DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND’S BEST LAND-BASED CASINOS IN 2024

If you’re looking to take your gambling kicks to the next level, then you’ll want to check out our top New Zealand land-based casinos of 2024. But where to go? On this page, we’ll tell you. Put your trust in us because all these casinos have been visited and played in by our team of experts.

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FIND THE BEST LAND-BASED CASINOS

The top NZ land-based casinos

Land-based casinos vs online

Essential laws of the casino

Step away from your screen and dive into the live action at a land-based casino. You won’t be disappointed.

"Step away from your screen and dive into the live action at a land-based casino. You won’t be disappointed."

New Zealand’s Top-Rated Land-Based Casinos

SKYCITY AUCKLAND

SKYCITY AUCKLAND

With its huge array of gaming options, countless eateries and watering holes, and two hotels, you’ll want to make a trip out of this popular gambling joint.

SKYCITY WHARF CASINO

SKYCITY WHARF CASINO

Queenstown’s Steaming Wharf is the perfect setting for this compact, glitzy casino. It’s the perfect size for new players.

SKYCITY HAMILTON

SKYCITY HAMILTON

Enjoy round the clock play on all your favourite games, plus a bowling alley if you fancy a different kind of fun. Eating and drinking outlet options are vast too!

SKYCITY QUEENSTOWN CASINO

SKYCITY QUEENSTOWN CASINO

Located in the heart of the city, this lively casino is open daily until 4am. There’s also a great restaurant and bar to refuel at.

DUNEDIN CASINO

DUNEDIN CASINO

Get closer to that big win with great weekly bonus programs and state-of-the-art games. The on-site parking’s also a pro!

CHRISTCHURCH CASINO

CHRISTCHURCH CASINO

This cosy casino is the perfect place to splash your cash and get rewarded for it. Enjoy loyalty bonuses and great live entertainment every week.

Land-Based vs Online Casinos

When it comes to playing at a live casino vs playing online, it can be tough deciding which is better as each offers a unique experience. Here are the main differences:

Land-Based Casinos:

Land-Based Casinos:

  • You’re in the thick of it - all senses heightened
  • Watch the games unfold before your very eyes
  • Feel the tension and excitement on a large scale
  • Casinos are often housed in beautiful buildings
  • Extra entertainment such as dining and theatres
Online Casinos

Online Casinos:

  • Play anywhere, anytime with a mobile device
  • Faster pace means faster money
  • Play games for free
  • Get bonuses to boost your bankroll
  • Easy to put down device if losing

5 Interesting Casino Facts

5 Interesting Casino Facts
  • FedEx was saved by its founder, Fred Smith, who visited Vegas with the company’s remaining $5,000 and won enough to cover the $27,000 debt!
  • The first official casino on record was opened in Italy in 1638 during carnival season. The visionary local councillor wanted to keep trouble off the streets.
  • US casinos were forced underground for 20 years in the early 1900s. When it was lifted in 1931 Las Vegas as we know it today was born.
  • Henry VII was a big gambler, once losing the bells of St Paul’s Cathedral on a bad dice roll. He also racked up today’s equivalent of $2 million of debt!
  • The Gambling Act of 1908 in NZ legalised gambling at races, but it was still illegal until the first lotteries in 1933 and pokies in 1991.

Things to Be Aware Of – NZ Rules and Regulations

Illegal Online Casinos

Illegal Online Casinos

Online casinos aren’t legal in New Zealand; however, Kiwi citizens can get around this law by playing at overseas sites. You’ll also be able to play in your local currency at most sites, but it is still illegal for any of those sites to advertise via NZ media.

Taxes on Winnings

Taxes on Winnings

Your winnings are tax-free, unless you’re a professional. Many believe gambling winnings are tax free because the casino has already paid tax, however, it’s because gambling is classed as a recreational activity.

Age Restrictions

Age Restrictions

You must be at least 20 years old to enter a casino in New Zealand. In other countries, you can be as young as 18. It’s normal to be asked to show valid ID to prove you’re old enough.

How Our NZ Team Rates Land-Based Casinos

Our team of gambling experts carefully assess land-based casinos based on the following criteria:

How Our NZ Team Rates Land-Based Casinos

Safety and Security

Your safety as a player is our top priority, so when we rate a casino, we want to make sure you’re playing in legitimate venues. At our rated casinos you can expect to play in secure environments with regulated game machines ensuring fair play.

Variety of Games

When we rate a casino, we assess the various games on offer – be it machines or tables – the range of difficulties, what the payout percentages are and if there are worthwhile bonuses and progressive jackpots.

Money

We make sure wherever we rate has an easy and fair system when it comes to the most important part of your visit – cashing in your chips. Transactions should be secure and fast, with a variety of popular payment methods on offer.

On-Site Team

The quality of customer service can really make or break your experience. Our team look for friendly, readily-available and efficient staff.

Business Hours

We hunt down casinos with the best opening hours. Though not all have 24-hour licensing, we only recommend those open as late as possible, so you get your money’s worth.

Mobile Casino Apps & Gambling - FAQs

  • This depends on what you decide to spend inside. There’s no entrance charge on any of our recommendations but you’ll need some money to buy chips if you want to play. There are often on-site dining deals for gamblers, but otherwise it’s a similar cost to the local area. We advise setting yourself a limit to avoid getting yourself into any financial problems.
  • New Zealand gambling laws state that you must be a minimum or 20 years old with a valid ID to enter and play in a land-based casino.
  • The staff working on the floor and in the customer service team are there to answer any of your queries. You’ll be able to ask them for advice on games and they can point you in the right direction if you need advice for gambling addiction.
  • You can’t play any games for free in a land-based casino, but there’s a whole range of free games online! Whether you’re looking to try out a new game, hone your skills, or just have a play around without the pressure of involving your money, at our top-rated sites you can do just that.
  • Most casinos operate a smart-casual dress code, so you don’t need to panic about going in black tie. You’ll be turned away if you show up in ripped or dirty clothing, flip flops, and generally, you’re not allowed in with hats unless they’re religious. Sunglasses are reserved for the poker room only.