| SKYCITY Auckland | |
|---|---|
| Address | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Opening date | February 2, 1996 |
| Signature attractions | Sky Tower |
| Casino type | Land |
| Owner | SKYCITY Entertainment Group |
| Years renovated | 2006 |
| Website | http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz |
SKYCITY Auckland (or often just SKYCITY) is a casino and event centre in the Central Business District of Auckland, New Zealand. Located at the base of the Sky Tower, it was the second casino in New Zealand, and still is the only one in Auckland.
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In addition to the Sky Tower, the complex includes a 700 seat theatre, a convention centre, 12 bars and restaurants, and two hotels. The main feature however is the casino itself, with over 1,600 gaming machines, and over 100 tables with games such as blackjack and roulette. The casino was most recently refurbished in 2006. The casino also has the 'Pacific Room' (table games) and the 'Platinum Room' (game machines) for VIP / high-stakes gamblers.[1] The casino has a large percentage of Asian customers, and undertakes special initiatives to cater for them.[2]
The Sky Tower,[3] convention centre and hotel[4] 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 cities 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.[5]
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 dollars 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.[5]
With profits at its parent, the SKYCITY Entertainment Group, falling, it has recently (May 2007) been announced that around 230 staff of Sky City would be let go within the coming 12–18 months, though it was considered that this was likely to be mostly through turnover attrition, and will be focused on management staff.[2][6]
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 men and gamblers who play at the casino. It offers 344 rooms. Hotel guests may use all the facilities in the complex, making the hotel a very popular leisure destination. It is a Qualmark rated 4 star hotel.
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 an "Air Bridge". 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 of uncompromising quality. The rooms comprise a range of luxury accommodation options including The Grand Suite, 8 Premier Self Contained Suites, 11 Executive King Suites and 296 Luxury King rooms. The room interiors were designed by internationally acclaimed Chhada Siembieda (specialists in luxury hotel interiors and responsible for the acclaimed “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.