Best 10 Pubs to Play Pokies in Christchurch

Christchurch has had a diverse and long affair with the games of luck and chance. While some governments of the past supported gambling, others imposed all kinds of restrictions on such activities.
Currently, gambling is sufficiently and fairly regulated in the country, with all primary forms of gambling, including casinos, sportsbooks, lotteries, etc., legally operational. Here, we will talk about the best pokies in Christchurch.
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There are many land-based pokies in Christchurch, and the ones there focus heavily on their quality rather than quantity, offering a fantastic experience for the players.
Do you know what time Pokies are open?
Here are the Top 10 Venues to Play Pokies in Christchurch
1. Christchurch Casino

This casino is a top choice when you explore Garden City. It’s where New Zealand’s first casino was born and is nestled in the city’s heart.
You will find here:
- 500 gaming machines
- 36 table games
- Four restaurants and bars
- Live entertainment
- Dedicated poker, baccarat, and e-sports lounges
- Exclusive prizes and promotions
- Onsite – car and campervan car parking
You can play blackjack, American roulette, baccarat, and gaming machines. It is open 24 hours over the weekend and until 3 am Monday to Thursday; there are four restaurant and bar areas. You will find many dining corners in the casino, including The Grand Cafe, Chi Kitchen, Mashina, and the Monza Sports Bar.
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Addington Raceway
This is the home of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, Spectators Bar, Bistro, the Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup, and one of Christchurch’s leading event & conference centres.
Contact Details
For inquiries and assistance, you can reach Christchurch Casino at the following contact number: +64 3 365 9999.
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Tuesday: 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Wednesday: 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Thursday: 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Friday: 1:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Saturday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Address: Christchurch Casino is conveniently located at 30 Victoria Street, Central City, 8013, New Zealand. It’s situated right across from the popular Asian restaurant, Aroy Thai.
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2. The Fitz 2 Sportsbar

The Fitz 2 Sports Bar is a casino club located at 77 Stevens Street, Waltham, Christchurch, NZ. It features halls that can accommodate up to 100 people at once. The venue offers a variety of services, including a bar, food options, pool, darts, pokie machines, and sports bar games.
You can find details about all their events in the footer of their website: The Fitz 2 Bar. They are very active on Facebook, where they share information about ongoing and upcoming events, such as weekly food offers, betting events, free events, and more.
Pokies and Gaming
This venue has 9 cracker pokie machines for players to play. It’s a trendy place in Christchurch, for some pokies gaming fun.
Genuine pokie machines are located in dedicated R18 sections within the Christchurch establishments.
Address and Contact Details
For an exhilarating entertainment experience, visit The Fitz 2 Sports Bar, which is located at:
77 Stevens Street, Waltham, Christchurch, NZ.
To inquire about bookings, events, or any other information, you can contact The Fitz 2 Sports Bar at:
Phone: 03-261 4167.
Operating Hours: The bar is open on Mondays from 10 am to 10 pm, and it stays open until 11 pm at the latest, which is relatively early.
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3. Armadillos Restaurant

The restaurant chain has outlets elsewhere on the South Island, like Motueka, Blenheim, Nelson, Greymouth, Christchurch, and Timaru.
Pokies at Armadillos Restaurant Belfast
It has 18 of the popular New Zealand player pokies machines for playing.
Address and Contact Details
Indulge in a delightful dining experience at Armadillos Restaurant, located at:
670 Main South Road, Islington, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand.
For reservations, inquiries, or more information, feel free to contact Armadillos Restaurant at:
Phone: 03 349 7337.
Opening Hours: Plan your visit accordingly as Armadillos Restaurant welcomes you:
- Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 09:00 pm (except Wednesday and Thursday, which have extended hours).
Armadillos Restaurant offers a diverse menu and warm ambience, whether you’re seeking a delicious lunch, a delectable dinner, or a memorable dining experience.
4. Whistle Sports Bar

You will find eighteen pokie gaming machines installed at the bar. Texas Holdem Poker is played every Tuesday night from 7 pm onward.
There are pool tables available for customers who love playing pool games. Customers can play free pool on Sunday. A Joker poker draw is held every Thursday, so attend. A meat raffle draw is held on Thursday and Friday.
Pokies & TAB Gaming
The Final Whistle Sports Bar Christchurch has 18 of the latest pokies machines for playing.
Address and Contact Details
Experience the ultimate sports atmosphere at The Final Whistle Sports Bar, conveniently located at:
77 Stevens St, Waltham, Christchurch 8011.
For any inquiries, reservations, or more information, you can contact The Final Whistle Sports Bar at:
Phone: 3-261 4167.
Operating Hours: open: 7 days, from early till late.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or seeking a social setting, The Final Whistle Sports Bar provides an immersive experience.
5. Embankment Tavern Christchurch

It is a popular pub and local hangout in Christchurch for a few drinks, live entertainment, sports watching, TAB bets, and some pokies gaming action.
One of the pub’s popular features is the jukebox, which lets you listen to your favourite music and songs. The jukebox is often free, especially early in the morning. The pub has a stage, and a karaoke night is held weekly.
The pub offers music and other entertainment facilities, such as a jukebox and karaoke. Embankment Tavern is a decent place to have a social get-together, meet old friends, and make new friends. Customers are also happy with the staff service; many are regular visitors.
Pokies and TAB Gaming at Embankment Tavern, Christchurch
It is a popular sports bar with a pokies gaming lounge and pool tables. The bar is at 77 Stevens Street in the Waltham area of Christchurch New Zealand.
Address and Contact Details
Discover the inviting atmosphere of Embankment Tavern, situated at:
181 Ferry Road, Phillipstown, Christchurch.
To get in touch, inquire about events, or learn more, you can reach Embankment Tavern at:
Phone: +64 3 379 3760.
Stay connected and stay updated by visiting Embankment Tavern’s Facebook page:
Embankment Tavern Facebook Page
With a welcoming ambience and a range of offerings, Embankment Tavern is the perfect spot to unwind and play. Whether you’re seeking a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, or a social gathering, our venue has something for everyone.
6. Robbie’s Bar Riccarton

It is one of Christchurch’s most popular sports bars, with a pokies gaming lounge. It is also a FAB function venue. The bar is located at 87 Riccarton Road in the Riccarton area of Christchurch.
Best Sports Bars in Christchurch
The sports bar has 21 television screens to watch any sports match you want. If you love playing poker machines from Aristocrat, there are also 18 poker gaming machines installed at the bar. Live music is also offered on select days.
Customers can pay for things using Alipay, most credit cards, and good old Kiwi cash.
Pokies and TAB Gaming at Robbie’s Bar in Riccarton
You will find 18 of the New Zealand player pokies titles.
Address and Contact Details
Experience the lively atmosphere of Robbie’s Riccarton Sports Bar & Restaurant, conveniently located at:
87 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand.
For inquiries, reservations, or more information, you can contact Robbie’s Riccarton Sports Bar & Restaurant at:
Phone: 3-343 0567.
Operating Hours: open: 7 days, from early morning till 11:00 pm.
Don’t miss out on the fun during our Happy Hour from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily. It’s the perfect time to play in a fantastic atmosphere.
7. Celtic Arms Inn Spreydon, Christchurch

The Celtic Arms Inn is one of the finest places in Christchurch for sports watching, a few drinks, eats, and some pokies gaming fun.
Some local landmarks near Celtic Arms Inn Spreydon are Canterbury SCL – Selwyn Street, 319 Addington Motel, Selwyn Fish Supply, Selwyn Village Physiotherapy, and Australis Medical.
Rugby matches featuring the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, and other rugby-playing countries are viral. You can also watch UFC, Cricket, NRL, and Tennis matches. Many people watch them here. You can also play pool at the pool tables, and a pool competition is also held, so get involved if you get the chance. There is a darts board, and customers can play darts in the company of other customers and participate in competitions.
Entertainment Options
The pub is also a gaming lounge venue, so several of New Zealand’s most popular gaming machines are installed. Customers can play pokies in splendid surroundings, which are popular with punters who may not be interested in watching sports matches.
The pub has a jukebox, and customers can listen to their favourite music as they wish. Karaoke night is held at the pub on alternate Fridays and is managed by Mickey Rat, the resident expert. You can also show off your singing skills and listen to other performers at the pub; this event is quite popular among customers.
The pub is trendy among the locals in the area because of its friendly atmosphere. It is an excellent place to meet new people and make new friends. Customers who have hired the pub for functions are happy with the service and food.
Pokies and TAB Gaming at Celtic Arms Inn Christchurch
You will find 18 must-play New Zealand player pokies machines to play in sunny Spreydon, Christchurch.
Address and Contact Details
Discover the welcoming ambience of Celtic Arms Inn, located at:
308 Selwyn St, Spreydon, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand.
For inquiries, reservations, or more information, you can contact Celtic Arms Inn at:
Phone: 3-982 1811.
Operating Hours: open: 7 days, from early until late.
Celtic Arms Inn offers a charming destination for a delightful meal, a cosy drink, or a convivial gathering spot.
8. The Highway Inn Christchurch

It is a 3-star truck stop budget hotel with basic rooms, a bar, and pokies gaming. It is a 4-minute from Christchurch Airport, near Johns Road and Sawyer Arms Road. It offers good local access to entertaining places in the neighbouring area.
Some local landmarks are Highway 1, Sawyers Arms Reserve, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, North-South Holiday Park, and the Action Kart Raceway.
It is located at 527 Sawyers Arms Rd in Christchurch, New Zealand. The beautiful hotel is the Highway Inn. If you are visiting New Zealand and are in the Christchurch area, this is the perfect place to stay on the cheap.
Pokies and TAB Gaming
The Highway Inn Christchurch has a small selection of 4 pokies machines to play.
Address and Contact Details
Discover the inviting ambience of Highway Inn, situated at:
527 Sawyers Arms Rd, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand.
For inquiries, reservations, or more information, you can reach Highway Inn at:
Phone: 3-359 6507.
Operating Hours: open: 7 days, from early morning until late.
9. Horse & Jockey Christchurch

Although it is a relatively newer jockey that started in 2017, the Horse & Jockey has become extremely popular among racing fans due to the facilities it offers. The sports bar also has pokies machines at 8 Yaldhurst Road in the Upper Riccarton of Christchurch in New Zealand.
About the Horse & Jockey Christchurch
The sports bar has several television screens installed so customers can watch their favourite sports teams and players in action and horse and greyhound races. The TVs show football, rugby, NRL, UFC, V8 Supercars, boxing matches, horse races, and more.
Pokies and TAB Gaming at Horse & Jockey Christchurch
It has 18 fantastic poker machine games to play. It is one of the best 10 pubs with pokies in Christchurch. It’s a must-visit local New Zealand pokies gaming and TAB lounge venue for fun in the Upper Riccarton, Christchurch area. You can play all the best Aristocrat pokies machines, and they have all the latest Lightning Link pokies games to crack on.
Address and Contact Details
Experience the inviting atmosphere of Horse and Jockey, conveniently located at:
8 Yaldhurst Rd, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041.
For inquiries, reservations, or more information, you can contact Horse and Jockey at:
Phone: 0800 813 813.
Operating Hours: Open: 7 days, from early morning till late.
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10. Islington Tavern Christchurch

This Tavern, also known as the Swamp, is a popular local hangout in Christchurch for a few drinks, sports watching, or some pokies gaming. It is located at 670 Main South Road in the Islington area of Christchurch.
Since it is also a bottle store, it can offer customers beer, wine, spirits, and other drinks. At times, it holds a wholesaler’s liquidation sale for beers and wine so that customers can get them at the lowest rates in town.
In the area, the pub remains extremely popular for its sports facilities. It has many televisions all over the bar so customers can watch their favourite races and other sporting events in comfy surroundings.
If you choose the right horse, you can pick winners for each significant horse racing event and make some money. The pub also has complete TAB facilities so that customers can place bets on their favourite horses for the races. It is one of the best 10 bars with pokies in Christchurch. Gaming machines are installed for customers who like a game of pokies. A super Karaoke facility is also available for music-singing lovers.
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Pokies and TAB Gaming at Islington Tavern Christchurch
It has 18 of the best Kiwi poker machine games for customers; it’s a go-to local New Zealand pokies gaming and TAB lounge venue for some fun in the Islington, Christchurch area. This is one of the best gaming lounges near me open n Christchurch.
Address and Contact Details
Discover the welcoming ambience of Islington Tavern, located at:
670 Main S Rd, Islington, Christchurch 8042.
For inquiries, reservations, or more information, you can contact Islington Tavern at:
Phone: 3-349 7337.
Operating Hours: Open: 7 days, starting around 10:00 am until late.
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Conclusion
In Christchurch, the journey to discover the best pubs for gaming machines comes alive with a fusion of fun, entertainment, and diverse gaming opportunities. From newcomers stepping into the gaming industry to seasoned players seeking their successive triumphs, these pubs cater to every level of expertise.
Beyond the pokies, these venues unveil a medley of entertainment options, crafting an immersive atmosphere that appeals to all. With relaxed dress codes, tantalizing food and drinks, and an age-friendly environment, these pubs curate an inviting setting for unforgettable gaming moments.
So, whether you’re yearning for spinning reels or a remarkable night out, these top 10 pubs in Christchurch promise an interactive blend of entertainment and gaming gratification.
FAQs
Apart from pokies, do these pubs provide alternative entertainment choices?
Many of these establishments offer a variety of entertainment avenues, such as live music, sports broadcasts, and more.
Is there a specific dress code for engaging in pokies at these pubs?
Most of these venues maintain an informal dress code, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere for playing pokies.
Can I eat and drink while playing the pokies?
Yes, many of these pubs offer decent dining and beverage selections for your fun during play.
Is there a minimum age requirement to play?
Certainly, you need to be 18 years or older to participate in pokies or access the gaming sections of these pubs.
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