Best land-based casinos in New Zealand
The New Zealand gambling scene is thriving – discover the best land-based casinos you should visit as well as the games, VIP programmes and amenities they offer.
Top land-based casinos in NZ
During the early 1990s, New Zealand passed gambling legislation, which led to the opening of the first land-based gambling venue, Christchurch Casino. Since then, gambling at brick-and-mortar casinos has become a popular pastime, thanks to the sophisticated settings, variety of entertainment and opportunity to stay in luxury accommodation.
If you live in New Zealand or plan to visit, here are the best land-based casinos that operate in the country:
Christchurch Casino
✅ Situated in the heart of Christchurch
✅ Exclusive VIP gaming areas
✅ Wide selection of pokies and table games
Christchurch Casino was the first casino to open in New Zealand in 1994. Here, players can enjoy over 450 pokies and 36 table games alongside three restaurants and bars, which host live events.
Kiwis can also join the Players Club for free and reap the benefits of casino rewards, from complimentary parking to birthday treats. If that’s not enough, Christchurch Casino also offers an exclusive VIP experience through Club Aspinall, which features VIP table games, slot machines, and premium services like a dining room, cashier, and host services accessible by invitation only.
Address: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, 8013, New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 365 9999
Grand Casino Dunedin
✅ Immersive gaming atmosphere in a historic building
✅ Gourmet cuisine in the Grand Bar & Restaurant
✅ Unique games such as Caribbean Stud Poker
Established in 1999, the Grand Casino Dunedin is a popular entertainment venue in a historic building. You can play over 180 slot machines and 12 table games, including blackjack, roulette and Caribbean stud poker. The casino also offers hospitality in the Grand Bar & Restaurant and is close to local amenities.
Regular players can earn loyalty points through Dunedin Casino’s Grand Rewards VIP programme and move up the tiers to enjoy rewards such as complimentary beverages, invitations to ‘Legend Events’ and hotel discounts.
Address: 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 477 4545
SkyCity Auckland
✅ Largest selection of casino games in New Zealand
✅ Several fine-dining restaurants and bars
✅ Incredible views of Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower
SkyCity Auckland is New Zealand’s largest casino, with a massive selection of over 2,100 pokies and 150 table games, 20 restaurants and two hotels. Established in 1996, SkyCity Auckland is located at the base of the Sky Tower and is the only casino in Auckland.
At SkyCity, players can enjoy two of the most exclusive and rewarding VIP gaming programmes in Australasia: Premier Rewards and VIP Black. The casino even features a separate VIP gaming area with platinum VIP gaming machines.
Address: Corner Victoria and Federal Street, Auckland CBD, 1010, New Zealand
Tel: +64 9 363 6000
SkyCity Hamilton
✅ Over 330 slot machines
✅ Live music and entertainment
✅ Loyalty programme for regular visitors
Located in the heart of Hamilton, SkyCity Casino is a leading entertainment destination boasting 16,000 sq. ft of gaming space. You can play over 330 pokies and 23 table games at SkyCity Hamilton, which opened its doors in September 2002 and is situated inside the former Chief Post Office building.
The land-based casino offers a range of on-site amenities, including a restaurant offering panoramic views of the Waikato River, a taphouse and a sports bar. Regular visitors can also join the Premier Rewards programme and collect points to exchange for exciting rewards.
Address: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton, 3204, New Zealand
Tel: +64 7 834 4900
SkyCity Queenstown
✅ Great game selection with bet levels to suit all players
✅ Free entertainment, including live music and bingo
✅ Relaxing bar and restaurant away from the casino floor
At SkyCity Queenstown, you can enjoy 86 pokies and 13 table games, including roulette, poker, blackjack and baccarat. It’s one of four casinos owned by the SkyCity Entertainment group and located in central Queenstown in Stratton House.
SkyCity Queenstown offers world-class gaming, as well as bars, restaurants, free live entertainment, and a luxury hotel. Become a Premier Rewards player, and you can enjoy exclusive offers on SkyCity Hotels, food and beverages. Earn Platinum status, and you’ll receive more significant discounts and exclusive access to VIP gaming facilities.
Address: 16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown, 9300, New Zealand
Tel: 03 441 0400
Land-based casinos vs. online casinos
Kiwis can enjoy real money casino games in the vibrant atmosphere of brick-and-mortar casinos or from home at an online casino. But which provides the best experience? Let’s take a closer look:
| Land casinos | Online casinos |
|---|---|
| ✅ Interact with dealers and other players in person | ✅ Ultimate convenience and accessibility |
| ✅ Enjoy amenities during your visit | ✅ Greater game selection online |
| ✅ Cash out winnings immediately | ✅ More generous bonuses and promotions |
| ❌ Travel and parking costs | ❌ No social atmosphere |
| ❌ Slots have significantly lower RTPs | ❌ Slower withdrawal times |
Gambling laws & regulations in NZ
In New Zealand, land-based gambling was legalised in the 1990s, but the casino scene didn’t take off until a decade later with the passing of the Gambling Act of 2003. It defines four classes of gambling: lotteries, prize competitions, games of chance, and instant games.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) administered the Gambling Act 2003, which was designed to facilitate responsible gambling, ensure game integrity, and minimise the harm caused by problem gambling.
As part of its regulatory role, the DIA oversees all forms of land-based gambling in New Zealand, including casino games, sports betting, horse racing, lotteries, and scratch card betting. Any group that wants to open a brick-and-mortar casino in New Zealand must acquire a licence from the DIA to operate.
New Zealand players who wish to enjoy online casino games, such as online pokies and table games, can access international sites that are regulated overseas by reputable authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission. You won’t be required to pay taxes on gambling winnings obtained at a land-based or online casino in New Zealand unless gambling is your main profession.
NZ gambling market quick facts
| 🤝 NZ gambling regulator | Department of Internal Affairs |
| 🎰 Casino games available | Pokies, poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, bingo, live casino games |
| 💲 Payment methods available | Bank transfer, Bitcoin, Mastercard, POLi, Skrill, Visa and more |
| 🔍 No. of land-based casinos | 6 (SkyCity Wharf Casino closed until further notice) |
| 🔞 NZ legal gambling age | 18 (lotteries and sports betting) and 20 (land-based casinos) |
Responsible gambling
Responsible gambling is crucial to safeguard players against the detrimental effects that gambling can cause, such as anxiety, stress and financial troubles. Our experts follow strict criteria when researching and reviewing casinos to ensure we recommend reputable sites that promote responsible gambling.
All the casinos we list provide self-help tools and problem gambling resources to help control gambling habits. If you or someone you know requires guidance or support, the following responsible gambling agencies in New Zealand can assist you:
Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655
The Salvation Army Oasis – 0800 530 000
PGF Services – 0800 664 262
Land-based casinos FAQs
Yes, gambling in New Zealand is legal and regulated by the DIA. You can legally bet real money on the lottery, horse racing, sports betting and casino games at licensed venues.
The legal gambling age in New Zealand is 18 for the lottery, horse racing, sports betting, and scratch card betting. You must be at least 20 years old to play at land-based casinos.
SkyCity Auckland is the largest casino in New Zealand, with over 2,100 slots and 150 table games. The mega complex features two casinos, a theatre, 20 bars and restaurants, and a 1,000-foot-high Sky Tower.
There are six casinos in New Zealand, four of which are operated by SkyCity Entertainment Group. The Gambling Act prohibits new land-based casinos in New Zealand.
No, Kiwis don’t need to pay tax on casino winnings unless you are a professional gambler.
Yes, the SkyCity online casino is a trusted, certified and licensed site that gives players in New Zealand a safe space to play their favourite casino games.
Online casinos typically have a greater game selection than land-based locations. You’ll also find generous online casino bonuses, a wider range of deposit and withdrawal methods, and mobile-compatible games that allow you to play on the go.
Courtney has an extensive background in creative and commercial writing across numerous iGaming verticals. As a self-professed lover of pokies, Courtney is passionate about the casino and gambling industries. While her writing covers a wide range of topics, slots and bonuses are arguably her favourite gambling subjects.
