Good news for all fans of land-based casinos in New Zealand. Most NZ casinos are currently open and operate during normal hours but under Covid “Delta” Alert Level 2 measures.
Sky City Auckland casino will remain closed due to Alert Level 3.
Christchurch Casino, Grand Casino (Dunedin), Sky City casino in Hamilton, and both Queenstown casinos, are pleased to announce that they have re-opened their doors for all customers.
With new Health and Safety measures, mentioned casinos introduced a new mandatory requirement to minimize the risk of spreading the virus under Alert Level 2 status.
This means that during the visit you will have to follow certain measures and rules, otherwise, you will not be released to the casino.
See more below our article.
Conditions for entry
While this sounds a bit complicated to you, don’t be frustrated because the owners of these casinos have not introduced these rules, but are required by law.
As for the rules, they are the similiar for all casinos. Below we listed most important ones so customers know what to expect during the visit.
1
All visitors are required to wear a mask over their mouth and nose when moving through the casino, playing table games or EGM. Masks can be removed during active drinking and eating. If you do not have a mask, it will be given to you at the entrance. Scarf and bandanas are allowed.
2
Level 2 main rule is that defined space can hold 100 people maximum. Employees are not included. Most casinos will have their flow divided into few defined spaces. Each space will have its own entry and exit, cash desk, ATM; dinings service and toilets. For example in Christchurch casino will have 4 defined space areas.
3
In all hospitality businesses, NZ Government requires Alert Level 2 contact tracing to occur. So in order to enter an NZ land-based casino, you will have three options including Coviod Tracer App, Players Club card, Customer registration Form in the casino foyer. For each defined space customers visit will be required to register. Any visitor who refuses to use any of these options provided will be declined entry.
4
After selecting the casino space you want to visit, please swipe your membership card or scan your QR code. After you proceed into the gaming area, it is recommended to maintain social distancing, wear your mask and practice often hygiene protocols. use hand sanitiser gel, and show understanding and consideration to other guests and casino employees.
5
In any of the public defined spaces smoking is forbidden. But if you wish to smoke, please exit the casino area to the main entrance to smoke. To getting back in the casino you are required to repeat the entry process again. Do not leave any credit on the machine balance, because with the maximum capacity allowed there is a chance that you can wait in the queue for entry. There is no guarantee that you will be able to instantly walk back in.
6
Due to Level 2 social distancing protocols and restrictions, Poker games in land-based New Zealand casinos can not operate. All poker tournaments are postponed for now. Casinos are working to review this rule and visitors will be updated in future when all return more to normal operations.
More details
Take a look at a few more important details regarding entry rules.
Sky City Hamilton casino: maximum limit per lift (elevator) is 4 patrons, Casino is open 24 hours daily, restaurants, bowl, and socials are remain open, only three players per table sitting 1 meter apart, limited number of customers by gaming floor, 50 patrons per floorChristchurch casino: TAB Terminal on the Monza floor is closed, Internal carpark is not accessible, No smoking in casino spaces, 100 customers limit into defined spacesSky City Auckland: Closed due to Covid Alert Level 4Grand casino (Dunedin): Face mask are required, sing in upon entry required, social distancing measures, casino is open with normal hours.Sky City Queenstown: Every second machine is turned off, three players per table must stand 1 meter apart, 2 patrons per lift, casino limited capacity is 50 pax, casino is open daily from 11am to12am.Sky City Wharf: Closed until further notice.
