, I find much more than just gaming tables and slot machines. Each venue offers a mix of great food, live shows, and support for responsible gambling.
Dining And Entertainment Options
I always enjoy the range of dining choices at New Zealand casinos. Places like SkyCity Auckland serve everything from simple snacks to fancy meals. The restaurants often feature seafood, steak, and local Kiwi flavours.
Besides food, these casinos offer great entertainment. There are regular live music events, comedy shows, and themed nights. It’s easy to find something different to do every week. Some venues, such as in Auckland or Christchurch, have dedicated bars and lounges where I can watch sports or relax with friends. Parking and late hours make each visit convenient.
Most casinos are connected to hotels or located near major attractions. This means there are package deals for guests who want a full night out, including dinner and a show.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
When I gamble, I appreciate that New Zealand casinos put effort into responsible play. There are trained staff to answer questions about gambling risks. All major venues provide brochures, self-exclusion programmes, and quiet spaces for those who want to take a break.
Laws require casinos to follow strict rules about safe gambling. Signs about help lines and support services are clearly visible. I also notice that staff often check if someone looks distressed or needs help. There are age restrictions and ID checks at every entry, which help keep the environment safe.
I find that knowing these rules and supports are in place helps me enjoy my time responsibly. For more on what to expect, see this guide to New Zealand casino facilities.