Christchurch Casino Review for May 2024

Only a few land-based casinos can rival Christchurch's popularity in New Zealand. Named after the city, Christchurch Casino is the premium gaming destination for fun seekers in the third most populated NZ town. With 450+ slot machines, 32 table games, and three exquisite bars and restaurants, Christchurch Casino offers locals and tourists a premier entertainment hub.

This renowned casino, established in 1994, is the first of its kind in New Zealand. Over the years, it has built a reputation in the NZ gambling scene with its premium gaming hall, excellent customer support, and exceptional entertainment.

At Christchurch Casino, players can enjoy popular New Zealand casino games like Poker, Baccarat, Roulette, and Blackjack. Not to mention Pokies! The gambling establishment has 450+ slot machines for Pokies lovers.

While I love being present in the gambling hall for many reasons, Christchurch Casino also offers punters the chance to enjoy its exclusive casino offerings online with its virtual gaming options. So, you won’t miss out on the fun on days you're too tired to hit the gaming halls on Victoria Street.

Located at 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch Casino is the leading gaming establishment in New Zealand for popular casino games like Pokies, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker.

However, you must be at least 20 to play at this land-based casino. Owned by Skyline Entertainment, the 43,998-square-foot gaming establishment hosts the New Zealand Poker Championships every August. This contest is one of the biggest events in NZ, with a prize pool of up to $1 million.

As I mentioned in the intro, the casino also features two restaurants and a bar, ensuring all-round entertainment for gamers. 

Casino 

Christchurch Casino's architectural design is unique and a beauty to behold. Standing tall in the centre of Christchurch City, this elegant structure houses the oldest but most popular gambling club in New Zealand. This gaming destination is very popular, so you won't struggle to find your way as it's located 12 minutes from Christchurch Airport.

The best part is the casino offers a low minimum bet to cater to both low and high rollers. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a complimentary drink at the gaming hall. However, the drink you get depends on your Players Club card.

Hotel 

Unfortunately, Christchurch Casino isn't a casino hotel, so I couldn't lodge there. However, since I visited Christchurch with my family, I opted to stay at the Sudima Hotel. Although Sudima doesn't have much going for it, I enjoyed my stay there as the rooms were clean and quiet. Most importantly, it was a 5 minutes walk from Christchurch Casino and a short drive to Hagley Park, where my wife took the kids to play.

Also, the best part of staying at Sudima is that I didn't have to pay for valet parking. I could comfortably leave our rented car at the hotel and take a quick stroll to the casino. That was a steal for me, considering Christchurch Casino only allows free parking for its Players Club members.

In 2017, Christchurch Casino bought the land opposite it to build a hotel. However, up until now, a Christchurch Casino hotel is still in the works.

Everyone who has visited Christchurch Casino can agree that the gaming club has friendly dealers. The staff are also professional, knowledgeable, and ready to help.

Although I had already taken a virtual tour of the casino via the website, one of the staff still gave me a brief tour when I got to the location. The dealers are experts who genuinely love the game and are passionate about their work, as you'll see in how professional and fast they are. They're also very friendly.

Smoking Areas 

While you can't smoke in the general gaming rooms, Christchurch Casino recognises that players occasionally need to take a puff and offers a smoker's room upstairs, close to the Atrium.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are essential factors to consider at a gaming establishment, so I had to ensure I'll be safe at Christchurch Casino while enjoying top-notch gaming. Like I already know before coming to the city, Christchurch is a safe city with an 80% Safety Index.

Security at the casino is also top-notch, and I didn't experience any robbery or theft while there.

Bars and Restaurants 

Christchurch Casino features a bar, cafe,  and lounge. The first place I tried was the Monza Sports Bar, and it was a delightful evening as I watched the local team play on the giant 206-inch TV. I enjoyed the Moto Guzzi pizza and ribs special. Also, the beers are reasonably priced. I got the Vespa pizza for my kids, and it became their favourite until we left.

The buffet is also worth talking about. We enjoyed a fantastic meal comprising diverse seafood choices, soups, freshly made salads, cheeses, and desserts. 

If you need a quiet place with better lighting, go to Skylark Bar & Lounge instead of Monza Sports Bar. The Cafè is excellent, too, for a casual sit-out.

Customer Service 

Although I had heard so much about Christchurch Casino, I needed to be sure it was worth my time. So, I checked the gambling establishment's website and took a virtual tour from the Contact Page.

I discovered a FAQ page on the website with relevant questions and answers for new guests. Christchurch Casino also provided a phone number for inquiries and a link to email them. Phone inquiries are usually faster, so I went with that option.

However, if you want to email them, message [email protected].

Excellent customer service wasn't only limited to their online support team. The staff and dealers at Christchurch are also courteous and professional while dealing with guests.

ATM & Cashless Gaming

You don't have to worry about coming to Christchurch Casino without money as there are cashiers in the gaming rooms available to change your money to New Zealand Dollars. 

Wheelchair Accessibility 

Christchurch Casino features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, with friendly and capable staff readily available to assist customers. The main floor is also spacious and flat, perfect for wheelchairs.

Christchurch Casino is an excellent gaming establishment featuring top table and slot games. You'll find classic table games like Poker, Baccarat, Blackjack, and Roulette alongside their variations.

There's also Bingo fun every Tuesday at Monza Sports Bar.

Table Games

The Christchurch Casino table game lobby boasts 32 gaming tables, including fan favourites like:

• Baccarat
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Roulette X
• Blackjack Stadium
• Rapid Roulette
• Poker
• Rapid Roulette & Baccarat
• Three Card Poker
• Caribbean Stud Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em

Slot Machines 

Pokies are the most popular gaming option at New Zealand land-based casinos. Thankfully, I counted nearly 500 slot machines at Christchurch Casino, especially video slot machines with different themes. The gaming establishment also features an exclusive gaming hall for elite Kiwis, the Privé room.

Gaming options here include additional slot machines and other table games. I recommend trying the Colossus - Fun in the Sun slot machine, which is popular at Christchurch Casino.

Popular Games

The popular game at Christchurch Casino is the Colossus - Fun in the Sun slot game. This colourful Pokie sometimes comes with promotional offers at the casino, which helped to increase its popularity. I didn't meet the promo offer when I visited but I heard people raving about it in the gaming halls. 

Game Quality and Betting Limits 

Like everything else in Christchurch Casino, the gaming establishment takes exceptional care to ensure fair play in its gaming halls. The professional croupiers are trained to provide expert service, and the casino pays winnings promptly.

I received the $500 I won at the Roulette X table immediately. Also, the tables, betting chips, and slot machines are all maintained to ensure top-notch game quality. The minimum betting amount at Christchurch Casino used to be $5 to accommodate low rollers, but it's currently at $10, which is still fair.

Players at Christchurch Casino enjoy numerous bonuses and promotions, starting from the Players Club signup offer. Dragon Draws are also currently available to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Here, players can win from $500 to $8,888. The best part is that there's no entry fee. Simply get a wristband at the casino gambling halls from 6 pm and stay back for the hourly draws from 7 pm to 11 pm.

Kiwis who drink Tiger Beer at Christchurch Casino are eligible for a $50 dining voucher with the Tiger Beer Scratch cards. This offer is limited to one customer per scratchies.

Christchurch Casino also offers a daily Happy Hour between 5 pm and 7 pm, where prices of house spirits, house wine, and tap beers drop to $8.

But that's not all players enjoy at Christchurch Casino. Every Sunday, there's a Club Day special for its customers, ranging from the Bonus Point Bumpers to the 1k 1-shot Jackpot and Tables Double Up.

Players can also quench their thirst at Skylark Bar & Lounge daily during the Cocktail Hour from 7 pm to 9 pm for $12.50. Lastly, Monza Sports Bar offers diners a $1 Wing and $8 Craft beer deal every Wednesday night from 5 pm.

Loyalty Programme

Active players at Christchurch Casino join a loyalty programme called Players Club, with 5 tiers ranging from Bronze and Silver to Gold, Platinum, and Black. Signing up at the club is free. Simply visit the Players Club desk or check the website. Players receive up to $80 Casino Dollars, which you can use on the dining outlets, gaming machines, and table games.

Players Club members enjoy many exclusive perks, including the following:

• Bonus point bumpers
• Tiger Beer Scratchies
• Tables Double Up
• Free parking spot during casino operating hours
• $1,000 1-shot Jackpot
• Complimentary tea, soft drinks, and coffee from the drink station
• Celebration rewards
• 15% off fares when using Gold Band Taxis to and fro the casino
• $15 meal deals at The Café, including the popular Chicken Parmigiana and Porterhouse Steak
• Monza's Believe It or Not Quiz every Wednesday by 7 pm for a team of 4-6 players. The winner gets $150 with prizes loaded onto the Players Club card
• 10x Bingo games with membership Casino Dollar prizes for Lines & Houses

Atmosphere 

The atmosphere at Christchurch Casino is what I expected from a world-class gambling establishment in New Zealand. Besides the stylish architecture, Christchurch Casino is beautiful in every way, from the stunning glass artwork at the dome's centre to its exquisite lighting.

Casino guests are expected to dress in an acceptable code, as Christchurch Casino prohibits specific attire, including shabby clothing and clothes with gang symbols. You might also be asked to present an ID.

The casino is lively and less seedy or stuffy than I expected it to be due to its popularity. Although many people were moving about from table to table and different slot machines, the casino halls were spacious enough to accommodate all without appearing choked. 

Cleanliness

Since the casino usually opens in the afternoon, expect a clean gaming hall. The gambling rooms are spacious and well-arranged, and the floors, tables, and chips were sparkling neat. This culture of neatness also extended to the staff, who all looked professional and tidy in their uniforms. 

The restaurants and bars are also expertly managed. You won't find dirty tables or be served with unclean dinnerware. I went through hundreds of reviews online, and not one customer complained of Christchurch Casino being dirty. If anything, what I saw were all glowing reviews that mirrored my own experience at the gaming establishment.

Food and Drinks

Christchurch Casino offers plenty to eat and drink with two restaurants and a bar. For breakfast, I visited The Cafe and enjoyed its buffet. I recommend trying the famous Porterhouse Steak to experience a premium foodgasm.

Also, I spent most of my evenings sipping excellent cocktails at the Monza Sports Bar while enjoying Live Music before making my way to the gaming halls. You'll find numerous mouthwatering dishes here, ranging from burgers and ribs to handcrafted pizza paired with wines, spirits, or craft brews and beers.

The Skylark Bar & Lounge also offers a Cocktail Hour for members of the Players Club. There's also plenty to eat and drink at Skylark. Whether you prefer signature, non-alcoholic, or low-alcohol cocktails, there’s something to suit your palate. 

My favourite was the Battista pizza paired with the cocktail Lola. I also enjoyed the Beer Battered Fries with tomato sauce and aioli. 

Amenities

As I mentioned before, Christchurch Casino building contains the casino, a sports bar, a cafe, and a lounge. Since it isn't a hotel-casino, I couldn't hope for other amenities like a swimming pool, spa, gym, or theatre. Hopefully, when Christchurch Casino builds its hotel, players can enjoy them.

I had always wanted to play at Christchurch Casino and finally got my chance when my wife and I chose New Zealand as our travelling destination last year. My experience playing at this popular land-based casino was nothing short of exceptional. 

The expertly designed gaming halls, eye-catching architecture, and mouthwatering food are worth the hype. Most importantly, the gaming hall houses 32 tables and almost 500 slot machines, ensuring you enjoy extended gameplay. I had premium fun at Christchurch Casino and would be visiting again. Hopefully, Christchurch Casino will have a hotel for me to lodge the next time I return.

Christchurch Casino is easily accessible from Christchurch Airport. It'll only take about 12 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes by Tram.

Here are a few other land based casinos I visited recently:

• Venetian Macao Casino
• Grand Lisboa Casino
• MGM Macau Casino
• City of Dreams Casino
• Galaxy Macau Casino
• The Sands Casino in Macau