Christchurch Casino Review

Christchurch Casino is one of the most popular physical casinos in New Zealand. It opened in the early 1990s as the very first casino in the country, and since then has been a landmark for locals and tourists.

The casino is also well-known for the shares battle between Skyline Enterprises and rival NZ casino company SkyCity Entertainment. SkyCity acquired a 40% stake in the casino in 2004, which led to a lengthy legal battle between the two companies which was resolved in 2012.

Nowadays, Christchurch Casino continues to deliver a stellar experience to casino players in the South Island. It also recently announced that it intends to launch the first official New Zealand online casino and bypass New Zealand's Gambling Act laws to do so.

If you live in or plan to visit Christchurch, it is well worth paying a visit to this famous casino. Below is more information about what you'll encounter when you visit.

Basic Information about Casino Christchurch NZ

Opened in: 1994.

Christchurch Casino address: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch, 8013.

Opening times: 12 pm - 12 am every day.

Owner: Skyline Enterprises.

Number of casino games: Over 500 slot machines and 36 table games.

Age requirements: 20+.

Contact number: 03 365 9999.

Key features: Popular casino games, free customer parking, restaurants and bars, and live entertainment.

Website: https://christchurchcasino.co.nz/

Gaming at Christchurch Casino

Christchurch Casino is New Zealand's first casino and lives up to its longstanding reputation by offering one of the best casino experiences on the South Island. You'll find many casino games, including machine and table games.

• Poker: At Casino Christchurch, poker is one of the most popular games with gamblers. Not only are plenty of poker tables available offering variants like Texas Hold'em and Omaha, but there are also frequent, dedicated poker tournaments like the No Limit Hold'em Championships. One of the best things about Christchurch Casino is how easy it is to join a game; you can reserve a space at a table by using the Poker Kiosk or sending a text to 5422.
• Slots: More than 500 slot machines are available, which is excellent news for pokie fans. The games are low-cost, with some costing just 1 cent per spin, making them a great alternative to the table games on offer.
• Blackjack: If you're looking for a classic casino experience, then playing a game or two of blackjack is the way to go. The game's rules are relatively easy to learn, and you'll enjoy a more sociable experience than the other table games.
• Roulette: Bet on black or red and see if you win or not! You'll find roulette wheels at the casino, manned by experienced dealers. There is also the option to play Rapid Roulette if you want to play a more fast-paced game.
• Baccarat: At Christchurch, you'll be able to play Midi Baccarat, a variant of the game in which players can flip cards. The aim of this strategic game is to get a hand as close to 9 as possible.
• Money Wheel: If you're an inexperienced gambler, then you'll enjoy Money Wheel. In this game, players can make bets on where they think the wheel will land and can win great prizes if they make a correct guess!

Other Activities

The casino has many other attractions, making it well worth the visit. Here are some of the other events and rewards you can take advantage of at the entertainment destination:

• Christchurch Casino Players Club: If you are a regular visitor to the casino, you can join the Players Club and receive exclusive prizes and access to events. You'll earn points whenever you play games, and these points translate into rewards like birthday money. You'll also be able to join exclusive events like Players Club Bingo.
• Monza Quiz Night: Every Wednesday at 7 pm, there is a Quiz Night at the Monza Sports Bar. The first prize is a whopping $500, with second place taking home $100.
• Comedy Nights: The casino frequently hosts comedy nights with famous Kiwi comedians. Tickets are usually priced at around $30 for 90 minutes worth of laughter.
• Live Music: Every week, there is live music in the Valley Bar featuring a variety of local talents, such as Sirenz and Head Rush.

Restaurants and Bars

The Christchurch Casino restaurants offer great food and entertainment. There are three bars and restaurants, each offering a unique vibe and different menus.

• The Cafe: Although it is called The Cafe, this is the casino's main restaurant. You'll enjoy a fantastic dining experience, including Asian-inspired dishes like Malaysian chicken and Singaporean noodles.
• Monza Sports Bar: You'll find a 208" LCD TV at the Monza Sports Bar, where you can watch all of the live sporting events you have bet on. You'll find typical sports bar-style food here, including burgers and pizzas, and enjoy excellent service from the staff.
• Valley Bar: For great food and live entertainment, it's worth visiting the Valley Bar. You'll find an extensive drinks menu alongside classic bar snacks, burgers, and pizzas.

The Christchurch Casino restaurant hours differ:

• The Cafe is open every day from 12 pm to 10 pm.
• Monza Sports Bar's opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 5 pm until 12 am. It is closed on Monday.
• Valley Bar is open every day from 12 pm until 12 am.

What are the Christchurch Casino Opening Hours?

The opening hours at the Christchurch Casino are from midday to midnight every day. This is pretty good, although some other casinos in New Zealand, like the SkyCity Hamilton Casino, are open until 4 am.

The Christchurch Casino Christmas hours for 2023 differ slightly from the regular opening times. During the festive season, you'll find an adjusted schedule:

• 21st, 22nd, and 23rd December: 12 pm to 2 am.
• 24th December: 12 pm to 12 am.
• 25th December: Closed.
• 26th December: 12 am to 2 am.

One New Year's Eve, the casino is open for longer, from 12 pm to 3 am. You can find more information about the opening hours during late December and early January on the casino's official website.

Accommodation near Christchurch Casino

There is no Christchurch Casino hotel. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic hotels near Christchurch Casino, meaning you can stay near the famous Garden City location. One of the best options is the Wyndham Garden Christchurch City Hotel. This 4-star hotel is a stone's throw away from the casino, meaning you can quickly get to the casino on foot or by car.

The casino works with selected accommodation providers to provide free transport for gamblers to and from the venue. When booking a room with your hotel provider, find out whether or not it offers the Christchurch Casino shuttle service.

Is there an Online Casino?

In September 2022, the Christchurch online casino was announced. The casino plans to launch a licensed online gambling platform based in Malta to offer offshore casino services to New Zealand residents.

Although the casino would not be allowed to advertise in New Zealand, due to the country's strict online gambling laws, it can operate outside of the country. New Zealanders spend around $180 million per year at offshore online gambling sites, so this is a brilliant financial move from the company. If you want to play online casino instead of physical you can check out our list of the best rated online casinos.

FAQs: Christchurch Casino

If you're planning a visit to the Christchurch Casino, check out the FAQs to ensure you know what is allowed and what isn't!

Is there a Christchurch Casino dress code?

Yes, there is a dress code that you must follow to gain entry to the casino. You must look smart and presentable at all times. Beanies, steel-capped boots, or dirty and offensive clothing are prohibited at the casino.

Can you wear jeans to Christchurch Casino?

Yes, you can wear jeans so long as they are in good condition and look smart.

Are there Christchurch Casino age restrictions?

The Christchurch Casino age limit is 20+.

Is there a Christchurch Casino car park?

Yes, there is a car park where players can park their cars for free if they are a member of the Players Club. Otherwise, parking costs $3 per hour. All players can enjoy two hours of free car and campervan car parking at the Victoria Street car park.

Are there any Christchurch Casino careers?

You can find Christchurch Casino jobs on the casino's official website. There are a variety of job roles open at any time, from hospitality services to security.