SkyCity Auckland
| SkyCity Auckland | |
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Inside of the gaming hall
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| Location | Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Address | Corner Victoria and Federal Streets |
| Opening date | February 2, 1996 |
| Signature attractions | Sky Tower (Auckland) |
| Casino type | Land |
| Owner | Skycity Entertainment Group |
| Renovated in | 2006 |
| Website | www |
SkyCity Auckland (or often just SkyCity) is a casino and event centre in the Central Business District of Auckland, New Zealand between Victoria and Federal Streets. Located at the base of the Sky Tower (Auckland), it was the second casino in New Zealand, and still is the only one in Auckland.
In addition to the Sky Tower, the complex includes a 700-seat theatre, a convention centre, 12 bars and restaurants, and two hotels. The main feature however is the casino itself, with over 1,600 gaming machines, and over 100 tables with games such as blackjack and roulette. The casino was most recently refurbished in 2006. The casino also has the 'Pacific Room' (table games) and the 'Platinum Room' (game machines) for VIP / high-stakes gamblers. The casino has a large percentage of Asian customers, and undertakes special initiatives to cater for them.
In September 2013, it was announced that SkyCity Auckland had purchased a 21m motor yacht "Horizon II" for corporate entertainment.
By 2019 it will also house a convention centre catering for up to 3500 guests, costing $402 million, after cutting a deal with the Government that will allow it to install extra pokie machines and gambling tables.
The Sky Tower, convention centre and hotel were all built by Fletcher Construction and completed by 1997.
SkyCity was the second casino in the country. At the time of its construction, it was controversial, just like the Sky Tower itself. Unlike the city's icon towering above it, major figures like former Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard have remained critical of the casino, though he acknowledged that the complex itself has been positive for the city. However, there is criticism from various sources that the casino creates problem gambling and does not ban problem gamblers proactively enough.
The casino provides almost 2000 jobs (as of January 2006), and has returned NZ$670 million in dividends to mainly Australian shareholders, from more than eight million visitors that have passed through, 15% from overseas. NZ$18.6 million were also paid to community organisations and trusts in the same time. 1.5% of the operating profit has to be paid out to charity according to law.
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Wikipedia