We Compared the Top 5 Land Casinos in NZ Against Your Top 5 NZ Gambling Sites
Are you a thrill-seeker who loves to play exciting games of chance? You can enjoy a thrilling experience in either land-based or online casinos. Land-based casinos offer you the opportunity to relish the electrifying buzz of a casino floor. On the other hand, online gaming sites allow you to play your gambling games anytime, anywhere, whether you’re traveling, idling at home, or enjoying a chill drink at your favorite spot.
Before you settle for either land-based or online casinos, let’s do a quick comparison of both of these options. It will make it easier for you to pick the most suitable one. To ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision, we will factor in several crucial elements, from convenience and game variety to security and bonuses. Additionally, we will introduce the best land-based and online casinos in New Zealand. Read on!
The Top 5 Land Casinos in New Zealand
Below, we have reviewed NZ’s top 5 casinos. We picked these establishments for several reasons. For starters, they offer top-shelf games for both casual gamblers and high rollers. Moreover, these casinos have an inviting atmosphere, top-tier services, and high-end amenities. They are also strategically located conveniently close to classy nightclubs, hotels, shops, and more.
Let’s explore what each of these glamorous land-based casinos offer in detail.
1. SkyCity Auckland
Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, SkyCity Auckland is a premier entertainment complex that’s definitely worth visiting at least once. Its casino is something to behold: a majestic gaming floor with over 2,100 gaming machines and an impressive 150+ table games. You can play baccarat in its prestigious Baccarat Room or Texas Hold’em in SkyCity Poker, where you can bag a juicy jackpot.
What’s more, SkyCity Auckland has VIP gaming services. As a VIP, you get special treatment, uncapped access to the most luxurious facilities, and otherworldly services provided by a team of professional hosts. Plus, you accrue Premier Points that you can redeem and get exciting rewards.
You won’t have to worry about hunger or thirst while playing your favorite games at SkyCity Auckland. You can gorge yourself on exceptional steak at The Grill, enjoy Pacific cuisine at Metita, and enjoy many other delicacies at the innumerable restaurants in the complex. Numerous bars are also available and ready to quench your thirst with a selection of beverages that include signature cocktails and premium spirits.
2. Christchurch Casino
Christchurch Casino was established in 1994, making it New Zealand’s oldest land-based casino. Unlike its larger counterparts, this is a smaller establishment that boasts a more intimate setting. If you are in Christchurch, NZ, and like to play gambling games, pop into this casino and have all the fun you can handle.
Over 450 gaming machines are available here, so you won’t run out of options anytime soon. The casino also offers table games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and more. If you prefer having fun in a secluded sanctuary, away from the general population, the casino’s Club Aspinall VIP gaming lounge will cater to all your needs, and then some.
Not to forget, Christchurch Casino boasts legendary restaurants and bars. Here, you can hang out alone or with your buddies and enjoy delicious food and top-shelf drinks. Live music is also available; you won’t lack for entertainment. You can join the establishment’s Players Club and unlock unique boons like free parking, and collect redeemable points.
3. Grand Casino
Residents and visitors of the beautiful city of Dunedin have access to one of the most prestigious casinos today: Grand Casino Dunedin. This is a standalone establishment located in one of the classiest hotels in New Zealand, the Scenic Circle Southern Cross. It boasts over 180 electronic gaming machines and is a hotspot for gamblers who love blackjack, roulette, poker, and other popular casino games.
While having a jolly time on the casino floor, you can grab a few treats and drinks in the Grand Bar & Restaurant. It serves everything from fried chicken, glazed salmon, and rib-eye steak to cocktails, wines, and beers. It’s ideal for individuals as well as large groups of revelers.
Speaking of groups, if you plan to frequent the Grand Casino with a platoon of friends every now and then, sample the Grand Experience. This is a premier package that is specially tailored for groups of up to 21 people. It gives you ample opportunity to relish interactive gaming experiences and exceptional meals served in the opulent Grand Bar & Restaurant.
4. SkyCity Hamilton
SkyCity Hamilton is owned by the SkyCity Entertainment Group, a company that runs SkyCity Queenstown, SkyCity Auckland, and other establishments. This well-established casino complex is located in Hamilton, where the old Chief Post Office once stood.
Saunter into SkyCity Hamilton today and play thrilling casino games. You’ll have unlimited access to over 330 gaming machines and 20+ table games. The casino is open almost all day, every day, meaning you can visit any time and have tons of fun.
SkyCity Hamilton doesn’t want you to stress over food and drinks while creating memorable experiences. That is why the casino complex has a bunch of restaurants and bars like Amuse Bar & Kitchen, Shanghai Restaurant, and the Number Eight Bar. You just have to pop into any of these establishments and grab a snack, a full meal, or drinks. Not to forget, the complex has a world-class bowling alley where you can relax, unwind, and socialize.
5. SkyCity Queenstown
If you seek uncapped entertainment in Queenstown, SkyCity Queenstown is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of the city’s central business district, this premier casino is the most outstanding gambling establishment in the area. It’s open from 11 am to 1 am almost daily, so its clients don’t have to wait for nightfall to play their favorite games of chance.
Gambling in SkyCity Queenstown is guaranteed to be fun and fulfilling since the casino has countless gaming options, including 86 electronic machines. If you like table games, you can opt for Midi Baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and many others in the casino. Remember to dress neatly and maintain uncapped tidiness because this premier establishment doesn’t entertain shoddy characters.
Snacks, lunch, and dinner are offered at SkyCity Queenstown’s Wild Thyme Bar & Kitchen. What you can order depends primarily on the day of the week, so check the restaurant’s menu as early as possible to avoid disappointment. That said, most common delicacies are often available, from burgers and grilled chicken to curry and salads. The drinks menu has countless options, from beers, bourbon, and whiskey to soda, tea, and coffee.
The Top 5 Online Gambling Sites in New Zealand
Having introduced you to the best land-based casinos in NZ, let’s explore their counterparts: top online casinos in this region. These are gambling sites that have proper licensing, a stellar reputation, solid game variety, and other noteworthy merits. We’ve explored them below.
1. Kiwis Treasure Casino
Kiwis Treasure is an enchanting casino that has a droll, piratey theme. It’s fascinating, to say the least. Plus, it focuses exclusively on catering to New Zealanders, making it an outstanding platform for NZ residents.
Signing up with Kiwis Treasure is the key to having uncapped access to a plethora of thrilling and exciting online casino games. That includes popular, next-gen options like Blazing Bison Gold Blitz, Amazing Link Apollo, and Wolf Gold. What’s more, this service provider offers unparalleled security, superior support, and unbiased gaming practices.
Kiwis Treasure is one of a handful of online casinos that have your best interests at heart. This provider wants you to avoid catastrophic losses, which is why it gives you unmatched access to a suite of responsible gaming tools, including self-exclusion and deposit limits.
2. Wizslots Casino
WizSlots is another outstanding online casino that caters exclusively to New Zealanders. It’s owned and run by BVGroup, a company that’s associated with many other reputable gambling sites in NZ and other regions.
One of the factors that make WizSlots an exceptional casino is its game variety. The site has over 1,000 terrific games, from Star Burst and Sugar Rush to Big Bass Bonanza, Gold Blitz, and Book of Dead. All you have to do is sign up, which is a streamlined process that takes approximately 2 minutes. Email or message the company’s team for prompt assistance if you encounter any hurdles.
Lastly, WizSlots promoted safe gambling, making it ideal for players who’d like to keep financial losses low. You can keep your gambling habits and losses in check with reality checks, voluntary time out, and self-exclusion while playing games of chance on this platform.
3. Christchurch Online Casino
The Christchurch Casino has an outstanding online gaming platform you should check out today. It has a whopping 2,000+ games, a feature you won’t find in most NZ online casinos. Sign up today and play popular games of chance like Raging Rex, Cash Crew, and Crazy Time. Available gaming options are spread over multiple categories, from live and table games to roulette, poker, slots, and more.
If you want VIP treatment guaranteed to make your gaming sessions more thrilling and fulfilling, you can apply to Christchurch Casino’s Players Club. As a member, you will enjoy priority support, exclusive offers, and even a personal account manager, depending on your membership status.
Not to mention, your loyalty to this online casino will attract many goodies. For starters, it’ll put you in the best position to enjoy faster withdrawals, early access to the hottest new games, around-the-clock support, and cash-back deals.
4. Mr Fortune Casino
Mr Fortune is one of the coolest New Zealand online casinos. The site, launched in 2023, is easy on the eye and exquisitely designed, so navigating it is easy. Plus, the company has made registration a breeze; no wasting time or getting inconvenienced by unnecessary complications.
When it comes to game variety, Mr Fortune is a treasure trove. You can play popular casino games like Jungle Jim Gold Blitz, Wacky Panda, and Queens of Ra here. Newer options like Links of Glory and progressive jackpots with mouthwatering returns are also offered.
In addition, Mr Fortune has an amazing live casino where you can engage with real human dealers while gaming online. Here, you can play top-tier games live, including Gravity Roulette, Vegas Ball Bonanza, and Azure Blackjack.
5. Jackpot City Casino
Jackpot City Casino is a pioneer in this industry. This service provider launched its online gambling services in 1998, which is a fantastic feat. Over the years, this casino has solidified its position in the gaming industry, and now ranks with the most respected brands.
Open a new Jackpot City online casino account today and get unparalleled access to a well-stocked library of top-notch games. Available options range from Amazing Link Zeus, UFC Gold Blitz EXTREME, and Area Link Phoenix to Wheels of Wishes, Lightning Roulette, and Bonus Poker Deluxe.
Plus, you can play games with live dealers on the platform. Presently, this casino allows fans of live games to interact with human dealers while playing blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Pick any of these games and enjoy the same experience you’d get in a brick-and-mortar casino.
Comparing Land Casinos vs. Online Gambling Sites: Key Factors
To help you identify the best option, let’s compare land-based and online casinos based on crucial factors, from game variety to security and fair play.
Game Variety
When it comes to game variety, online casinos are superior to land-based casinos. Online casinos are often better positioned to provide hundreds or thousands of games because they don’t need physical space. On the other hand, a land-based casino will have to be enormous to reach or breach the same threshold.
That said, both land-based and online casino games have pros and cons. Online casino games offer unparalleled convenience since you can play them anywhere, anytime. On the other hand, while playing them, your experience can be undermined by poor connectivity, server errors, and other issues. Conversely, despite forcing you to travel to physical locations, land-based casino games make your gaming experience more exciting by allowing you to socialize, party, and more.
Bonuses and Promotions
Most online and land-based casinos dish out goodies while welcoming new clients. After signing up with an online casino, you will likely get a matched bonus for your deposit, free spins, etc. On the other hand, a land-based casino is likely to welcome you with free drinks and reduced food prices. In addition, most online and brick-and-mortar gambling platforms will reward your loyalty with cashbacks and other incentives.
Having said that, if you are interested in a juicy welcome bonus, online casinos should be your go-to. These service providers are often able to hand out big welcome bonuses because they have lower operating costs and need to provide enticing incentives to stand out.
Convenience and Accessibility
As we’ve already discussed, convenience is unparalleled where online casinos are involved since these platforms are available 24/7, and you can access them from any location. Conversely, to play land-based casino games, you must visit a physical establishment. The flip side is that, despite being a bit of a hassle, visiting a land-based casino offers you the opportunity to have fun in a vibrant atmosphere with fellow players, dealers, and uncapped entertainment.
Not to forget, you can play online casino games from your smartphone. Virtual casinos have significant strides where mobile gaming is involved, so expect seamless, unforgettable experiences. Plus, many offer live dealer games, which allow you to experience the joys of gaming in a land-based casino without leaving the comfort of your home.
Payout Rates and House Edge
RTP and odds are often higher in online casinos. Take slots as an example. In online casinos, slots have high RTP rates of up to 99%. On the other hand, most physical slot machines have an RTP of around 85%. Land-based casinos can’t provide high odds and RTP like their counterparts because they have to cover rent, employee salaries, machine maintenance fees, etc.
Online casinos, on the other hand, have fewer overhead costs, which enables them to offer higher RTPs and odds. Remember, these platforms don’t need physical spaces and only need a handful of employees. Therefore, they spend less on rent/ property acquisition and don’t grapple with high expenses associated with paying hundreds of employees.
Security and Fair Play
In New Zealand, both online and land-based casinos are licensed and regulated by 3 authorities: the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Gambling Commission. These agencies ensure you, the consumer, have access to fair games and top-tier security protocols.
Speaking of security, online casinos use encryption technologies like SSL and TLS to protect your personal information, banking details, and other sensitive data. On the other hand, land-based casinos rely on CCTV cameras and security guards.
Which One is Better? Our Verdict
We have introduced you to the most outstanding online and offline casinos in New Zealand. Our guide has also covered the differences between the two based on key factors like convenience, payout rates, and security. Armed with this information, you can now pick an option that suits your needs and preferences.
While making the final decision, remember that online sites offer unmatched convenience while the lively ambiance in land-based casinos facilitates immersive experiences. Also, online casinos have bigger bonuses and game selections. Conversely, while visiting a land-based casino, you can enjoy complimentary drinks, delicious food, and snacks, while socializing with other gamers.
We strongly advise avid gamblers to take a hybrid approach. Simply put, visit a land-based casino whenever you feel like socializing and soaking in glamour, and play online gambling games whenever you don’t feel like traveling to one of these establishments.
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