After the Italians introduced the concept of gambling in the 1700s, casinos have become a massive element of entertainment. Time has changed casinos a lot but the fun and the thrill still remain the same.
In this modern era of online casinos, you might think that land-based casinos are losing their glamour. Well, get ready to be surprised.
Getting Started
Land-based casinos are exactly what they sound like. They are casinos on land. But there is more to it. The best casinos in the world have taken the gambling experience to such a level that going to these places is like a dream to many people. Land-based casinos often come with other necessary amenities like restaurants, bars, car parking, etc. The more you can spend, the more lavish of an experience you’ll have. That’s just the way land-based casinos work.
Game Offerings
Any reputed casino will offer the players a minimum number of games. Some games are very popular that everyone wants to be a part of them. Blackjack, roulette, poker, etc. are the most commonly found table games in any land-based casino. Other than that, there might house exclusive table games that are controlled by the casinos. They are often a spinoff of any popular game with some special house rules. You can visit the casino websites or read our reviews to know more about the game offerings. Then comes the slot games. Slot machines are one of the best ways to get accustomed to a land-based casino. There’s no pressure. Just spin and try your luck. The best casinos will offer a wide range of slot games from the best game providers in the world.
Loyalty Programs
It’s a common practice among the land-based casinos to have a loyalty program for the regulars. These programs are mainly there to reward regular customers. It can be points, free food, free parking, exclusive promotions or anything else. It totally depends on the casino itself. Of course, you have to pay extra to get the VIP treatment. In most cases, there are different tiers to the loyalty programs that you can choose. Each tier will become progressively expensive as they offer more benefits over the previous one. Read on below to know the details about the best casinos in NZ.
Best Land-based Casinos in New Zealand
Among the land-based casinos found in NZ, we’ve listed down some of the best. Let’s get going.
SkyCity Auckland Casino
SkyCity is one of the most renowned names when it comes to casinos in NZ. With over 2100 pokies, it offers a surreal experience for the casino enthusiasts. Situated right in the middle of Auckland, the SkyCity Auckland casino is one of the must-see destinations. With amazing regulations and gambling policy, SkyCity Auckland Casino offers one of the safest gambling experiences. With the age limit of 20, it ensures that no one is allowed to abuse the opportunity. Other than age verification, it also regulates clothing. Other than the casino, the Sky Tower is home to a few amazing hotels, restaurants and bars. You’ll find reputed names like The Grand Hotel and Sammy’s lounge in the tower. Car parking is also very convenient for those who don’t like to travel publicly.
- Opened: 1996
- Address: 72 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
- Phone: 0800 759 2489
- Email: enquiries@skycity.co.nz
- Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week (except Good Friday and Christmas)
See the full review of SkyLand Auckland Casino>>
Christchurch Casino
When it comes to customer satisfaction, Christchurch Casino beats them all. You’ll always find something promotional going on at the casino. With a very convenient location and carefully crafted operating times, Christchurch Casinos is the ideal place to have fun in the city of Christchurch. With very affordable parking options, Christchurch casino doesn’t disappoint. They have multiple parking spots surrounding the casino. You can pay by cash or use your membership card to pay for the parking. Read our detailed review to know about them. In terms of games, the casino offers 500 slots machines and 45 tables games to quench your thirst. The slots and games are spread over the area of 4000 square feet so you have plenty of room to walk around. There are restaurants and bars inside the casino for you to get a quick meal whenever you feel like it.
- Opened: 1994
- Address: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Phone: 03 365 9999
- Email: generalenq@christchurchcasino.co.nz
- Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 am - 3 am
- Friday: 11 am, open all night
- Saturday: 24 hours
- Sunday: 24 hours, closes 3 am on Monday
See the full review of Christcurch Casino>>
Dunedin Casino
With a historical background, Dunedin is a piece of art. Situated at Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel, every inch of Dunedin Casino has a story to tell. Not the biggest casino around, but very tastefully decorated. The happy hours on Friday and Saturday are the perfect time to enjoy the full casino experience. A lot of people visit during this time and it feels like a festival. Very attractive food and drink menus are served during the happy hours. The number of pokies and tables are very limited in this casino. That’s because the casino itself is targeted towards a very niche audience. With only 180 slots and 12 table games, Dunedin Casino can rock your world like never before. You can become a Club Casino member for the ultimate treatment. Earning points and using them around the casino is one of the best ways to spend time here.
- Opened: 1999
- Address: 118 High Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Phone: 08004774545, 034774545, 034746981
- Email: enquiries@dunedincasino.co.nz
- Hours: 11 am to 3 am every day (except Good Friday and Christmas)
See the full review of Dunedin Casino>>
SkyCity Queenstown Casino
When you see SkyCity, you know there’s something good going on. The casino experience is consistently good across all SkyCity casinos. SkyCity Queensland is a great place to have a good time in the city of Queenstown. The regulatory measures are similar in this casino like the other SkyCity casino. You have to be over 20 and wear decent clothes to get entry. The casino also defined different tiers according to your financial status. The customer service representative will guide you through the process. Along with the most common table games, SkyCity Queensland has 86 of the best slot games currently available. You’ll find the best games from the best providers. Slot games are usually the best way to start your casino journey. The Premier Rewards program is the signature loyalty program that all the SkyCity Casinos offer. It’s great for people who like something extra other than the regular activities.
- Opened: 2000
- Address: 16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
- Phone: 03 441 0400
- Email: info@skycityqueenstown.co.nz
- Hours: 12 pm to 4 am every day (except Good Friday and Christmas)
See the full review of Skycity Queenstown Casino>>
SkyCity Hamilton Casino
If you’re a man of casino culture, SkyCity Hamilton Casino might be for you. It’s one of the few casinos found across New Zealand that stays open all the time, literally. Located at Hamilton Street, it’s a very convenient location for all kinds of people. The size of the SkyCity Hamilton Casino is very decent. It houses 330 pokies machines and 23 table games. The pokies are spread across the area for you to enjoy while the table games offer outstanding live experience. The dealers are very well trained and the casino has a pool of international dealers to deal with the high-value customers. The VIP gaming area is always open to these customers. Their promotions and loyalty programs are similar to the other SkyCity casinos. Other than gaming, SkyCity Hamilton Casino is home to a few exotic restaurants and bars. The Number 8 bar is iconic in Hamilton. If you love the blend of class and fun, SkyCity Hamilton Casino should be your go-to place.
- Opened: 2000
- Address: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton, New Zealand, PO Box 954
- Phone: 64 783 44900
- Email: hamilton@skycitycommunitytrust.org.nz
- Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week (except Good Friday and Christmas)
See the full review of SkyCity Hamilton Casino>>
Land-Based VS. Online Casinos
Land-based casinos are as great as they come. There is no denying that. But it’s not practical for the majority of the people to visit a land-based casino often. As modern problems require modern solutions, the concept of online casino was introduced. Online casinos are often operated by actual casinos as a substitute. The best part of online casino is that you can start enjoying your favorite game without ever leaving your house. All online casinos in NZ accept a wide range of payment methods so you can choose whatever you like. Top of the line slot games from providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, etc. are available in the online casinos. The money is dealt with safely and under the regulations of the corresponding regulatory authorities. What more could you want? There is no replacing the land-based casinos, but online casinos sure add a little more charm to the whole idea of recreational gambling. Enjoy the best of the casino world, from right where you are.
Online Casinos vs Land-Based Casinos: A Short Endeavor
The concept of casinos has been present for a very long time now. Which was once a medium of passing leisure time has become a billion-dollar industry over time. The casino culture has even upgraded itself to online. But what are the differences between an online casino and a land-based casino?
The Casino Experience
In order to deeply understand the relationship or the differences between online casinos and land-based casinos, you have to experience both or at least one of them. You might have played in online casinos for quite some time wondering how a real casino would feel. The same goes for people with opposite experiences. There are a few facts that differentiate an online casino from a land-based casino. We’ll look at them one at a time and debunk any myths surrounding each of them.
The Atmosphere
The first and most obvious thing that differs is the atmosphere. A land-based casino often has a very flashy atmosphere with a lot of crowds. It’s a luxurious place for people who are looking for entertainment, entertainment and, you guessed it right, entertainment! Land-based casinos offer a more personal touch catered to fit the need of the players. There are food, drinks, and other recreational activities that you can enjoy in a land-based casino. But keep in mind, you have to spend a lot at the same time to experience such luxury. An online casino, on the other hand, is a pure source of entertainment for players who enjoy the games. There are hundreds of games from different software providers, all in one place. Even live dealer games like poker, baccarat, blackjack, etc. You might not get the luxurious treatment in person, but you’ll sure enjoy your time with all those games, and bonuses!
Convenience
Online casinos are by far the most convenient way of enjoying some pure casino games. You don’t have to leave your home or book a seat at the poker table. You can just log in from your phone or computer and have a blast. On the other hand, you have to leave your home, use a mode of transportation to reach a land-based casino, and probably wait in a line to get in. It might be fun for a lot of you out there, but it’s for sure not convenient.
New Games
If you’re a hunter for new releases from different software providers, an online casino is your best bet. Online casinos are very prompt in displaying new games as they have pre-existing contracts with software providers. Also, you can experience any new title as a demo in most online casinos. It’s a feature no land-based casino will offer you. So, get yourself an account at your favourite online casino to enjoy new and amazing titles. Read our reviews to choose the best online casino for you.
Promotions and Bonuses
Online casinos trump land-based casinos in this regard as well. Almost every online casino in New Zealand offers various bonuses and promotions for the players. The welcome bonus is a great promotion for new players who hope to join an online casino. Then there are VIP perks that you can get at an online casino. Most casinos offer some sort of loyalty points against the amount you wager. The more points you can collect, the higher you can go in the VIP ladder. The better rank you have, the more perks you can enjoy like a personal manager, easy access to high-rolling tables, and so on. A land-based casino can offer promotions as well. Especially, the VIP promotions at land-based casinos are often an amazing experience. You can get yourself an exclusive executive who will take care of your needs. You earn special privileges such as discounts on food, parking, etc.
The Location & The Law
It’s a massive issue when it comes to casinos. To enjoy a land-based casino, you need to have one in your locality. If you’re visiting a foreign country, it might not be an issue for you. But for some people, it is. Not every country in the world allows casinos to operate on its land. It’s a problem when your government doesn’t let casinos to open brick and mortar facilities in the country. But online casinos are free of this hassle. While governments can keep land-based casinos from operating, they can’t stop an online casino operating from overseas. However, there are still legislative restrictions in some countries, but it’s very unlikely that a country’s residents won’t be able to access and online casino.
Why Online Casinos Are Better?
While land-based casinos do offer a lot of adventures and perks for the hardcore casino fans, most people will choose an online casino over a land-based casino. Because:
- It’s more convenient
- More diverse game library than land-based casinos
- Free play/Demo options to test a game before making actual deposits
- Amazing promotions, tournaments, and bonus offers
- Welcome bonus offers can go up to thousands of dollars
- No hassle of leaving the house or waiting in line to get in
- New and exciting games from multiple software providers
- No legal issues, in most cases at least
- Accepts a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods
Overview
It’s pretty clear why online casinos are better than land-based casinos. While land-based casinos put the foundation for casino culture in place, online casinos are taking the legacy forward by comping with the modern world. Both of these casinos have their perks. The bottom line is, if you’re more focused on convenience and the gaming experience, an online casino is a better choice for you. And if you’re more of a lifestyle person, a land-based casino will open new dynamics for you. The choice ultimately comes down to you. Choose wisely and have a blast with your time! Read our online casino reviews!