SkyCity Auckland: Difference between revisions
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=== Problem gamblers === |
=== Problem gamblers === |
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There has been criticism from various sources that the casino creates [[problem gambling]] and does not ban problem gamblers proactively enough.<ref name="HER">{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sky-city-entertainment-group-ltd/news/article.cfm?o_id=193&objectid=10365871 |title=Auckland's big gamble, 10 years on |date=29 January 2006 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref> |
There has been criticism from various sources that the casino creates [[problem gambling]] and does not ban problem gamblers proactively enough.<ref name="HER">{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sky-city-entertainment-group-ltd/news/article.cfm?o_id=193&objectid=10365871 |title=Auckland's big gamble, 10 years on |date=29 January 2006 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref> In January, 2014 TV3's Campbell Live did a story on the casino's reponse to problem gamblers following the announcement that the casino had done a $402 million deal to build a new convention centre in exchange for additional gambling concessions. SkyCity admitted it failed to check on an 76 year old gambler sent in by TV3 who spent more than 14 hours on slot machines.<ref> [http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/skycity-admits-failure-after-media-sting-2014070719#axzz3RZ5ApsP5 SkyCity admits failure after media sting,] TV3 7 July 2014</ref> |
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==Hotels== |
==Hotels== |
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Revision as of 20:37, 12 February 2015
 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (October 2012) |
| SkyCity Auckland | |
|---|---|
| File:Skycity-auckland-logo.jpg | |
| Address | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Opening date | February 2, 1996 |
| Signature attractions | Sky Tower |
| Casino type | Land |
| Owner | SkyCity Entertainment Group |
| Renovated in | 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.
Facilities
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 caters for high-stakes gamblers in the 'Pacific Room' (table games) and the 'Platinum Room' (game machines).[1] It has a large percentage of Asian customers, and undertakes special initiatives to cater for them.
History
The Sky Tower,[2] convention centre and hotel[3] 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.
The casino
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.[4]
Problem gamblers
There has been criticism from various sources that the casino creates problem gambling and does not ban problem gamblers proactively enough.[4] In January, 2014 TV3's Campbell Live did a story on the casino's reponse to problem gamblers following the announcement that the casino had done a $402 million deal to build a new convention centre in exchange for additional gambling concessions. SkyCity admitted it failed to check on an 76 year old gambler sent in by TV3 who spent more than 14 hours on slot machines.[5]
Hotels
The SkyCity Hotel is a casino hotel located inside the main Auckland complex and serves mainly families, business men and gamblers who play at the casino. It has 323 rooms refurbished in 2013.[6] Hotel guests may use all the facilities in the complex. It is a Qualmark rated 4 star hotel.[7]
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.[8]
Proposed convention centre
In May 2013, the Government came to a deal with SkyCity to build a convention centre for $402 million that will allow it to install extra pokie machines and gambling tables. Under the agreement, SkyCity is required to meet the full costs of the project in return for an additional 230 pokie machines on the casino floor, an additional 40 gaming tables, and a further 12 gaming tables that can be substituted for automated table game player stations (but not pokie machines). Also as part of the deal, the casino licence, due to expire in 2021, will be extended to 2048.
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 1000 jobs during construction and 800 jobs once the centre is running.[9]
In 2015 it was announced that the anticipated cost had gone up to $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.[10] Two days later following criticism in the media and in Parliament, the Prime Minister backed down describing the use of taxpayer funds as the 'least preferred option'.[11]
See also
References
- ^ VIP Gaming (from the official casino website)
- ^ Fletcher Construction website - Sky Tower
- ^ Fletcher Construction website
- ^ a b "Auckland's big gamble, 10 years on". The New Zealand Herald. 29 January 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ SkyCity admits failure after media sting, TV3 7 July 2014
- ^ "SkyCity Hotel official site".
- ^ "Qualmark official site".
- ^ "SkyCity Grand Hotel official site".
- ^ "SkyCity convention centre set to create 800 jobs - Joyce". TV NZ. May 13, 2013.
- ^ John Key: SkyCity will be an 'eyesore' without government money, Stuff 10 February 2015
- ^ Public money for SkyCity convention centre 'least preferred' fix, New Zealand Herald, 12 February 2015