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.[1]
The casino also has the 'Pacific Room' (table games) and the
'Platinum Room' (game machines) for VIP / high-stakes
gamblers.[2] The casino has a large percentage of Asian
customers, and undertakes special initiatives to cater for
them.
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 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.
History
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.
