New Zealand's Best Land Based Casinos 2023
New Zealand hosts a broad range of online gambling sites, letting you gamble from the comfort of your own home. The country also enjoys a great selection of quality live venues, and they offer an incredible, immersive gaming experience for New Zealanders.
Our team has reviewed and shortlisted the best land based casinos in New Zealand. Read on to find out just how good they are for your entertainment and gambling experience.
The options we have found are great because they:
- Offer a wide range of games to their customers
- Are trustworthy, safe and secure
- Provide excellent facilities and entertainment at the live casino
How we review the sites
When we test each land based casino, one that you can physically walk into, there are a number of elements that we pay close attention to. We believe that these features are the most important, and will let you enjoy a thrilling experience at a quality live casino.
Trustworthiness
Gambling with real money is a high stakes business, so you have to find a live casino that you can trust with your money. A great casino should be one that is safe and secure and guards your personal details like a bank. You can be certain your real cash is safe and sound and be left to enjoy the casino and its wide range of games.
Variety of games
The great thing about casinos is that you are normally welcomed by a wide range of games. This is a huge factor in how the team scores a venue, and all of the best casinos in 2017 will offer you a number of different games to choose from. The classics like roulette, blackjack and pokies machines will undoubtedly be there, but you will also have the opportunity to try out something different.
Quality of facilities
Land based casinos normally provide a whole day out, or even a few days of entertainment, allowing you to really soak up the experience and win some money. This is why we look for the best casinos that have a hotel attached, as well as a bar and restaurant to let you make the most out of your time there. Some casinos will also have entertainment to give you double the fun.
Customer service
Bad customer service is always a big faux pas, which is why we’ve searched for the top offline casinos that give their customers great attention and service. The staff at these casinos should be easy to reach, accommodating, and offer extra perks such as a shuttle bus service to and from the hotel complex, for example.
Games you can expect
All our top casinos will have a number of different games, from the classics to the more modern titles. There will always be something for you to sink your teeth into, whether it is one of your favourite games, or something completely new and different.
Here are some of the more popular games that you’re likely to find at land based casinos in New Zealand:
- These games include some classics like Blackjack and Roulette.
- There are different types and styles of Bingo available at different casinos. They vary depending on the land based casino. Regardless, they can be a lot of fun and can leave you with some great winnings.
- Betting on live sports games is very popular nowadays. Some sports that are available at land based casinos near you in New Zealand include Australian football, Cricket and Horse racing.
The top casinos reviewed here will offer you a good selection of the above games and more, meaning you will always find a suitable table or tournament to join. More variety at a good quality venue means you can play for hours and always find new ways to gamble with real money.
Top land based casinos in New Zealand
Taking into account all of the elements of an offline casino that matter to you, we have tried and tested a number of these venues. Below you’ll find our reviews of our top six offline casinos in New Zealand. We’ll walk you though exactly why they come top of the list.
1. Christchurch Casino
Reputability
Christchurch Casino was New Zealand’s first offline casino when it opened its doors to the public in 1994. It hosts the New Zealand Poker Championships, and its prestige is supported by its valid and secure licencing. Christchurch Casino has a number of reputable owners including Premier Hotels, SKYCITY Entertainment Group and Skyline Enterprises.
Games
The casino gives you a great choice of games, with 36 tables and 500 slot machines. This means that you can enjoy your gambling experience through a number of different games. On the main gaming floor you’ll find table games including Baccarat, Blackjack, and Money Wheel. Christchurch Casino Pokeroffers different types of Poker including Caribbean Stud Poker and Lunar Poker. As well as this wide range of table games, the casino also boasts 500 slot machines.
Facilities
Christchurch Casino has two bars and three restaurants offering contemporary dining and pizza, with one of the Christchurch Casino restaurants creating lovely authentic Cantonese cuisine. If you fancy just a bite or two, food is available at the various bars as well. You can team up these snacks with the bar’s happy hour too. The casino also has a ,live band in the bar every weekend for added entertainment when you’re playing your favourite casino games.
Although the casino does not have a hotel, they do have car parks for easy accessibility to the venue. There is also the option of permanent parking.
Rules
Like most casinos, the Christchurch Casino dress code requests that its customers arrive in a smart and neat manner. This means no casual wear, ripped or frayed clothing, or clothes with offensive words or designs. You also have to be over the age of 20 to enter Christchurch Casino, and they may ask for proof of ID. The casino will accept these forms of ID: passport, New Zealand Firearms Licence, Overseas National Identity Card, New Zealand issued or foreign issued Photo Driver’s Licence, New Zealand Birth Certificate, or New Zealand Bank Issued Visa or MasterCard.
Contact information
If you’d like to contact Christchurch Casino, pay them a visit during their opening hours, Monday-Thursday 11am-3am (the following day), Friday 11am until Monday 3am. Or you can call them on +6433659999. The casino is open every day except Christmas Day, Good Friday, and from 3am-1pm on ANZAC Day. A free shuttle service is provided to and from local hotels and motels. This runs from 6pm until 2am daily, and will have to be booked in advance.
Pros and cons
All casinos will have their advantages and disadvantages. We’ve done all the research for you, so that you can see if this is the best offline casino for you. With a wealth of table and slot games, Christchurch Casino could be a great option. It also has the right reputation which means you’ll be in safe hands. The restaurants, bars, drinks offers, and entertainment mean that you won’t ever be bored. However, with a lack of hotel attached to the casino, you might be limited to how long you’re able to stay at the casino. Although, the casino does offer a free shuttle service.
Reviewed by: OnlineCasino.co.nz
2. SKYCITY Auckland
Reputability
SKYCITY Auckland is a thriving casino and event centre in the heart of Auckland’s business district. It was the second casino to open in the country and remains the only in Auckland, meaning it’s a popular and reputable casino for customers like you. The casino is owned by SKYCITY Entertainment Group which has been around since 1996. Its entertainment and gaming business operate in New Zealand and Australia. SKYCITY is a fully licenced casino, so there’s nothing to worry about there!
Games
It’s crucial that you, a New Zealand based fan of offline gambling, have a choice of different games to choose from. SKYCITY boasts world-class gaming machines, a variety of table games including Roulette, Tai Sai, Texas Hold’Em and Money Wheel. The casino also has a separate Baccarat Room where you’ll be impressed by 20 Baccarat tables with exclusive promotions, a bar, smoking balcony and cashiers. SKYCITY offers VIP gaming as well for exclusive and rewarding programmes.
Facilities
SkyCity Auckland accommodation could be a great option for you. The casino’s network has two connected hotels, one being SKYCITY Grand Hotel and the other being the SKYCITY Hotel. The former is a five-star venue with premium rooms with a relaxed and charming environment. The latter is slightly more affordable but just as lovely as the Grand Hotel. However, if you don’t feel like staying over, there is also the option to park up. SKYCITY Auckland Casino also offers its customers a wealth of dining choices, ranging from burgers, tapas, Chinese and buffets. You definitely won’t go hungry at SKYCITY Auckland restaurants! As well as a number of restaurants there, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the range of bars. At Sky Café you’ll be at the top of it all enjoying the view, and at Aces Bar you’ll be at the heart of the casino.
Rules
A neat and tidy appearance is required of all casino clients, at all times. Again, this means no torn or damaged clothing, no sleeveless tops on men, no flip flops, or hats or caps unless used for religious reasons . However, there is no dress code in the Baccarat Room. You will have to be aged 20 or above to enter the casino and enjoy all of its facilities. SKYCITY will accept these forms of identification: a New Zealand or overseas passport, a photo driver licence, a Hospitality Association (HANZ) 18+ card, or any other form of photo identification that also shows your date of birth.
Contact Information
SKYCITY is open to fans of casino games and gambling 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you’d like to give them a call, you can do so on this number: 08007592489, which is toll free within New Zealand. Unfortunately, the casino does not offer a shuttle service, but if you stay at one of the SKYCITY hotels you’ll be close enough to the poker tables and machines.
Pros and cons
SKYCITY Auckland has some great facilities, and a whole host of them. Their two hotels are clean, professional, comfortable, and stylish, mirroring the aesthetic and feel of the casino itself. If you stay at one of the hotels you’ll have no problems in getting to the casino. But if you are staying elsewhere, you will either have to drive to the casino or take a taxi as SKYCITY does not offer a shuttle service.
Reviewed by: OnlineCasino.co.nz
3. Dunedin Casino
Reputability
The Dunedin Casino opened its doors in 1999 in Dunedin, New Zealand. With its opulent interiors and gaming rooms, mosaic floors, a great staircase and a glass dome roof, the casino is quite an impressive sight. However, in terms of reputability, The Gambling Commission suspended the casino’s licence for a few days in 2006. But Dunedin Casino is back and running smoothly.
Games
The casino’s gambling floor hosts twelve gaming tables and 180 of the most current electronic gaming machines. The games they offer includePoker, Blackjack, Baccarat and Roulette. The venue features all of the country’s most popular and frequently played games as well as electronic games and video poker.
Facilities
Dunedin Casino may not be as big as SKYCITY but it does still offer its customers great quality food and drinks in their Grand Bar and Café. This eatery showcases contemporary New Zealand cuisine centred around the stunning spiral staircase. Dunedin Casino meals are a la carte, with the restaurant also offering a number of food deals such as an $8 lunch deal and fish and chips Fridays. Apart from the entertainment of the casino games themselves, Dunedin Casino does not have any other form of entertainment.Car parking is affordable at a mere $1 an hour. Although there is no Dunedin Casino hotel, there is the option to stay at The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross. The casino is actually located within the original hotel building.
Rules
There is a strict 20-and-over age requirement. The Dunedin Casino dress code asks the casino’s customers to arrive in a smart and neat manner. Proof of ID will be asked for upon entering, so make sure you have a valid photo identification which also states your date of birth clearly.
Contact information
Dunedin Casino hours are 11am-3am. You can call them on the free call number 08004774545. It is likely that the casino does offer a shuttle service to their customers. Please contact the casino for further details.
Pros and Cons
The building itself is extremely impressive with lovely architecture and a classic style. Although not large, the casino does offer enough games and slots to keep your entertained. However, there is no other form of entertainment like live bands or shows for example. Unlike other casinos in New Zealand, Dunedin Casino does not have a range of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Reviewed by: OnlineCasino.co.nz
4. SkyCity Queenstown
Reputability
SKYCITY Queenstown, like SKYCITY Auckland is owned by the well-known and reputable SKYCITY Entertainment. It is fully licenced, safe and secure, so that’s one important thing you won’t have to worry about when playing at the casino. SKYCITY Queenstown, located on Beach Street in Queenstown, was the fourth casino to open in New Zealand with customers first getting a taste of it in 2000. The casino sponsors a number of events and festivals such as the Gibbston Wine and Food Festival.
Games
Every SKYCITY casino including their branch in Queenstown offers a selection of table games including Baccarat, Roulette and Blackjack. Rules for all of the games on offer to you are on the casino’s website, meaning you’ll be able to brush up on your gaming knowledge before heading to SKYCITY Queenstown. There are also a number of gaming machines available to try as well.
Facilities
SKYCITY Queenstown is the main site at the Queenstown complex. The Queenstown Casino restaurant is the trendy bar and kitchen Wild Thyme which offers a range of snacks, lunch meals, dinner plates and canapés, catering to your every need. If you’re in need of a late night snack to keep you going through your gambling, there’s no need to worry. The bar and kitchen remains open serving bar snacks until the casino closes. There is no SKYCITY Queenstown hotel. However, there are a number of hotels close by.
Rules
There is a strict age restriction at SKYCITY Queenstown. You must be over 20 years of age. Don’t forget to bring some ID with you to avoid any embarrassment and hassle right before heading to your favourite table games. SKYCITY Queenstown will accept the following forms of identification: a current New Zealand or international passport, a current New Zealand or overseas photo driver licence, a current HANZ 18+ card, or any other in-date ID with a photo, date of birth, and which has been authorised by a government institution. As well as this, there is a SKYCITY Queenstown dress code. The casino asks all of its customers to arrive in a smart, neat and tidy fashion, which means no dirty or torn clothing or footwear, and no sleeveless tops on men.
Contact information
SKYCITY Queenstown is open from midday until 4am everyday, excluding Christmas Day, Good Friday, and between 3am and 1pm on ANZAC Day. The casino can be reached via email at [email protected] or by telephone on 034410400. They’d be happy to answer any queries you may have, or take comments and suggestions.
Pros and Cons
Like its partner casinos, SKYCITY Queenstown offers a quality and varied gaming experience, great customer services, and events. The casino unfortunately only has one restaurant and bar, whereas other live casinos offer a lot more to their customers. Also, there is no hotel attached. However, because the casino is a SKYCITY product, you will have a great quality experience.
Reviewed by: OnlineCasino.co.nz
5. SKYCITY Hamilton
Reputability
Another of SKYCITY’s endeavours is SKYCITY Hamilton, an entertainment complex ready for you to join them. It was opened in 2002 by SKYCITY Entertainment Group, and is a fully licensed offline casino.
Games
SKYCITY Hamilton offers a wide range of games all under one roof. The fantastic venue offers its customers over 330 gaming machines and 23 table games, meaning you’ll definitely be able to find the right game that will let you win bundles of real cash. Their games include Blackjack, Three Card Poker, and Roulette. As well as the main gaming floor, the casino also has a VIP gaming area. SKYCITY Hamilton Casino offers its most valued customers the opportunity to join two programmes, the first being Premier Rewards Platinum and the second being the VIP Black programme. The free Premier Rewards system works through a card and entitles you to member-exclusive promotions and prizes.
Facilities
SKYCITY Hamilton, much like SKYCITY Auckland, has a wonderful variety of cuisines and beverages to choose from whilst playing the slots. In SKYCITY Hamilton’s restaurants you can get a taste for Spanish cuisine, burgers, and a fancy brunch. The Local Taphouse boasts on-site brewing tanks and live music, adding to the atmosphere of the venue, while in The Marble Room you can enjoy excellent whiskies, cocktails, and champagne. One unique thing about SKYCITY Hamilton is its Bowl and Social, the only Tenpin bowling alley in Hamilton. It is located on the second level of the casino venue and is open daily from 9am. Bowl and Social is open to everyone, including children who can have their next birthday party hosted by the Tenpin bowling venue. For a break from the table games and gaming machines, head to Bowl and Social for some extra fun with a group of friends.
Unfortunately there is no SKYCITY Hamilton hotel. However there are hotels within walking distance. There is also a car park with 340 spaces open 24 hours a day.
Rules
You must be over 20 to enter the Gaming areas at this casino. Don’t forget to take your photo ID with you. This age restriction does not apple to Bowl and Social, the Tenpin bowling alley that is open to anyone. To enter the casino you have to be dressed appropriately, in a neat and tidy manner.
Contact information
SKYCITY Hamilton is found in the heart of Hamilton City, just 20 minutes from the airport. Pay them a visit anytime and any day as they are open 24 hours daily, seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day, Good Friday and between 3am and 1pm on ANZAC Day. You can also give them a call on +6478344900, or email them at [email protected].
Pros and cons
A fantastic advantage of SKYCITY Hamilton is Bowl and Social where you can have a break from playing Roulette and head upstairs for some fun with friends, family or colleagues. This venue also boasts a variety of restaurants and bars, more than other casinos we have tried and tested. However, SKYCITY does not have a nearby hotel, which is a shame. Regardless, there are hotels within walking distance of the table games and gaming machines.
Reviewed by: OnlineCasino.co.nz
6. SKYCITY Wharf
Reputability
Another of SKYCITY’s casinos is its Wharf branch on Beach Street as part of the Queenstown complex. SKYCITY is a well-known company all over Australasia as well as having a good reputation, and being a household name. SKYCITY Wharf is fully licenced.
Games
SKYCITY Wharf Casino offers a unique boutique experience that differs to the other SKYCITY live casinos. It offers a range of table games and gaming machines to cater to every taste, but in a more stylish environment. SKYCITY Wharf Casino is in Queenstown and is part of the SKYCITY Queenstown complex, so you’ll be able to visit both casinos with ease, and enjoy the host of games offered by both.
Facilities
As part of the Queenstown complex, customers at SKYCITY Wharf will gain access to the kitchen and bar Wild Thyme to enjoy a great selection of food and beverages. The casino does not have a hotel attached but there are some good accommodation options nearby.
Rules
To enter the casino and have an excellent time you must be over 20 years of age. You must also be dressed appropriately, in a tidy and well-kempt manner. Please make sure to take ID with you to avoid any problems when entering the casino.
Contact information
This boutique casino, which is part of SKYSITY Queenstown, is open from 11am to late everyday, apart from Christmas Day, Good Friday, and to 1pm on ANZAC Day. To contact the team at SKYCITY Wharf, call them on 034411495 or drop them an email at [email protected]
Pros and Cons
SKYCITY Wharf could be an excellent choice for your next live casino experience. It offers a more stylish casino than that of its larger counterpart at the Queenstown complex. However it does not have a separate bar or restaurant, with facilities shared between the whole site. Likewise, there is no hotel available.
Reviewed by: OnlineCasino.co.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
In order to play at casinos in New Zealand you must be over the age of 20. Please take a form of photo ID with you, as many casinos will want to see proof of age.
New Zealand casinos will accept ID that include your name, date of birth, and a photo. The ID must be current and in date, and be authorised by a government institution whether that be in New Zealand or overseas. A current New Zealand or international passport, a current New Zealand or overseas photo driver licence, and a current HANZ 18+ card are sensible choices of photo ID that you should bring along with you.
Generally, you won’t need to pay tax on your casino winnings. This is because it is widely accepted in New Zealand that gambling is a recreational activity rather than one that provides you with an income.
All casinos in New Zealand ask that their customers arrive in a neat and tidy fashion. This does not necessarily mean ‘smart’, with a suit or ball gown for example. What it does mean is that you must arrive in clothes and shoes that are neat and clean, not torn or dirty.
Stick to all our information, reviews and tips on this page to find the best casinos near you in 2017.
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