New Zealand casinos: temporary changes amid Covid-19 measures

Authorities have allowed SkyCityHamilton Casino and Christchurch Casino to establish temporary cashiering facilities in their venues to comply with the Covid-19 social distancing measures.

New Zealand.- Authorities in New Zealand have allowed casinos to make temporary changes to guarantee safe operation amid Covid-19 countermeasures.

SkyCity Hamilton Casino and Christchurch Casino had asked the Gambling Commission for permission to establish temporary cashiering facilities in their venues in line with the Ministry of Health’s latest recommendations and guidelines for operating at Alert Level 2.

SkyCity Hamilton will have a zone that will only host poker machines, while the other zone would host gaming tables and machines. The Christchurch Casino will have five zones with cashiering facilities.

The Gambling Commission said that the establishment of additional cash register facilities did not cause any regulatory issues.

It said that facilitating casino cash access was an issue that required thorough consideration but that considering the continuing situation of the Covid-19 pandemic it would temporarily approve SkyCity Hamilton Casino and Christchurch’s requests.

Authorities have allowed an easing of Covid-19 countermeasures across the country except for Auckland. SkyCity is reopening its venues in Hamilton and Queenstown but its Wharf Casino will remain closed due to ongoing border restrictions and the lack of tourism.

SkyCity Auckland will also remain closed as the city remains under “Level 4” restrictions.

In August there was a rise in betting sales, especially for TAB and Lotto, while casinos remained closed. Spending was up 65 per cent. The country also saw a rise in liquor and retail sales as under the “Level 4” lockdown, people could only leave their houses to buy food or medical supplies or for socially distanced exercise.