Battle of the NZ Casino Giants, Christchurch VS SkyCity
There are some phenomenal real money online casinos in New Zealand, so we have decided to weigh up the giants in the industry – Christchurch and SkyCity. They are both represented as a brick-and-mortar casino and a Best NZ Online Casino and here Kiwis can get the best of both worlds.
Top Online Casinos in NZ are quickly becoming more popular than brick-and-mortar casinos for many reasons, including convenience and accessibility. Kiwis enjoy playing online pokies and have been playing at SkyCity online casino for a few years, while Christchurch online casino is part of our featured New Online Casinos so it hasn’t yet had time to prove itself. Our article takes a look at the battle of the NZ giants, Christchurch vs SkyCity, so that you can decide which casino to try.
Let’s see how these Online Casinos stack up
SkyCity online casino is relatively well known as it has been online since August 2019, while Christchurch made its début online in early 2022. Both casinos offer thousands of top-rated pokies and table games by renowned software providers, and the welcome bonus is also very similar in value, with both rewarding new players with a 100% first deposit bonus. At Christchurch online casino, new players can grab a 100% match bonus when joining and depositing from NZ$10 to NZ$200 and 500 Loyalty Points to use in the Loyalty Program.
SkyCity online casino also rewards its clients with various lucrative bonuses and promotions, starting with the welcome bonus, a 100% match bonus on deposits from NZ$10 up to NZ$100, 70 Free Spins with no wagering requirements, and 150 Club Points together with 100 SkyCoins to use in the VIP/Loyalty Program. The SkyCity first deposit bonus gives players double their initial deposit, while the Free Spins lets users try new pokies for free.
Christchurch and SkyCity both offer NZ casino payment methods, including PaySafeCard, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Google Pay, and bank transfer, and withdrawals are completed in up to 24 hours with eWallets. Kiwis can deposit and withdraw with many banking options, including eWallets Neteller, Skrill and ecoPayz, Visa, Mastercard, and PaySafeCard. Withdrawals are processed in up to six hours, and eWallets take up to 24 hours to deliver your funds.
Fun, but could do with improvement experience at SkyCity
SkyCity Online casino has been around since 2019, which might seem like a short time, but in the world of online casinos, rapid technological advances mean that casinos over four years need to be spruced up. SkyCity launched online with an easy-to-use website, but as it’s been online a while now, a revamp would go a long way towards keeping the excitement going.
However, despite its slightly tired look, SkyCity still attracts players daily because of its 1000 pokies and table games, virtual sports, and a welcome bonus, including 70 No Wagering Free Spins. SkyCity is a fun-filled online casino that offers a high-class act for Kiwis to enjoy, but their website is in need of a revamp. The welcome bonus offers great value as the Free Spins bonuses have no wagering requirements, while the 35x wagering requirement for the deposit bonus is within the industry standard. Read more about what SkyCity online casino offers in the SkyCity Casino Review.
Fresh and fun at the online casino from Christchurch
Christchurch Online Casinos is a new brand, bringing with it the latest technology that online casinos have to offer. When Christchurch unveiled its plans to launch online, several problem gambling agencies tried to stop the opening, as they felt it would contribute towards gambling addiction, but Christchurch Online Casino opened with a Malta Gaming Authority license and solid Responsible Gambling tools in 2023.
At the new Christchurch Online Casino, new players can collect a worthwhile welcome bonus package, with a 30x wagering requirement, which is well below the industry average, and then join a rewarding loyalty program and accumulate Loyalty Points, exchangeable for bonus funds. The games at Christchurch include some of the hottest NZ titles, from pokies to jackpots, table games, and Live Casino games. When comparing the fresh and fun factor at SkyCity and Christchurch, there is one clear winner: Christchurch Online Casino! See for yourself by reading the Christchurch Casino Review.
SkyCity NZ’s favourite brick and mortar casino group
SkyCity Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most famous brick-and-mortar casinos. It’s situated in the central business district of Auckland, New Zealand, between Victoria and Federal Streets. SkyCity Auckland features over 2000 pokies, 150 tables, 14 plush restaurants, and five bars. Visitors can also play classic poker, blackjack, and roulette variations on RNG-operated machines or live tables. The Premier Rewards Points allow clients to earn premier points, which can be redeemed as rewards. As well as discounts at the on-site restaurants, bars and parking facilities.
SkyCity Online Casino NZ launched online in 2019 and belonging to the global SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited, it was an instant success. Kiwis can get involved with over 1000 casino games made of classic pokies, multi-reel video pokies, video Poker, progressive jackpot games, poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat games, virtual sports, and Live Dealer Casino games. SkyCity is powered by dozens of software providers, including NetEnt, Microgaming and Play’n GO.
Recently, the SkyCity Group suffered bad news when the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) lodged an application for SkyCity’s casino operator’s licence to be temporarily suspended for ten days. This was in the wake of a customer complaining that SkyCity breached Responsible Gambling laws. While this is bad publicity for the casino giant, it remains the top physical casino in NZ and NZ’s favourite brick-and-mortar casino Group.
Christchurch Casino has Loads of Entertainment to choose from 24/7
Christchurch Online Casino has loads of entertainment to choose from. From an impressive variety of pokies to their table games and live casino games by over 50 software providers, Kiwis have much to explore at Christchurch online casino. Licensed by Malta Gaming Authority ensures a trustworthy brand, and with 500 Loyalty Points and a 100% deposit match bonus for new players, Christchurch has loads of entertainment to choose from 24/7. Christchurch also offers Kiwis a 24/7 customer support team reachable on Live Chat and email. Kiwis can deposit quickly with various payment options, and withdrawals are processed within 48 hours. While all these benefits are sufficient to make up a top-quality online casino experience, SkyCity offers plenty more, which is why SkyCity wins this round of the matchup.
How they Compared
When comparing Christchurch and SkyCity by their game offerings, they compare favourably, as each casino provides a never-ending selection of pokies and table games. Pragmatic Play powers the Live Dealer casino at Christchurch online casino, while SkyCity decided to go with Pragmatic Play and Evolution Gaming, which elevates them to the top position. As to which casino is better, Kiwis who want a great night out at a brick-and-mortar casino can’t do better than the exclusive SkyCity Auckland Casino and Restaurants. But if you’re after a fun-filled online gambling experience, Christchurch Online Casino is the clear winner!
