Are Pokies Open Today? Check NZ Pokies Hours & Locations
Are pokies open today in New Zealand? In a country where slot machines are called pokies, there are many pubs and casinos that offer these machines. However, the number of pubs offering pokies in NZ differs accordingly, as we basically found 18 machines to the most.
Whether you’re planning a visit to a casino or a pub with gaming machines, pokies have different opening hours based on location and regulations.
There are two ways by which we can play pokies in New Zealand:
- Casinos
- Pubs offering pokie machines
However, when we talk about the opening times of pokies, some casinos are open 24/7, while pubs and clubs have restricted hours.
Below, we list all major pokies venues and their opening times so you can plan your visit.
Learn more – Land Pokies Decrease as Kiwis Go Online.
Let’s explore the status of pokies in New Zealand today.
What We Cover?
Suggested read – Are Online Pokies Safe?
Pokies Opening Times Near Me
| City | Venue | Average Opening Hours | What They Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | SkyCity Auckland Casino | 24/7 (except holidays) | Casino, pokies, table games, bars |
| New Lynn Tavern | 10 AM – Late | Pokies, TAB, bar | |
| Manukau Sports Bar | 10 AM – Late | Pokies, sports bar, TAB | |
| Avondale RSA | 11 AM – Late | Pokies, RSA club | |
| Papatoetoe Clubrooms | 10 AM – Late | Pokies, club | |
| Hamilton | SkyCity Hamilton | 24/7 or 10 AM – 4 AM | Casino, pokies, bars, table games |
| The Riv Sports Bar | 9 AM – 1 AM | Pokies, pool, sports bar, TAB | |
| Crossroads | 9 AM – 10 PM | Sports bar, pokies, betting | |
| Junction Station & Gaming | 10 AM – 12 AM | Outdoor seating, pokies, live music | |
| Te Rapa Tavern Sports Bar | 9 AM – 11 PM | Sports bar, pokies, TAB | |
| Christchurch | Christchurch Casino | 12 PM – 12 AM (Fri-Sat: 12 PM – 2 AM) | Casino, pokies, bars, table games |
| Wilsons Sports Bar | 9 AM – 11 PM | Pokies, sports bar | |
| The Rockpool Bar | 7 AM – 3 AM | Pokies, sports bar | |
| Monza Sports Bar | 5 PM – 12 AM | Sports bar, pokies | |
| Bush Inn Tavern | 10 AM – 2 AM | Pokies, pub | |
| Dunedin | The Baaa Sports Bar & Grill | 11 AM – 11 PM | Pokies, TAB, bar, TV sports |
| St Kilda Tavern | 10 AM – 10 PM | Large pokie area, TAB | |
| Cableways Bar & Bistro | 11 AM – 11 PM | Pokies, food, reservations | |
| Tipplers Sports Bar | 10:30 AM – 10 PM | Pokies, bar games, outdoor seating | |
| Grand Casino | 12 PM – 12 AM (Weekends: 12 PM – 2 AM) | Casino, blackjack, pokies |
Regional Variations
Pokie machine availability in New Zealand varies by region due to local regulations. If you are not from the specific area where you are looking for pokies, we recommend you check its regulations and regional variations.
In New Zealand, pokie machine availability varies by city, with major cities having larger casinos and more gaming venues, while smaller towns often have limited or highly regulated options.
- Major Pokie Cities
- Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin – Large casinos (SkyCity, Christchurch Casino), numerous pub and club pokies.
- Tauranga – No casino but decent pokie availability.
- Smaller Towns with Limited Pokies
- Nelson, Napier, Hastings, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Invercargill, Palmerston North – Pubs and clubs have machines, but no major casinos.
Pokies in Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, home to over 1.6 million people, making it the central hub for pokies, casinos, and gaming venues. With hundreds of venues across the city, Auckland offers everything from high-end casino gaming to local pub and club pokies.
Auckland is a pokies dominant region for Class 4 Gambling in New Zealand and follows a significant share of Gaming Machine Profit (GMP).
Based on the September 2024 quarter GMP Dashboard Report, the average nominal GMP per electronic gaming machine (EGM) in Auckland was $24,746, while the inflation-adjusted figure stood at $18,831.
This reflects the continued engagement with pokies across licensed venues in the city, reinforcing Auckland’s status as a major hub for gambling activity in New Zealand.
Read more – The Best 6 Places to Play Pokies in Auckland
Operating hours of Pokies in Auckland
The operating hours of pokies in Auckland, New Zealand, vary depending on the venue. However, the general rule is that pokies are open from 10 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.
| Venue | Address | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SkyCity Auckland Casino | 72 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 | 24/7 (Closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and ANZAC Day from 3 AM – 1 PM) |
| New Lynn Tavern | 3095 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600 | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – Late |
| Manukau Sports Bar | 712 Great South Road, Manukau, Auckland 2104 | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – Late |
| Avondale RSA | 7 Layard Street, Avondale, Auckland 1026 | Mon-Sun: 11 AM – Late |
| Papatoetoe Clubrooms | 27 Sutton Crescent, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025 | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – Late |
Pokies in Hamilton
There are over 400 pokie machines in Hamilton, located in pubs, clubs, and TABs.
SkyCity Hamilton is a casino that features a range of pokies, along with a bar and table games. The first floor is for adults, while the second floor is open to kids.
It also includes a sports bar. The Riv Sports Bar is a small venue with a cosy atmosphere, offering pokies, pool, TAB facilities, and a sports bar. However, visitors have noted that the price range is on the higher side, typically around $100 or more.
Crossroads is primarily a sports bar with pokies and betting options, with an average price range of $10 to $20. Junction Station & Gaming provides outdoor seating and live music but does not accept reservations. Visitors have described the gaming machines as average.
Te Rapa Tavern Sports Bar is a sports bar with a menu featuring pub-style food and international dishes, along with gaming machines and TAB facilities.
What Time Does Pokies Open in Hamilton?
If you want to know about the General operating hours of pokies in Hamilton today or If the Casino is Open today, read the following information to get informed.
| Venue | Address | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SkyCity Hamilton | 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204 | Sometimes 24/7 or 10 AM – 4 AM |
| The Riv Sports Bar | Clyde Shopping Centre, Shop 12/20 Clyde Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216 | 9 AM – 1 AM |
| Crossroads | 236 Peachgrove Road, Claudelands, Hamilton 3214 | 9 AM – 10 PM |
| Junction Station & Gaming | 165-167 Commerce Street, Frankton, Hamilton 3204 | 10 AM – 12 AM |
| Te Rapa Tavern Sports Bar | 45 Sunshine Avenue, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200 | 9 AM – 11 PM |
It is always best to check with the specific venue before you go to confirm their operating hours.
Pokies in Christchurch
Christchurch City has a population of approximately 389,300 people and over 1,500 pokie machines in Christchurch are in pubs, clubs, and TABs.
If your question concerns Pokies’ opening hours, then you are in the best place. Multiple slot places can fill your life with fun and entertainment.
The popular Tabs and Pokies places available include
What Time Does Pokies Open in Christchurch?
| Venue | Address | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Christchurch Casino | 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013 | 12 PM – 12 AM (Fri-Sat: 12 PM – 2 AM) |
| Wilsons Sports Bar | 25 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011 | 9 AM – 11 PM (Every day) |
| The Rockpool Bar | 85 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011 | 7 AM – 3 AM |
| Monza Sports Bar | 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013 | 5 PM – 12 AM |
| Bush Inn Tavern | 364 Riccarton Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041 | 10 AM – 2 AM |
Pokies in Dunedin
The Baaa Sports Bar & Grill is a polished venue on Dunedin with a contemporary setting that offers TV sports, a TAB section, and a selection of gaming machines.
St Kilda Tavern has a large pokie area alongside TAB facilities, with gaming costs typically ranging from $20 to $430. Cableways Bar & Bistro is available on Uber Eats and DoorDash, with menu prices between $20 and $30. Reservations can be made through nowbookit.com.
Tipplers Sports Bar provides a typical pub atmosphere with a variety of pokies, a bar games section, and outdoor seating. It does not accept reservations, and food prices fall within the $10 to $20 range.
Grand Casino features blackjack tables that operate from 4 PM on weekdays and 2 PM on weekends. Currency exchange rates fluctuate daily, with an example rate from 2020 showing $100 USD being exchanged for $141.70 NZD.
What Time Does Pokies Open in Dunedin?
| Venue | Address | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Baaa Sports Bar & Grill | 746 Great King Street North, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016 | 11 AM – 11 PM |
| St Kilda Tavern | 2 Prince Albert Road, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012 | 10 AM – 10 PM |
| Cableways Bar & Bistro | Cnr of Mellor St and Kaikorai Valley Road, Kaikorai, Dunedin 9010 | 11 AM – 11 PM |
| Tipplers Sports Bar | 11b North Road, North East Valley, Dunedin 9010 | 10:30 AM – 10 PM |
| Grand Casino | 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016 | 12 PM – 12 AM (Weekends: 12 PM – 2 AM) |
Learn more – Best 8 Venues To Play Pokies in Dunedin
Hours of Operation for Machines in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the hours of operation for poker machines (pokies) are subject to regulations set by the Department of Internal Affairs. These regulations promote responsible gambling and ensure that venues offering pokies adhere to specific guidelines.
Here’s a general overview of the typical hours of operation for pokies in New Zealand:
- Opening Hours: Most venues with pokies, including bars, clubs, and casinos, open their gaming areas in the late morning, usually around 10 AM or 11 AM. This allows patrons to enjoy these games during regular daytime hours.
- Closing Hours: These venues typically close their poker machines around midnight to encourage responsible gambling. This helps ensure that gaming activities conclude at a reasonable hour, minimizing late-night gambling.
- Early Morning Restrictions: There are strict restrictions on early morning hours. Venues are not allowed to operate pokies between 3 AM and 8 AM. This measure helps prevent excessive gambling during late-night and early-morning periods.
- Public Holidays: Some venues may have extended operating hours on public holidays, allowing pokies to run later into the night. However, these extensions are still within the limits of responsible gambling practices.
- Variations by Venue: Keep in mind that the operating hours may vary depending on the specific type and location of the venue. For example, casinos often have more flexible hours than smaller bars or clubs.
See also – Sinking Lid Policies in New Zealand
Operational Status at Christmas
Getting confused about whether pokies are open on Christmas Day. Don’t worry. Read the following information to get your doubts cleared.
So, the answer is
No, pokies are not open on Christmas Day in New Zealand. Christmas Day is a statutory public holiday in New Zealand, so schools, government offices, and many private businesses are closed. This includes pokies venues.
However, pokies may be open on other days during the Christmas season, such as Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. It is always best to check with the specific venue before you go to confirm their hours of operation.
As per Galaxy Training Australia, On Christmas Eve, the sale and supply of alcohol and the operation of gaming machines must finish at 12 midnight.
What pokies are open now in New Zealand?
Generally, Pokie machines are open in New Zealand from 10 am to 11 pm, seven days a week. However, this rule may have some exceptions, such as on Sundays or public holidays.
You can find pokies along with their typical opening hours here:
1. Wellington:
- SkyCity Wellington Casino: Located in the heart of Wellington, this casino offers a range of poker machines and table games. It’s usually open from 10 AM until 4 AM on weekdays and operates for 24 hours during weekends.
2. Auckland (SkyCity Auckland):
- SkyCity Auckland Casino: SkyCity Auckland is one of the largest entertainment complexes in New Zealand. It features a wide variety of poker machines and table games. The casino typically operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing around-the-clock gaming excitement.
3. Hamilton:
- SkyCity Hamilton Casino: Situated in Hamilton, this casino offers a selection of poker machines and other gaming options. It’s open from 9 AM to 3 AM on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.
FAQs
Do pokies operate on public holidays in New Zealand?
The operation of pokies on public holidays can vary by venue. Some venues may have extended hours on public holidays, while others may modify their schedules. It’s advisable to check with the specific venue for their holiday hours.
How can I determine if a specific venue has pokies available today?
To determine if a particular venue has pokies open on a given day, you can contact the venue directly by phone or check their official website. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information on their operating status.
Can I play pokies today in New Zealand?
The availability of pokies in New Zealand varies depending on the venue, location, and operating hours. It’s best to check with the venue directly or visit their website for up-to-date information on their status for the day.
What are the usual opening hours for pokies in New Zealand?
Opening hours for pokies can differ from one venue to another. However, many venues typically open their gaming areas in the late morning, around 10 AM or 11 AM, and close them around midnight. Some venues may have extended hours on weekends or public holidays.
Can I find pokies in major cities like Auckland and Wellington?
Yes, major cities in New Zealand, including Auckland and Wellington, have venues that offer poker machines. Popular locations include SkyCity Auckland and SkyCity Wellington Casino.
Conclusion
In New Zealand, people enjoy playing poker machines. They’re a top choice for entertainment, and the desire to play these exciting casino games is growing. That’s why people in New Zealand search for places to play slots whenever they want.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of locations where slot machines are located and their operating hours. This information might help you choose the perfect spot to visit and have a fantastic time spinning the reels.
