Skycity Poker Room
| Skycity Auckland | |
|---|---|
| Location | Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Address | Corner Victoria and Federal Streets |
| Opening date | February 2, 1996; 24 years ago |
| Signature attractions | Sky Tower |
| Casino type | Land |
| Owner | Skycity Entertainment Group |
| Renovated in | 2006 |
| Website | www.skycityauckland.co.nz |
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.
Facilities[edit]
SKYCITY Poker Room Tournament Results. Royal Jackpot; Tournaments. 2015 SkyCity Festival of Poker Main Event Results; 2015 NZ Poker Open. 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. Sky City Poker Club Overview Part of Sky City Casino. The Sky City Poker Club is situated on the 2nd Floor featuring a variety of Poker tables that offer PL Texas Hold’em and NL Texas Hold’em. The Poker Club offers daily and weekly tournaments with its daily tournaments offering a Guaranteed Tournaments Prize Pool of KES 40,000 and its. 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.
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]
- ^VIP Gaming (from the official casino website)
- ^'SkyCity's 'floating palace' for high rollers'. New Zealand Herald. 2013-09-01. ISSN1170-0777. Retrieved 2015-12-31.
- ^'Social Snapshot: Sky City unveils new e-sports broadcasting centre'. Newshub. 2018-07-02. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- ^'SkyCity convention centre set to create 800 jobs - Joyce'. TV NZ. May 13, 2013.
- ^Fletcher Construction website - Sky Tower
- ^Fletcher Construction website
- ^ ab'Auckland's big gamble, 10 years on'. The New Zealand Herald. 29 January 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^Marshall, Colin (22 May 2007). 'Union 'in the dark' over SkyCity job losses'. The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^Orsman, Bernard (23 May 2007). 'Cards called for 230 at SkyCity in cost-cut drive'. The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^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.
- ^'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.
- ^'SkyCity Hotel official site'.
- ^'Qualmark official site'.
- ^'SkyCity Grand Hotel official site'.
- ^'THE ULTIMATE DREAM HAS COME TRUE FOR GEOVANA PERES'. Gay Express. 31 March 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
- ^'Peres-Daniels WBO World Title fight a sell out'. Newsie. 29 March 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
- ^'Boxing: Kiwi Geovana Peres to defend WBO title against Canadian Claire Hafner'. New Zealand Herald. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
- ^'Kiwi boxing champion Geovana Peres to defend title'. Stuff NZ. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
- ^'Geovana Peres Retains World title with the first TKO of her Career'. Women Boxing. 5 October 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
- ^ ab'SkyCity convention centre set to create 800 jobs - Joyce'. TVNZ. 13 May 2013.
- ^'John Key: SkyCity will be an 'eyesore' without government money'. Stuff.co.nz. 10 February 2015.
- ^'Public money for SkyCity convention centre 'least preferred' fix'. The New Zealand Herald. 12 February 2015.
- ^'SkyCity drops funding bid'. Radio New Zealand News. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^'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.
- ^'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
Skycity Casino Auckland is a massive casino complex in Auckland that is open for all hours of the day, whether you want a morning flutter or an evening out the Skycity Casino Auckland has it all. As well as housing a huge and opulent casino the Skycity Casino Auckland is also a metropolis of restaurants, bars, hotels and more making it a holiday destination in its own right.
Sky City Poker Room Hours
Gaming room
The gaming room is a hive of activity with a colossal 2100 gaming machines to choose from all back up with over one hundred and fifty tables with roulette, money wheel, poker, blackjack and more besides to choose from.
The casino provides separate Baccarat room. Just move up from the main casino floor to level three with the help of escalator and enter the exciting world of Baccarat. With over 20 Baccarat tables available, the baccarat Room has a vibrant atmosphere and great facilities. All are welcome to play and enjoy the exclusive Baccarat Room promotions as well as the dedicated bar, smoking balcony and cashiers.
With 24 hour premium gaming facilities you need not have any dress code to follow here.
There are No Limit Games which means they have no limit on the number of raises permitted in a round and no limit on the amount a player can wager. A player can wager all the chips they have in front of them, commonly known as going ‘All In’. The casino offer ‘No Limit’ games with varying ‘Minimum and Maximum Buy-In’ amounts. These two buy-in amounts are known as the “Table Limits” and are displayed on the Table Limit sign at the relevant table e.g. ‘$50 minimum-$150 maximum buy-in’.
Skycity Poker Rooms
Then there are Pot Limits Games like in Omaha games usually have a ‘Pot Limit’, with no limit on the number of raises and a maximum amount that can wagered, limited to no more than the pot.
The casino offers Pot Limit games with varying ‘Minimum and Maximum Buy-In’ amounts. These two buy-in amounts are known as the ‘Table Limits’ and are displayed on the Table Limit sign at the relevant table e.g. ‘$300 minimum-$500 maximum buy-in’.
Poker
It’s a common saying that in New Zealand, nobody delivers poker quite like Skycity Casino Auckland. It has a dedicated Poker Room on level two where Poker players can enjoy exclusive tournaments, their own private bar and exclusive food offers. On offer to Poker are weekly tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $75 to $175. They also offer a Deep Stack Main Event tournament at the end of every month.
There are five types of poker at Skycity Casino Auckland, these are Classic game of Poker, Three card poker,Ultimate Texas Hold’em,Caribbean stud poker and Lunar poker.
Skycity Auckland Poker Opening hours are from Monday – Friday- 5pm until late and Saturday – Sunday- 12pm until late.
How to play at Sky City Auckland
You need to be a member to play and enjoy at Sky city Auckland plus 20 or over of age to play the games.
Then you can get premier rewards and can earn premier points from gaming machine play, table game play, hotel stays and dining at selected restaurants and bars at the casino. Premier Points are automatically credited to a premier rewards membership account and are valid for six months from the date of issue. 100 Premier Points = $1 in gaming credits.
Premier Bonus Dollars are credits that are awarded or gifted to Premier Rewards members by Skycity. They will be automatically credited to a member’s account and are valid for three months from the date of issue. 1 Premier Bonus Dollar = $1 in gaming credits.
Both Premier Points and Premier Bonus Dollars can be redeemed, subject to daily limits, for gaming credits which can be used to play on Gaming Machines at Skycity Auckland or Bonus Play Chips which can be used to play on selected Table Games, excluding Poker, Rapid Baccarat and Rapid Roulette.
Simply insert your Premier Rewards card into the card reader on any Gaming Machine and touch the ‘MY BALANCE’ icon and follow the on-screen instructions to turn your premier points or bonus dollars into play.
There are various other bonus offers that you can ask the Casino staff to assist you with.
Dress code
The dress code at the Skycity Casino Auckland is quite relaxed overall, although there are a few regulations that need to be adhered to. The following will not be permitted at Skycity Auckland
- Torn or damaged clothing (except fashionable distressed items)
- Dirty clothes or footwear
- Safety or trade clothing (eg safety vests)
- Sleeveless tops on men
- Jandals or flip flops from 9pm to 5am
- Gang patches or other insignia
- Hats or caps (except for religious or medical reasons or within the Poker Zone)
- Sunglasses (except within the Poker Zone)
If someone is seen to be intoxicated, abusive, threatening or causing conflict with staff or other customers, Skycity Auckland will take appropriate steps to stop the behaviour. This includes, in appropriate circumstances, having the customer escorted from the premises. Also patrons detected loan sharking or begging will be required to leave the casino.
Accommodation & hotel
There are two hotels on site, one is the SkycityHotel and for those who are a little more affluent the Skycity Grand Hotel.
The Skycity Hotel offers king rooms, twin rooms and suites that are sure to satisfy even the hardest to please. In the Skycity hotel rooms you can enjoy everything from the ensuite bathroom to the air conditioning and television. There are two types of rooms, Premium Room (one day stay costs starts from $299) and Premium Suite (costs $399 on wards).
The Skycity Grand Hotel offers the luxuries of the Skycity Hotel and delivers more space and opulence to create the perfect base for those looking for a great time. There is also a spa within the hotel. This hotel has four types of rooms. Premium luxury room, luxury harbour view room, luxury king suite (with various costs) and Grand presidential suite(this costs $1929 and above).
Entertainment
The Skycity complex offers a massive 25 restaurants, cafes and bars so there is something for everyone and a lot of options to choose from. On top of this there is a vibrant theatre offering many brilliant shows. On selected evenings visitors can go to the iconic Sky Tower and enjoy live entertainment for free.
Jobs
There are a wide range of jobs available for those wishing to work at Skycity Casino Auckland and the business offers a brilliant package for employees. There is even a careers website dedicated to jobs at the Skycity Auckland.
Parking
There is a massive car park offering just fewer than 2,000 parking spaces, in fact the Skycity car park is the largest in Auckland accessible from three entries and offers convenient motorway access, full time security and surveillance and well lit maintained facilities. There is also a range of options available to suit your needs:
Skycity Poker Room Reviews
- Valet parking – Rock up in style and let our friendly valet service do all the work.
- Super Saver Parking – Available to eligible skycity members and this parking offer is great value for money.
- Casual Parking – Come and go as you please with the casual parking rates.
Address
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets
Auckland
New Zealand
Phone: 0800 SKYCITY (08007592489) – this is toll free within NZ.
Or: +64 9 363 6000
Fax: +64 9 363 6383
Email: enquiries@skycity.co.nz