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Since the first opening of SkyCity Auckland in 1996 Kiwis have gotten used to the group offering some of the best land-based gambling in New Zealand. But how has the entertainment group gotten as big as it has? Here is a full rundown of the history of SkyCity:
Early Days
After opening its first casino in New Zealand the company decided to expand to Australia as well. This led to the acquisition of the Adelaide casino in 2000 which later became SkyCity Queenstown. The place remains one of the most popular entertainments today in Australia.
From 2004 the group also owned a 41% share in the Christchurch Casino but in 2012 this was sold to Skyline Enterprises which allowed them to invest $5 million into the Queenstown Casino.
In 2004 the organisation also chose to purchase the Darwin Casino from MGM Mirage and was later renamed, SkyCity Darwin. It was resold in 2018 to an American company Delaware North.
Other Avenues
In 2001 Skycity chose to purchase half the shares of the pre-existing cinema group Force corporation. It was then rebranded as SkyCity Leisure. Later in 2010, the company decided to sell its cinema stake to Australian firm Amalgamated Holdings Limited.
In 2019 the group chose to start participating in the online gambling market as well. This led to a partnership with Malta-based developer Gaming Innovation Group. The website launched in mid-2019.
Currently Owned Properties
Adelaide Casino - After its purchase by the SkyCity group in 2000, the building expanded to now offer more than 900 gaming machines together with 90 gaming tables. The establishment also currently owns the only table gaming license issued by the South Australian government. This allows them to have a monopoly over the gambling business in the state.
SkyCity Auckland - This is New Zealand’s largest casino, with over 1600 active gambling machines and 110 gaming tables. The facility also features the Sky Tower, hotels, a theatre, and more than 20 different restaurants. So besides gambling, you can get a meal, catch a movie, or even check out the amazing All Blacks Experience in SkyCity Casino starting soon.
SkyCity Hamilton - This place has been in operation since 2002, is rated for 339 gaming machines and 23 games tables. The destination also includes its own restaurant and bar, where you can find live music on Fridays and Saturdays. It forms part of the Riverside Centre on the Waikato river which has its own restaurants, bars, and even ten-pin bowling.
SkyCity Queenstown - Opened in 2000 and includes 86 gambling machines together with 12 tables.
SkyCity Wharf Casino - This relatively small building features 74 gaming machines and 6 gambling tables.
If you have ever been in SkyCity and wondered how it all works, now you know. It represents one of the most successful casino chains in Australasia with hundreds of millions of dollars being made every year.