Casinos and gambling may be more associated with places like Vegas and Macau rather than Australia and New Zealand.
But it seems like the Antipodean appetite is there for far more than just a few games on the pokies.
Both online and brick and mortar casinos are thriving, and their popularity continues to grow. In New Zealand the country is even set to start offering official online gaming licences to up to 15 operators.
While there are already several licensed overseas-based online casinos that are operating openly in the country as seen on Gambling.com, this will increase player choice still further.
But experience has shown that this won’t necessarily affect land-based casinos which continue to do well in the face of competition.
The two countries are especially well served by these, are here are eight prime examples.
Australian Casinos
There’s a good selection of casinos in all of the major population centres including these four.
The Crown, Melbourne
If you’re looking for a casino in a stunning location, you’ve found it at The Crown, Melbourne. It’s right in the city centre with incredible views over the Yarra River and is one of the world’s biggest casino complexes. The gaming rooms include 540 tables as well as well over 2,500 gaming machines. There are also no less than three different hotels in the complex, the Crown Promenade, Towers and Metropol.
The Crown, Perth
Right over on the West coast you’ll find another casino from the Crown Group. It’s another one with river views but in this case it’s the Swan River. While it may not be quite as big as its sister casino in Melbourne there’s still plenty enough action to be enjoyed. There are 2,000 electronic gaming machines and over 200 table games – and it’s especially well-known for its poker tournaments.
The Star, Sydney
The Star Sydney holds the honour of being the country’s second larges casino complex after The Crown in Melbourne. Gaming floors are set over two levels with the third floor being given over to the Sovereign Room where stake amounts range from AUS$25 to AUS$75,000. By special invitation some players are permitted entry into the Inner Sanctum with an upper stake limit of AUS$500,000.
Mindi Beach Casino, Darwin
This is arguably Australia’s northern-most casino and is located in Darwin, Northern Territory. The casino forms part of a luxury resort complex situated in 30 acres of lush, tropical gardens overlooking the Arafura Sea. The casino itself is reasonably modest in size with just 30 table games and 600 gaming machines. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a more intimate casino experience where the service is always five-star.
New Zealand Casinos
Heading over the Tasman Sea from Australia there is also plenty of choice when it comes to casinos in the “Land of the Long White Cloud”.
Sky City, Auckland
Sky City is the biggest casino group in New Zealand and has already announced its intention to apply for one of the online licences when they become available.
Theirs is Auckland’s only casino and is located in the city’s iconic Sky Tower in the heart of the central business district. As well as the 150 gaming tables and 2100-strong collection of slots games, the complex also includes a 700-seat theatre as well as 23 bars and restaurants.
Sky City, Hamilton
Continuing the theme of waterside casinos, Sky City, Hamilton is part of the city’s Riverside Centre. It’s housed in the former Chief Post Office and features floor-to-ceiling windows, an unusual feature for casinos which tend to keep natural light to a minimum. There are over 300 slots games as well as 23 tables and, if you’re in need of some refreshment, the are plenty of options to wine and dine.
Christchurch Casino, Christchurch City
The country’s first ever land-based casino opened back in 1994 and has been going from strength to strength ever since. It’s almost as well known for its restaurants and bars as it is for its 44,000 sq ft gaming area with 500 slots and 36 tables. Choose from casual dining at The Café with its Asian fusion cuisine or catch up on the latest action in the Monza Sports Bar with its massive 208” LCD wall screen.
Grand Casino Dunedin, Dunedin
On a far smaller scale, let’s round up our selection with the Grand Casino Dunedin. It’s part of the Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel which first opened in 1883. Much of the décor retains the Victorian style including an impressive spiral staircase that dominates the main area. Gaming comes from 180 slots as well as roulette, blackjack and baccarat tables and there are also weekly special events including the Triple Tuesday Draw and the daily Happy Hour from Mondays to Fridays.
So next time you’re on your travels and looking for a great casino nearby, choose any one of these and we promise that you won’t be disappointed by their style and ambience – but we can’t say the same about your chances of winning!
