Gaming venues in Auckland fall into two main groups: the SkyCity Auckland casino in the city centre, and Class 4 venues (pubs, bars and clubs) across the region that host pokie machines. Which one suits you depends on what you want to play, your age, and how far you want to travel. Here is a practical way to tell them apart.
Start with what you want to play
| If you want… | Where to look | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Table games (blackjack, baccarat, poker, tai sai) | SkyCity Auckland only | 20+ |
| A large range of pokies in one place | SkyCity Auckland | 20+ |
| A few pokies near home | A local pub, bar or club with a gaming room | 18+ |
| Poker in a dedicated room | SkyCity Poker Room | 20+ |
The casino: SkyCity Auckland
SkyCity Auckland is the region’s only casino, at the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets beneath the Sky Tower. According to SkyCity, it has “2,100+ machines” and more than 10 game types across 150 tables, plus a Poker Room and VIP gaming areas. It is open 24 hours, 7 days, except Christmas Day, Good Friday and 3am to 1pm on Anzac Day.
Bring valid ID (a current passport or NZ or Australian driver licence, for example) and dress neatly. The SkyCity Auckland guide covers the whole precinct, and the casino gaming area guide focuses on the floor itself.
Class 4 venues: pubs, bars and clubs
Outside the casino, pokies in Auckland are found in Class 4 venues. The machines belong to corporate societies (gaming trusts), and net proceeds must go back to the community as grants. Each venue sets its own hours and gaming room layout, but the machines all follow the same Class 4 rules:
- $2.50 maximum stake per play
- $500 maximum prize from a single play
- $1,000 maximum linked jackpot
- 18+ only
We don’t list individual pubs or clubs, as venues open, close and change hands. The surest way to know whether a local spot has machines is to ask the venue.
How Auckland Council shapes the map
Auckland Council’s gambling venue policy uses what it calls a “sinking lid”. According to the council, a closing Class 4 venue is not replaced, machine numbers at existing venues cannot go up, and venues cannot move to a different part of the city. The council’s policies also cover standalone betting venues. The result is a slowly shrinking number of gaming venues across Auckland.
For a look at how this plays out between the city centre and the suburbs, see pokies across the Auckland region and the Auckland CBD venues guide.
Practical checks before you go
- Call ahead if you are visiting a pub or club specifically for pokies; gaming rooms can close or reduce machines.
- Carry ID, especially if you are under 25 or heading to the casino.
- Plan transport home, particularly if you are drinking. SkyCity has a large car park and a rideshare drop-off on Nelson Street.
- Set a spending limit before you arrive and leave cards at home if that helps.
- Know about exclusion. Any venue must offer self-exclusion for up to two years if you ask.
Safer gambling
Whichever venue you choose, pokies are designed to return less than they take over time. Return to player (RTP) is a long-run average, not a forecast for your session. If gambling is affecting your money, mood or relationships, Gambling Helpline Aotearoa is free on 0800 654 655, 24/7. More options are on our responsible gambling resources page.