SkyCity Hamilton Casino brings Las Vegas to New Zealand with a display of colours, bright iconic neo-light, and grand stairs ushering you into the gambling section. Over the years, this beautifully designed establishment has become quite popular when it comes to gaming entertainment. So I had to experience the casino firsthand to ascertain if it was worth the hype.

SkyCity Hamilton promises top-notch gaming and relaxation, and that's exactly what I got. It's not the biggest among NZ land-based casinos, but it does the job. The entertainment centre, spread across 16,000 square feet, offers some of the world's most popular casino games including Classic Roulette, Rapid Roulette, Midi Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Three Card Poker.

Pokie enthusiasts aren’t left out of the fun either, with the casino's impressive list of pokies machines. These 300+ slot machines come in different variants and themes, adding to the overall gaming experience.

SkyCity Hamilton Casino is located at 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, inside the former Chief Post Office. This gaming house is a 10-minute walk to the coach terminal and approximately 14 km or 20 minutes to Hamilton International Airport.

Locating SkyCity Hamilton is easy, even for visitors new to the environment, since it's centrally situated in the heart of Hamilton on the banks of the Waikato River. The casino building is magnificent and hard to miss. I was surprised by the range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment outlets in it. 

The SkyCity Hamilton Casino's gaming floor features 23 table games and over 300 gaming machines, meaning you get to make your pick from some of the most popular casino games.

Hotel

Unfortunately, SkyCity Hamilton doesn't offer hotel services. The entertainment centre only features a world-class bowling alley, a virtual golf simulator, and a dedicated gaming floor for 24-hour casino services.

Not to worry, there are several top-rated hotels nearby, such as VR Hamilton Hotel, Ventura Inn & Suites, Alcamo, the mind-blowing Novotel Tainui, and Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center.

Casino

SkyCity Hamilton Casino features classic table games and a good collection of 300 gaming machines. The casino, which began operation in September 2002 opens daily and runs 24 hours on Sunday. Entering the casino hall, the 23 gambling tables are well spaced out throughout the hall with pokies machines around the room edges.

With its red carpet, high ceiling, state-of-the-art furniture, and crowded gaming hall, I knew I was about to have a memorable gaming experience.

Staff and Dealers

Walking into the casino, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I came across polite and friendly staff who made my stay memorable.

I joined the Midi Baccarat table and could tell that the dealer was quite knowledgeable about the game and not just there to interact with the players. The croupier offered a simple and easy-to-understand explanation of the game's rules before we started playing.

Help desks are also located at strategic positions within the casino, so whatever your inquiry may be, you can rest assured you’ll be attended to.

Safety and Security 

Safety and security are two important aspects when it comes to choosing a casino. You’d want to ensure you’re safe while having fun, and SkyCity Hamilton Casino offers you just that. The casino operates in a secure environment with enough security personnel to protect customers from theft.

Bars and Restaurants

There are several dining and entertainment options at SkyCity Hamilton Casino. Dining options range from Eat Burger to Coffee Post, Blend, Zone Sports Bar, and several others. There's also the Local Taphouse, featuring craft beer and ciders, with the perfect scenery for a meal and drink in the atrium area with live music in the background. 

However, I noticed that the Local Taphouse is more vibrant on weekends compared to weekdays. So if you want a fun and exciting evening, I highly recommend visiting on weekends.

Drinks are sold at reasonable prices at the casino too. You can take beer breaks or grab any cocktail of your choice at the nearby bars, such as Amuse Bar and Kitchen, and Number Eight Bar. These bars are located directly on the gaming floor, right next to the casino.

Smoking Areas

You can take a puff at the outdoor balconies at Amuse Bar and Kitchen, Number 8 Bar, and the main gaming floor. These balconies are beautiful and peaceful, with the right ambience for relaxation. There’s also a smoking area at the front of the Zone Sport Bar.

ATM & Cashless Gaming

To get the ball rolling and kickstart your casino experience, you’d need to change your cash into casino chips. The cashier's booth, located just at the entrance of the casino, serves this purpose. Here, you can pay for casino chips via your bank card. There are also ATMs located within the entertainment centre for withdrawals. 

Customer Service

Throughout my time at the casino, the SkyCity Hamilton staff were very helpful. I must say the casino boasts a highly professional and well-trained customer support team. The gaming establishment also has an official website where more information is supplied as well as answers to inquiries.

Wheelchair Accessibility 

SkyCity Hamilton Casino is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair ramps in areas with stairs.

SkyCity Hamilton Casino boasts over 300 gaming machines and 23 table games on its spacious gaming floor. You’ll find games like:

• Slot machines
• Baccarat
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Poker

Table Games

Table games come in different variants, and regular betting limits range from low to average. Only VIP tables come with a higher table limit.

Registration for Texas Hold'em Poker opens at 2 pm every Sunday, and only a table runs from 4 pm until midnight. However, other Poker variants such as Ultimate Hold'em Poker, Three-Card Poker, and Caribbean Stud Poker are available from Wednesday to Sunday at 6 pm.

Progressive Jackpot

At SkyCity Hamilton, Ultimate Texas Hold'em and Caribbean Stud Poker games come with progressive jackpots that increase every time a hand is dealt.

The sum will keep increasing until a winning hand is dealt and the lucky player walks away with the jackpot prize. Each time the jackpot is won, a new jackpot restarts. 

Slot Machines

SkyCity Hamilton Casino offers over 300 slot machines in several variants, from classic to fruit slots, single-line, and multi-payline video slots. The gaming house also rewards VIP members with free play days at designated slot machines.

Game Quality and Betting Limits

SkyCity takes exceptional care of its gaming machines, tables, cards, and betting chips to ensure quality gameplay. The casino undergoes regulatory oversight and testing to ensure table-game result fairness. This standard extends to the pokies machines, where audits are carried out to verify the machine’s integrity.

The bet limit for each table game is displayed on the Table Limit sign at the relevant table. This amount ranges from $5 to $500. However, the stakes are higher at the VIP tables.

SkyCity Hamilton Casino offers various bonuses and promotions exclusively to its Premier Rewards members. These bonuses are classified into three types:

Turn Points Into Play

Premier Rewards members get to earn what is known as Premier Points from playing casino games (tables or slots) and dining at select SkyCity Hamilton restaurants and bars. These points are redeemable for just gaming credits, which can be used on gaming machines or Bonus Play Chips on specific table games.

Power Winners

This promotion allows you to win Premier Bonus Dollars and sometimes instant prizes at the random prize draw. To qualify, you have to play certain gaming machines during the promotion period fixed by the casino.

Free Play

SkyCity Hamilton Casino offers a special promotion known as Free Play Day. On the dedicated days, Premier Reward members will be invited to claim a Premier Bonus Dollar, which can be used for free play at no additional cost. This bonus should be used between 7 am and midnight on the Free Play Day.

Reward Programme 

During my SkyCity Hamilton tour, I discovered that the casino offers a reward programme that features the following incentives:

• Premier Bonus Dollars: These are gift rewards offered to Premier Rewards members at the casino. 1 Premier Bonus Dollar is valued at $1 in gaming credit and is valid for 3 months. This reward can be used for games or instant prizes as seen fit by the casino.
• Premier Points: These points are automatically credited to your Premier Reward membership account for engaging in activities at the casino, restaurants, and other entertainment centres in the building. A 100 Premier Point amounts to $1 in gaming credit. Premier Points, unlike Premier Bonus Dollars, are valid for 6 months. So take advantage of these points while they’re valid.

VIP Programme 

Saloon 8 is an exclusive casino room designed for SkyCity Hamilton VIP customers. This private saloon offers both comfort and luxury, along with a higher table limit. However, this benefit is only open to Platinum and VIP Black Table Game cardholders, which is an invitation-only membership.

Saloon 8, which is located alongside the Number 8 Bar, offers the following VIP features:

• Comfort and privacy
• Private smoking balcony
• Fully stocked bar and private dining area
• VIP table games
• Invitation to special events, promotions, and offers
• Private gaming machines

Atmosphere

SkyCity Hamilton Casino exudes an atmosphere of sophistication and excitement. The casino is lively, with both low and high rollers enjoying a round at a table or spinning a slot machine. With so many activities ongoing, you can easily fit in with the crowd without feeling overwhelmed. Although there isn't a specific dress code for the casino, guests are nonetheless expected to dress neatly.

Cleanliness

SkyCity Hamilton Casino pays attention to details when it comes to maintaining the casino halls and other facilities in the building. From the fresh scent in the air to the high ceiling, shining furniture, and gaming machines, the casino is clean and well-maintained.

Food and Drinks

It’s very possible to get all your entertainment and gaming needs in one location, as SkyCity Hamilton has shown. There are eight bars and restaurants in the stunning edifice. Therefore, enjoying a nice meal alone or with loved ones is a breeze.

I experienced a fusion of authentic Asian and Chinese meals at the Shanghai restaurant. If you’re going to dine here, I recommend the Peking Duck and Sizzling Beef. Shanghai restaurant makes the best ones in Waikato. In addition to the meals, you also get to enjoy refreshing cocktails. 

Amenities

Outside the casino hall is a famous state-of-the-art bowling alley and virtual golf simulator. I must commend SkyCity Hamilton; the gaming destination contains everything you need when it comes to premium gambling, dining, and entertainment.

SkyCity Hamilton boasts some of the best casino games in New Zealand. As a result, you have several options to select from. But beyond the games, SkyCity Hamilton Casino provides convenient restaurant and bar services. It's a great place for a night of fun at the tables or on the pokies.

Loyal players also enjoy numerous bonuses and promotions. I recommend visiting the SkyCity Hamilton Casino, as the gaming establishment is dedicated to providing premium entertainment.

SkyCity Hamilton Casino is situated in a perfect location with beautiful scenery in the heart of Waikato, New Zealand. The casino is quite convenient and easy to locate, so finding your way to the impressive gambling house would be no challenge as a visitor. Just in case, here's a link for your phone: //www.google.com/travel/hotels/s/c3NJUCxZVZy6aRjM7. 

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
• Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco
• Christchurch Casino in New Zealand
• The Sands Casino in Macau