Top Local New Zealand Casinos

New Zealand has some amazing local casinos, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy everything from pokies to table games. I’ve put together this guide to highlight the best spots across the country, along with some information on regulations, age requirements, and what to expect when you visit. Whether you’re new to casinos or a regular, I’ll help you make the most of your experience in NZ. 

Finding the perfect local casino can be a challenge if you aren’t too sure what you are looking for. Here are some of the aspects I look at  when choosing where to play:

• Location & Accessibility: I prefer going to casinos that are close to home so it doesn’t take me hours to get there. Alternatively, I like to book a night in a hotel because then I don’t have to worry about driving home or getting an Uber late at night.
• Game Variety: A good selection of games is important, although I do tend to stick to the pokies. It's nice to know I can have a spin on the roulette table or have a game of baccarat though.
• Atmosphere: A welcoming and vibrant atmosphere makes a big difference. I like to go to casinos where the staff make me feel welcome and valued. In other words, a casino where the staff take the trouble to get to know their players.
• Loyalty Cards: Many casinos in New Zealand have rewards programs where you are given a card which is inserted into the machine to monitor your play.  The more you play, the more points you will earn on your card. These points can then be exchanged for free drinks, food, parking, hotel discounts or even cash.  

From my research and experience, it's entirely legal for us to enjoy both online and local brick-and-mortar casinos in New Zealand.

Under the Gambling Act of 2003, we Kiwis are allowed to play at offshore online casinos. This means we can legally access international casino sites without any issues.

However, I always make sure the online casinos I choose are licensed by authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission to make sure that they are reputable and I will get my winnings. I also read reviews on sites like this one – casino.com/nz

For local casinos within New Zealand, they are regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. I've found that these casinos have to follow strict guidelines, and they also try and protect problem gamblers as much as possible.

For example, one of the rules is that you are not allowed to gamble for more than 12 hours without a 6-hour break and even then, the casino personnel will check on you to make sure you take regular breaks.

In New Zealand, the minimum age to play at an online casino is 18. However, to walk into a local casino you must be 20 years old.

I always take my NZ driver’s license with me to prove my age but if you are an overseas visitor you can show your passport instead.   

When it comes to playing the pokies, both local and online casinos in New Zealand offer unique experiences, and I’ve found that each has its own appeal. Here’s how I see the similarities and differences between the two.

• Both online and local casinos provide access to popular games like pokies, blackjack, and roulette. In terms of game variety, though, online casinos NZ often offer heaps more games as they are not limited in terms of their physical space like a local casino in New Zealand is.  This means I can easily try out hundreds of games from my laptop or mobile phone without needing to travel.
• Local casinos, like SkyCity Auckland, which is my local casino have a great atmosphere and while it can get very loud on a Friday night, there is something about the hustle and bustle of a casino floor that excites me.
• Sometimes I don’t feel like getting dressed up and driving to the casino. Then I play at the online casinos, especially those that have live dealer games because then I still get to interact with the dealers.  If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful experience then online casinos are the way to go.
• Furthermore, I find that online casinos generally offer a 1st deposit bonus which local casinos don’t offer.

For me, it’s about balancing convenience with atmosphere. Both local and online casinos are great for entertainment, so I enjoy both depending on what I’m in the mood for. 

Although I can find pokie machines near me, and many bars and clubs like the RSA clubs also have pokies open near me, I still prefer to go to the larger casinos like SkyCity in Auckland which is another casino near me.

The main attraction for me is the Dollar Storm which is a bank of pokies linked to a Dollar Storm Jackpot which has a starting jackpot of $500 000.

This jackpot is normally won once a month on average, but I’ve sometimes seen it hit just days after the previous payout.

The next highest progressive is the Dragon Link bank of pokies which also gives a decent progressive win which is no less than $ 20,000. These jackpots sometimes go off daily.

If you are interested in playing these progressive jackpot pokies, you should be able to find them at any of the larger New Zealand casinos like the Hamilton casino or the Wellington casino. 

 SkyCity Casino Auckland 

SkyCity Casino Auckland is my favourite of all the New Zealand casinos. It’s not that I go there regularly but I watched the casino being built in 1996 along with the iconic Sky Tower. This is because I worked in the offices across the road so I watched each brick of the tower being added, and soon after completion, I was one of the first visitors to walk through the casino doors when SkyCity Casino Auckland opened.

The casino has over 2100 games and these consist of table games like roulette, poker, blackjack and baccarat.

There are also pokie machines in every nook and cranny of the casino floor. The dress code is casual but still classy as the interior is opulent and luxurious.

The best part is that the SkyCity Casino opening hours are not something you have to worry about as they are open 24/7

• Address: Corner Victoria and, Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 9 363 6000
• Website: https://skycityauckland.co.nz/ 

 Dunedin Casino 

I have not personally been to Dunedin Casino (also known as Grand Casino), but after doing some research it looks like it is a rather small casino.

It has 180 pokie machines and 12 table games which include Caribbean Stud poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette.

It is located in a historic building in the heart of Dunedin and opens at 12 pm daily. It is slightly different to the Auckland Casino as it has a semi-formal dress code.

• Address: 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 3 477 4545
• Website: https://grandcasino.co.nz/ 
   

 Christchurch Casino 

Christchurch Casino NZ was the first casino to open in New Zealand and has been operating since 1994. It offers 450 pokie machines and 32 tables.

Opening hours are from 12 pm to 12 am daily and the dress code is smart and neat. No gang patches, dirty clothes, offensive slogans, steel-capped boots or beanies are allowed.

This casino in Christchurch also has a players club card where loyal players can accumulate gaming points which can be used to purchase, food, drinks or free chips at the gaming tables.

• Address: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 3 365 9999
• Website: https://christchurchcasino.co.nz/ 

 SkyCity Casino Hamilton 

When I feel like taking a few hour's drive out of Auckland, SkyCity Casino Hamilton is my next go-to casino. It has over 330 pokie machines plus 12 table games consisting of baccarat, blackjack, roulette and various poker games.

The SkyCity casino opening hours are from 11 am to 4 am daily and the dress code is neat and tidy. They do not allow dirty clothes and shoes, torn clothing, safety vests, gang patches, hats or caps and sunglasses.

• Address: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 7 834 4900
• Website: https://skycityhamilton.co.nz/ 

 SkyCity Casino Queenstown 

SkyCity Queenstown Casino is the perfect place for a night’s entertainment when I go to Queenstown to do a bit of skiing in the winter.

It has been operating since 2000 and is open daily from 11 am to 1 am every day. It has a handful of table games which include blackjack, roulette and Midi Baccarat. There are 86 pokie machines.

The dress code is also neat with no damaged and torn clothing, no sleeveless tops for men, gang patches or dirty clothes. Hats are not allowed but beanies are acceptable.

• Address: Stratton House Level 2/16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 3 441 0400
• Website: https://skycityqueenstown.co.nz/ 

In this guide, we’ve explored New Zealand’s top local casinos, from Auckland’s SkyCity to Dunedin’s Grand Casino.

With knowledge about the games available,  loyalty programs, opening times and dress code, you can now choose a casino to visit.

Whether you’re a fan of pokies, table games, or simply a lively atmosphere, New Zealand’s casinos offer something for everyone. Ready to experience the excitement firsthand? Visit one of these recommended spots and enjoy a day of playing pokies or flipping the poker cards.