Top 5 spots to play pokies in Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand, and the second-largest city by urban area population, after Auckland. A paradise for nature lovers and online casino gamers, New Zealand, has a lot going for it. Well known for its thriving gambling scene and world-famous gaming floors like those of Christchurch Casino, New Zealanders enjoy nothing more than a day out playing pokies and table games followed by a meal and maybe a show. Online casinos are all the rage today, but the charm of a land-based casino is without competitors. Where else can Kiwis socialize, watch live shows, get together for a meal, play pokies, and enjoy top entertainment with the chance to take home cash wins? Next time you feel like a night out, try our Top 5 spots to play pokies in Christchurch.

Kiwis can also enjoy online gambling, free casino bonuses, and free spins for top pokies created by software companies like Microgaming and NetEnt. If it interests you, feel free to browse through our pages for a variety of regulated pokie sites at our featured best NZ online casinos.

5. Celtic Arms Inn Spreydon, Christchurch

An entertainment-laden spot where locals get together for some drinks, accompanied by delicious snacks and pokie gaming action, Celtic Arms Inn Spreydon is your Christchurch go-to venue. Watch sports games on big TVs, get together with family and friends for a drink or good pub food, and enjoy some pokies gaming excitement. Recreating the Celtic atmosphere in Christchurch, this land-based casino venue was inspired by the many New Zealanders of Scottish ancestry that lives in NZ.

Located on Selwyn street, a busy road in Christchurch, Celtic Arms Spreydon is open from 9 am to 11 pm weekly, and on Fridays and weekends, the entertainment and gambling pub opens until a little later at night. Punters not interested in sports matches can join in with other pokie enthusiasts in air-conditioned pokie rooms for a fun and electric atmosphere.

4. Armadillos Restaurant

Armadillo’s Family Restaurants in New Zealand is a chain of eateries located in 10 strategic New Zealand locations, including Halswell in Christchurch. Armadillo’s offers a family venue that’s fun and friendly, with restaurants serving delicious dishes and refreshing beverages at budget prices. Opening from 10.30 am until late every day of the week, Armadillo’s is keen to provide some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality and makes every visit memorable. Some delicacies you can try include zucchini fritters, crumbed Camembert, Hollandaise pan-fried fish and prime rib eye steak. This establishment serves beer, spirits, wine and cocktails, soft drinks, and fresh fruit juices. After dinner, the adults can enjoy some pokies in the gaming section and 18 poker machines.

3. Islington Tavern Christchurch

Stephen “Sooty” Moffett owned Islington Tavern in Christchurch for 26 years until he sold it in 2018 to new management. Affiliated with the Thirty Liquor chain of stores, alcoholic beverages are sold at a significantly reduced price, making it a popular venue for locals and tourists alike. Islington Tavern opens from 10 am until midnight and later on weekends. Since it is also a bottle store, Islington Tavern can sell alcoholic beverages and other drinks to customers at extremely low rates, which many say are the lowest rates in town. The pub is trendy for its sports facilities, with large televisions installed all over the bar so punters can watch their favorite races in comfortable surroundings. Clients can bet on the horses, and the pub offers a complete TAB facility, while pokie players can spin the reels of dozens of top pokie machines.

2. Embankment Tavern Christchurch

A popular pub and local hangout, Embankment Tavern, is where locals and holidaymakers go when they need to have a great time with gambling games. The tavern serves alcohol, and visitors can watch live entertainment, place horse bets, watch horse racing on TV’0, and play a large variety of pokies. Embankment Tavern opens bright and early from 8 am every morning and closes late at night. After midnight there’s a one-way door, so you won’t get back in if you leave. Furthermore, Embankment Tavern caters to smokers and non-smokers and offers darts and pool tables. Pokie players are in for a good time with dozens of the most loved New Zealand pokie machines.

1. Christchurch Casino

Christchurch opened its first casino sometime in 1994. Since then, it has offered New Zealanders an unparalleled experience complete with casual and fine dining, a casino filled with pokies and card games, and the best in entertainment. Christchurch Casino has played an enormous part in bringing people back to the city and supporting community and local businesses, and locals are very proud of their heritage. The casino’s opening was an event that heralded a new entertainment industry for Christchurch, and in grand style, Christchurch Casino never closes, with games available 24/7.

A boutique-style gambling paradise located in the heart of Christchurch city, this casino was designed to mimic traditional European luxury casinos, such as in Monte Carlo, so it is beautifully designed. From its unique sloped roof and flying saucer design to the many chandeliers scattered around the casino, visitors can try four restaurants and enjoy a big-screen television to watch live sports. Casino players can delight themselves with dozens of table games like poker and blackjack, and pokie fans have just over 500 pokie machines at their disposal. The casino is strict on its dress code so wear your glad rags, and if unsure, check their website for details. There are free shuttles to and from local hotels and motels daily from 6 pm to 2 am; find out more at casino reception.