1. Skycity Poker Room Philadelphia
2. Skycity Poker Rooms
3. Skycity Poker Tournaments

Skycity Auckland (stylised as SkyCity Auckland) 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, it was the second casino in New Zealand, and is still the only one in Auckland.

Baccarat Room; SkyCity Poker. Royal Jackpot; Major Tournament Results. 2019 Summer of Poker; 2018 WPT NZ; 2017 SkyCity Festival of Poker; 2017 Waitangi Deep Stack Championships Results; 2017 Auckland Poker Championships; 2016 SkyCity Festival of Poker; 2016 Waitangi Deep Stack Championships Results; 2015 SkyCity Festival of Poker Main Event Results. SkyCity Auckland Casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. for non-stop fun and excitement. Wrapped up in one magnificent venue you'll find the world's most popular casino games, fantastic live entertainment and great food and bar offerings. Skycity also has a poker room that runs weekly tournaments for Premier Rewards cardholders. To become a cardholder and avail of the poker tournaments, one has to simply register in their website and bring the necessary requirements to the casino upon visit. Buy-in for the tournaments ranges from $15-$500. The concessions would allow Skycity to install an extra 230 poker machines, 40 gambling tables, as well as a further 12 gambling tables that could be substituted for automated table game player stations (but not poker machines). Skycity would also receive an extension to their casino licence, from its expiry in 2021 until 2048.

Facilities[edit]

In addition to the Sky Tower, the complex includes a 700-seat theatre, a convention center, bars and restaurants, and two hotels. The complex also has a casino that was last refurbished in 2006, with over 1,600 gambling machines, and over 100 gambling tables. The casino also has special rooms for VIP / high-stakes gamblers.^[1]

In September 2013, it was announced that Skycity Auckland had purchased a 21m motor yacht 'Horizon II' for corporate entertainment.^[2]

In February 2018, Skycity Auckland opened New Zealand's first purpose-built e-sports broadcasting studio, located on Level 2 of the Sky Tower, formerly known as XO Bar.^[3]

By 2019 it will also house a convention centre catering for up to 3500 guests, costing over $700 million, after cutting a deal with the Government that will allow it to install extra poker machines and gambling tables.^[4]

History[edit]

The Sky Tower,^[5] convention centre and hotel^[6] 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.^[7]

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.^[7]

With profits at its parent, the Skycity Entertainment Group, falling, it was announced in May 2007 that around 230 staff of Sky City would be let go within the following 12–18 months, though it was thought likely to be mostly through turnover attrition, and would be focused on management staff.^[8][9]

On 11 May, Sky City announced that it will be slashing 700 jobs as a result of the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. A month earlier, Sky City had slashed 200 jobs.^[10][11]

Hotels[edit]

Skycity Hotel, Auckland is a casino hotel and was opened in February 1996. It is one of New Zealands busiest hotels and is located inside the main Auckland complex and serves mainly families, business travellers and gamblers who play at the casino. It offers 323 rooms refurbished in 2013.^[12] Hotel guests may use all the facilities in the complex. It is a Qualmark rated 4 star hotel.^[13]

Skycity Grand Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel and was officially opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark in April 2005 after costing $85 million. It is not located inside the main complex but is adjacent and is connected by a skybridge. It serves mainly older guests, VIPs and high stake gamblers who play at the casino. Many celebrities have stayed at the hotel including Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Linkin Park. The Grand features 21 levels and 316 rooms. The rooms include The Grand Suite, 8 Premier Self Contained Suites, 11 Executive King Suites and 296 Luxury King rooms. The room interiors were designed by Chhada Siembieda (specialists in luxury hotel interiors and responsible for the W Hotel chain as well as the Hayman Island Resort, Sydney Hilton and the Hotel Intercontinental in both Sydney and in Hong Kong). Facilities and services include 24-hour room service and reception, a heated lap pool, fitness center, sauna, health spa, personal trainers, baby sitting and a hotel doctor.^[14]

Events[edit]

In 2019, the Skycity Convention Centre played host to two World boxing title events, promoted by Bruce Glozier and Steve Deane of Rival Sports Promotions. The first event took place on March 30 Geovana Peres took on Lani Daniels for the WBO World women's light heavyweight title dubbed History in the making.^[15] The event Sold out with 680 table tickets and was prerecored to broadcast on Sky Sports tv later in the week.^[16] On 30 July, Bruce Glozier of Rival Sports Promotion announced the second World title event, Geovana Peres vs Claire Hafner.^[17] As part of promoting the event, Geovana Peres did a world first by doing boxing pad work outside on top of the Sky Tower, 193 metres in the air.^[18] The event sold out with over 1000 tickets and was broadcast live on Sky Sports 3 TV.^[19]

New convention centre[edit]

In May 2013, the Government came to a deal with Skycity to build a new convention centre worth $402 million in exchange for gambling concessions. The concessions would allow Skycity to install an extra 230 poker machines, 40 gambling tables, as well as a further 12 gambling tables that could be substituted for automated table game player stations (but not poker machines). Skycity would also receive an extension to their casino licence, from its expiry in 2021 until 2048. In exchange, Skycity would be required to meet the full costs of the convention centre project.^[20]

Describing the benefit for New Zealand, Economic Development Minister, Steven Joyce said the convention centre would add an estimated $90 million a year to the local economy, create 1,000 jobs during construction and 800 jobs once the centre is running.^[20]

In 2015 it was announced that the anticipated cost of the convention centre had increased by $70–$130 million, to a total maximum of $530 million. Prime Minister John Key said he was considering making up the shortfall by giving Skycity public tax money to finish the project – as it would be an 'eyesore' if the extra funding was not made available.^[21] Two days later on 12 February, following criticism in the media and in Parliament, the Prime Minister described the use of taxpayer funds as the 'least preferred option'.^[22] Subsequently, on 15 February, it was announced that instead of seeking funding from the government for project over-runs, Skycity would instead be allowed to build a convention centre which was slightly smaller, so that total costs would remain about $400 million. The other option was that Skycity could put in funds of its own to build a large convention centre. The Labour Party claimed the move was a win for those who were opposed to public money bailing out the deal.^[23]

2019 convention centre fire[edit]

A fire in the roof and upper part of the new convention centre started on 22 October 2019 while the building was still under construction. The fire burned for about two days, partly as a result of a decision to sacrifice the roof in order to try to save the lower part of the building by improving safety and access for firefighters working under the roof. After the roof had mostly burned away the remaining fire was extinguished.

The fire caused widespread disruption to Auckland's central business district and the air pollution in the city to exceed safe levels for the first time in over ten years.^[24][25]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^VIP Gaming (from the official casino website)
2. ^'SkyCity's 'floating palace' for high rollers'. New Zealand Herald. 2013-09-01. ISSN1170-0777. Retrieved 2015-12-31.
3. ^'Social Snapshot: Sky City unveils new e-sports broadcasting centre'. Newshub. 2018-07-02. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
4. ^'SkyCity convention centre set to create 800 jobs - Joyce'. TV NZ. May 13, 2013.
5. ^Fletcher Construction website - Sky Tower
6. ^Fletcher Construction website
7. ^ ^ab'Auckland's big gamble, 10 years on'. The New Zealand Herald. 29 January 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
8. ^Marshall, Colin (22 May 2007). 'Union 'in the dark' over SkyCity job losses'. The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
9. ^Orsman, Bernard (23 May 2007). 'Cards called for 230 at SkyCity in cost-cut drive'. The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
10. ^Flaws, Bonnie (11 May 2020). 'Coronavirus: Sky City announces more job losses to come'. Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 May 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
11. ^'SkyCity plans 700 job cuts due to Covid-19 downturn'. Radio New Zealand. 11 May 2020. Archived from the original on 12 May 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
12. ^'SkyCity Hotel official site'.
13. ^'Qualmark official site'.
14. ^'SkyCity Grand Hotel official site'.
15. ^'THE ULTIMATE DREAM HAS COME TRUE FOR GEOVANA PERES'. Gay Express. 31 March 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
16. ^'Peres-Daniels WBO World Title fight a sell out'. Newsie. 29 March 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
17. ^'Boxing: Kiwi Geovana Peres to defend WBO title against Canadian Claire Hafner'. New Zealand Herald. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
18. ^'Kiwi boxing champion Geovana Peres to defend title'. Stuff NZ. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
19. ^'Geovana Peres Retains World title with the first TKO of her Career'. Women Boxing. 5 October 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
20. ^ ^ab'SkyCity convention centre set to create 800 jobs - Joyce'. TVNZ. 13 May 2013.
21. ^'John Key: SkyCity will be an 'eyesore' without government money'. Stuff.co.nz. 10 February 2015.
22. ^'Public money for SkyCity convention centre 'least preferred' fix'. The New Zealand Herald. 12 February 2015.
23. ^'SkyCity drops funding bid'. Radio New Zealand News. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
24. ^'Auckland's SkyCity Convention Centre fire: Firefighter in serious condition as building goes up in flames'. Stuff.co.nz. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
25. ^'SkyCity fire live: Inferno rages, roof fears, TVNZ evacuated'. New Zealand Herald. 23 October 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2019.

External links[edit]

Coordinates: 36°50′56″S174°45′42″E / 36.8488°S 174.7617°E

Located in the center of Hamilton next to the Waikato River, the SkyCity Hamilton is the premier choice of evening entertainment in this vibrant city.

If you are looking for anything from a fun evening in a casino, to ten pin bowling, laser tag or simply a nice meal and a drink, you will find it all at the SkyCity Hamilton.

Gaming Room

The gaming room is a decent sized area with 330 gaming machines and 23 tables to enjoy. There is everything on offer from pokies to card games and roulette so you are sure to enjoy an enthralling experience at the SkyCity Hamilton.

Poker

There are two specially designated tables for poker at the SkyCity Hamilton, these cater for all levels of players and also host many different events. At the tables you will not play against the house, in fact, the house simply takes a commission of the takings for hosting the events, you will simply get to play against fellow poker lovers.

Dress Code

SkyCity Hamilton Casino requires you to wear smart/casual clothing that is not covered in dirt or has offensive logos on them. You cannot wear dark shaded glasses or headwear.

Accommodation & Hotel

While the casino does not have its own hotel there are ample of hotels within the local vicinity that cater to all tastes and budgets. Listed below are some of the bars and restaurants within the entertainment center.

• La Parrilla
• Eat Burger
• Zone Sports Bar
• Vue Bar
• Coffee Post
• Marble Room
• Entertainment

Jobs

You must be 20 years or older to work at the SkyCity Hamilton and for those lucky enough to gain employment with the casino you will get to enjoy a glittering career full of enjoyment. The easiest way to find out what jobs are available and apply for those of interest is to review their online job board at https://www.seek.co.nz/Skycity-Entertainment-Group-jobs

Parking

Skycity Poker Room Philadelphia

There are 340 car parking spaces and the car park is open 24 hours a day. The price structure of the car park is $3 for an hour in the day time to $15 for over 6.5 hours a day.

Skycity Poker Rooms

Synopsis

Skycity Poker Tournaments

SkyCity Hamilton is a must visit place for Kiwis and foreigners alike. You can take in the breath-taking views of Hamilton from anywhere in the building. Therefore, this elegant land-based casino has everything you could ever expect. All of this within walking distance of Hamilton’s top hotels, so you never would have to miss out on a great time.