1About SkyCity Online Casino
SkyCity is an online casino that was launched in August 2019. It is the latest project for SkyCity Entertainment Group, which also owns the land-based SkyCity Casino in Auckland. SkyCity Entertainment Group launched its online gaming site in an effort to adapt to the ever-evolving gambling environment. “While ultimately a regulated online gaming market remains the preferred solution, the site launch is another step on our journey of pursuing opportunities to grow and diversify our earnings, addressing a new, fast-growing industry which is highly complementary to our land-based activities and offering customers a multi-channel gaming experience,” stated chief executive Graeme Stephens. According to SkyCity Entertainment Group, New Zealanders are expected to spend approximately $160 million a year at online casinos, which are currently supported by international platforms. The Department of Internal Affairs has reported an 84 percent increase I offshore gambling from $132 million in 2015 to $243 million in 2017. More recent industry information shows predicted spending of $381 in the 18 months that followed. According to the SkyCity Casino website, the online casino is operated by Gaming Innovation Group (GIG), on behalf of SkyCity Malta Limited, an independent subsidiary of the SkyCity Entertainment Group. The casino is the result of a collaboration between the SkyCity Entertainment Group and the Gaming Innovation Group (GIG). SkyCity is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority.About Gaming Innovation Group (GIG)
Gaming Innovation Group is a technology company that works in the iGaming industry. GIG isn’t a direct provider of games, but instead is a B2B (business to business) provider of gaming management, solutions, and more. According to the GIG website, they offer “cutting edge cloud-based services and performance marketing” and while providing customers with “the technology, solutions and services to create an amazing experience for their users.” Gaming Innovation Group operates out of Malta, Norway, the USA, Spain, Gibraltar, and Denmark. Gaming Innovation Group and its B2B services, including GIG Core, the online gaming platform, and GIG Sports, the proprietary sportsbook, are licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. Both licenses are held by iGamingCloud Limited. GIG is also GLI certified and is ISO certified for both core and data.About SkyCity Entertainment Group
SkyCity Entertainment Group is the largest leisure, tourism, and entertainment company in New Zealand. It is listed on both the New Zealand (NZX) and Australian (ASX) stock exchanges under ‘SKC’. SkyCity was formed in 1996 when Sky City Limited took ownership of the SkyCity Auckland complex. Then, in 1998, SkyCity took over the operations from Harrah’s Entertainment, the previous gaming operator. On 22 May 2019, SkyCity Entertainment Group announced that its Malta-based subsidiary, SkyCity Malta Limited, would partner with Gaming Innovation Group to give New Zealanders an online casino gaming platform. According to the SkyCity Entertainment Group website, their strategy includes a focus on “the creation of both sustainable shareholder returns and enhanced social and sustainability initiatives to the long-term viability and success” of the company. SkyCity strives to be the leader in entertainment, hospitality, and gaming in its areas of business.2SkyCity Online Casino News
“SkyCity Online Casino reports 21,000 registered customers” – 02/06/2021 According to the NZ Herald, as of June 2019, SkyCity Online Casino now has over 21,000 registered customers. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the SkyCity land-based casino only just resumed gaming operations on May 14, but the online casino was profitable in both April and May.
“Boredom during lockdown causes online gambling spike in New Zealand” – 06/05/2021 Boredom during lockdown has led to an increase in online gambling. The coronavirus pandemic has left some people with a lot more time on their hands and no access to land-based gambling sites. This means more people are turning to online sites like SkyCity to play their favorite casino games and wager money. This was great news for SkyCity. The online casino had only around 3,500 registered users in February 2021, but by the beginning of May had over 15,000.
3About SkyCity’s Land-Based Casino
Most of SkyCity Entertainment Group’s income still comes from its land-based Auckland casino. The original SkyCity casino is what inspired the online casino, which has become increasingly popular amid recent pandemic-related closures, cancellations, and lockdowns. But as the country slowly begins to open its doors, SkyCity Casino has begun slowly reopening its business to customers from all over the world. If you ever find yourself in Auckland, SkyCity is truly a sight to behold. The world-class casino boasts incredible 360-degree views from the 328m tall Sky Tower. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you’ll especially enjoy walking around the top of the famous pergola. SkyCity’s mega entertainment complex is home to much more than just a casino. There are numerous restaurants and bars, including those with featured dishes courtesy of famous New Zealand chef Peter Gordon. You can relax in one of the 4- and 5-star hotels and enjoy the rest of the entertainment that awaits you at SkyCity.4Registration
If you want to play games or place a bet on the SkyCity Online Casino website, you will need to register for an account. To register for an account, you will need to be a resident of a jurisdiction in which online gambling at SkyCity Casino is allowed. To register for an account, you need to visit the home page on the SkyCity website and click the “Sign Up” button. From there, you will need to follow the on-screen instructions. When you open a new player account, you will be asked to provide personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and contact details such as your address, telephone number, and e-mail address. You are required to provide accurate information. Your account has to be registered in your own, legal name. You can only open one account on the SkyCity Online Casino website. Your account cannot be transferred to another person. Any duplicate accounts will be closed immediately. All players who register for an account should do so in their local currency. Upon completion of the registration process, you will be eligible for the welcome bonus. You can learn more about the welcome bonus below.5SkyCity Online Casino Bonus 2021
Welcome Bonus
New players who sign up for an account with SkyCity Online Casino are eligible to receive a generous welcome bonus. This promotion gives players a 100% match bonus up to NZ$100 plus 10 free spins per day for seven days. You must opt-in to receive the bonus, which is valid only on your first deposit. To claim the welcome bonus, you need to go to the cashier and select Welcome Bonus before you make your first deposit. If the bonus isn’t credited to your account, contact SkyCity Online Casino customer support before playing any games and they should be able to credit the bonus manually. A minimum deposit of NZ$10 is required. The maximum bet allowed on any game is NZ$5. There is a 35x wagering requirement and the bonus must be used within 30 days. Your 70 free spins are on eligible games: Dead or Alive 2, Starburst, Lights, TwinSpin Deluxe, or Berryburst. You receive 10 free spins per day that are valid for 24 hours. All free spins from the welcome bonus are wager-free.VIP & Loyalty
SkyCity Online Casino currently doesn’t have a VIP or loyalty club. However, it is likely that there will be some type of loyalty program in the future.Wagering Requirements
The SkyCity welcome bonus has 35x wagering requirements that must be met within 30 days. However, there are no wagering requirements on the 70 free spins, which means whatever you win is yours to keep. It should be noted that not all games contribute to the wagering requirements in the same way. How each type of game contributes to the requirements is shown below:- Slots: 100%
- Roulette and Live Dealer Roulette: 35%
- Table Games: 20%
- Blackjack, Baccarat, and Casino Hold’em: 10%
- Video Poker: 20%
- All other table games and Live Casino games: 20%
6Game Selection
There are over 1,000 games to play at SkyCity Online Casino, which means it’s easy for players to find something they will enjoy. In the SkyCity Online Casino game lobby, you can select games by type. There is also a section that showcases SkyCity’s 12 most popular game titles. As of July 2021, there were only seven titles listed:- Immortal Romance
- Avalon
- Book of Dead Slot
- Mega Moolah
- Starburst
- Lightning Roulette
- Showdown Saloon
- Vikings
Pokies
Slot machines, commonly known as pokies, make up the largest portion of games available at SkyCity Online Casino. Some of the most popular titles available at SkyCity include Book of Dead, Starburst, Avalon, Casino WinSpin, Bonanza, Gold Rush, Immortal Romance, The Price is Right, Dead or Alive, Mega Fortune, Second Strike, Wheel of Fortune on Tour, Blue Diamond, and Twin Spin. The extensive collection of pokies at SkyCity Casino is enough to satisfy players who prefer classic 3-reel versions or more modern or futuristic pokies. If you are a fan of the pokies, hundreds of entertaining titles await you at SkyCity Online Casino.Live Casino Games
The games in the Live Casino at SkyCity are available on mobile and desktop devices. The SkyCity Live Casino allows players to experience real casino tables with actual croupiers from the comfort of your own home. There are many options to choose from in the Live Casino at SkyCity, including:- Lightning Roulette
- Dream Catcher
- Immersive Roulette
- Dragonara
- Auto-Roulette VIP
- Auto-Roulette
- French Roulette
- Casino Hold’em
- Baccarat
- Baccarat Squeeze
- Double Ball Roulette
- Three Card Poker
- Speed Baccarat
- Speed Roulette
- No Commission Baccarat
- Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker
- Blackjack Lobby
- London Roulette
Table Games
SkyCity Online Casino made sure to include the standard casino table games like Roulette, Blackjack, and craps. Kiwi players can enjoy variations of the classics as well as several variations of popular casino games like Blackjack Party and Triple Chance Hi-Lo. There are several great options for fans of table games to choose from, including:- Blackjack (Multi-Hand)
- Premier Blackjack High Steak Gold
- Premier Blackjack Hi-Lo Gold
- Multi-Hand Premier Blackjack Gold
- European Blackjack Gold
- Casino Hold’Em
- 3 Wheel Roulette
- Triple Bonus Spin Roulette
- European Roulette
- The French Roulette
- Aces and Eights
- Atlantic City Blackjack Gold
- Caribbean Stud
- French Roulette (Play’N GO)
- Blackjack (Red Tiger)
- Blackjack MH
- Deal or No Deal Blackjack
- European Roulette Pro
Progressive Jackpots
There is no shortage of progressive jackpots at SkyCity. The jackpots at SkyCity offer large prizes and the biggest payout potential of all titles in the SkyCity game lobby. Every time one of the progressive jackpot games are played, the prize grows, which makes for some pretty exciting gambling opportunities. They have the major ones like Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune as well as lesser-known titles like Holmes and the Stolen Stones, Bell of Fortune, and Golden Goal. Because the SkyCity Online Casino is optimized for mobile play, you can spin the reels on some of the most thrilling titles available, anywhere you can get an internet connection.New Zealander’s can get a Mega Moolah $1 deposit offer from Gamopo. With this offer players get 80 chances to win $1m NZD!Video Poker
There are several video poker games available at SkyCity Online Casino including Caribbean, 3 Card, and more.Virtual Sports
At SkyCity Online Casino, sports betting is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the virtual sports section of the game lobby. SkyCity offers simulated sporting events, including single matches and complete championships all year long. They work with the best providers in the industry to give customers a way to experience the excitement of sporting events. Virtual sports are considered by many gambling enthusiasts to be better than the real thing because they give players the opportunity to engage in sports entertainment in an environment that is safe and secure. You don’t have to worry about time zones, cancelled events, injured players, and other factors that can negatively impact your gambling experience.7Game Software and Game Providers
To ensure a seamless and ultra-responsive online gambling experience, SkyCity Casino uses the same platform at Rizk Casino, another popular online casino operated by the Gaming Innovation Group. At SkyCity Online Casino, players have access to all of the best casino games from providers like Net Entertainment, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, NYX Gaming, Elk Studios, IGT, Play’n GO, Big Time Gaming, Quickspin, Yggdrasil, Red Tiger Gaming, Push Gaming, and Nolimit City.Net Entertainment
Net Entertainment, or NetEnt, has been one of the top game suppliers since its inception in 1996. NetEnt is a digital entertainment company that provides high-quality gaming solutions to the most successful online casino operators across the globe, including SkyCity. NetEnt’s most popular and highest-rated slot games available at SkyCity are:- Starburst
- Twin Spin
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Dead or Alive
- Santa vs Rudolph
- Hotline
- Lost Relics
Microgaming
A large portion of the games available at SkyCity Online Casino is provided by Microgaming. Microgaming is a supplier of award-winning online gaming software. They developed the world’s first online casino software in 1994 and the first mobile casino software in 2004. Their products include Poker, Bingo, Casino, Sportsbook, Land-based, and Live-Dealer. According to its website, Microgaming has the largest progressive jackpot network in the world, having paid out “more than €1 billion to date.” Also, per their website, Microgaming set the Guinness World Records title in 2015 for the ‘Largest jackpot payout in an online slot machine game’ when a UK player on Betway won the equivalent of NZ$35,074,245.88. Notably, Microgaming is a founding member of eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance), which helps to set the standard in fair and responsible gaming. Some of the most popular and highest-rated games provided by Microgaming on SkyCity include:- Immortal Romance
- Showdown Saloon
- Avalon
- Fortunium
- Playboy Gold
- Playboy Gold Jackpots
- Tiki Mania
- Lost Vegas
- Stardust
- Highlander
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming was founded in 2006 and has since become the world leader in live dealer gaming. Evolution Gaming is a supplier for both online and land-based operators who want only the best services. Some of the games provided by Evolution Gaming for SkyCity include:- Lightning Roulette
- Dream Catcher
- Three Card Poker
- Casino Hold’em
- Texas Hold’em
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is a content provider to the iGaming industry that strives to create the most “engaging and evocative experience” for all customers. They provide a range of products including live casino, slots, and bingo. The most popular and highest-rated games provided by Pragmatic Play for SkyCity include:- Wolf Gold
- Mustang Gold
- 5 Lions
- Triple Dragons
- Triple Tigers
- 8 Dragons
- Fire 88
- Gold Train
- Dragon Kingdom
- Beowulf
- Mighty Kong
- Ancient Egypt
NYX Gaming
NYX Gaming Group Limited is a top digital gaming supplier based in eight countries. As a company, NYX Gaming provides content and technology to some of the biggest gaming operators, lotteries, and casinos in the world. To become the big name they are today, The NYX Gaming Group has made some significant purchases. To further add to their portfolio, NYX merged with NextGen to become one of the top providers in the industry. They have a game catalogue that includes over 650 games. Some of the most popular and highest-rated games provided by NYX Gaming for SkyCity include:- 300 Shields
- Jackaroo Jack
- Medusa
- Medusa II
- Blood Lore Vampire Clan
ELK Studios
ELK Studios is a Swedish game studio that develops video slots and other online gambling tools. It was founded in 2013 and now produces entertaining, mobile-first content for players around the world. Some of the ELK Studios games available on the SkyCity Online Casino website are:- Route 777
- Kaiju
- Vegas Diamonds
- Ivanhoe
- Poltava
IGT
IGT, which stands for International Gaming Technology, is a leading gaming company with a global presence. IGT’s portfolio of services, products, and technology is aimed at “shaping the future of the gaming industry by delivering the innovation that players want.” IGT regularly provides the government-sponsored and commercial gaming industry with tools for every platform through every channel. SkyCity features several IGT titles including:- The Price is Right
- 100,00 Pyramid
- The Big Easy
- Elephant King
- Wheel of Fortune on Tour
- Silent Movie
- Nordic Heroes
- Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin
- Hot Rolls Super Times Pay
- Western Belles
- Vegas Baby
- 3 Wheel Roulette
Play’n GO
Play’n GO is a leading supplier of slot games for the casino industry. It is a Swedish company that was founded in 2005. The company is dedicated to developing high-quality, unique gambling products. Each of the games developed by Play’n GO is designed to work optimally on desktop and mobile. Play’n GO provides entertaining slot games to online casinos around the world. The most popular Play’n GO titles available at SkyCity include:- Doom of Egypt
- Book of Dead
- House of Doom
- Sizzling Spins
- Aztec Idols
- Imperial Opera
- Gold King
- 7 Sins
- Super Flip
- Pearls of India
- Fortune Teller
Big Time Gaming
Big Time Gaming, also known as BTG, is an award-winning slot studio based in Australia that has earned a reputation as one of the leaders in the online gambling industry. BTG specializes in online casino games for large-scale online casino operators. SkyCity Online Casino doesn’t have many Big Time Gaming titles available in its lobby, but you can enjoy the following two games developed by the company:- Bonanza
- Kingmaker
Quickspin
Quickspin is a Swedish game studio that specializes in the development of high-quality video slots for the social, free-to-play, and online gambling markets. The Quickspin team is so passionate about what they do that they promise to only create games they would want to play themselves. Quickspin was established in 2011 by three men in Stockholm who wanted to create slots that were of the quality and innovation they felt were missing in the industry. In 2016, Quickspin was acquired by Playtech, the world’s largest online gaming software supplier. Quickspin has since grown into a company with three offices in Stockholm, Kiev, and Malta. Quickspin continues to develop new games with innovative features and impressive graphics. SkyCity is proud to feature the following Quickspin titles in its game lobby:- Eastern Emeralds
- Northern Sky
- Sticky Bandits
- Joker Strike
- Mighty Arthur
- Volcano Riches
- Phoenix Sun
- Second Strike
- Sevens High
- Wild Chase
- Ticket to the Stars
Yggdrasil Gaming
Yggdrasil Gaming was founded in 2013 and has since become one of the leading providers of superior online gaming solutions. Yggdrasil is an award-winning business that develops casino slot games that are both mobile-friendly and web-based to give all players the opportunity to enjoy their creations. There are numerous games developed by Yggdrasil Gaming in the SkyCity Online Casino game lobby, including:- Power Plant
- Spina Colada
- Valley of the Gods
- Holmes and the Stolen Stones
- Vikings Go to Hell
- Incinerator
- Baron Samedi
Red Tiger Gaming
Red Tiger Gaming is an award-winning casino game development company that was founded in 2014. The Red Tiger team is made up of mathematicians, graphic designers, audio engineers, software developers, gambling experts, account managers and more. Each member of the team is equally passionate about continuously improving the player and gambler experience. Red Tiger Gaming is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, and the HM Government of Gibraltar. Some of the most popular and highest-rated casino games developed by Red Tiger Gaming are available to play at SkyCity Online Casino, including:- Dynamite Riches
- Wild Spartans
- Red Diamond
- Emerald Diamond
- Gemtastic
- Reactor
- Ra’s Legend
- Fruit Blox
- Wild Wild Chest
- Blue Diamond
- Golden Offer
Push Gaming
Push Gaming is all about developing premium quality casino games so that players have access to the best entertainment in the industry. Push is passionate about ensuring that their games are not only entertaining, but also safe for players to enjoy in a way that is responsible and controlled. Push Gaming is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and the Gambling Commission of Great Britain. They have developed dozens of games for some of the largest online gaming sites in the industry. The Push Gaming titles available at SkyCity Online Casino include:- Blaze of Ra
- Turn It Up
- Wild Wheel
- Power Force Villains
- Gems of the Gods
- Power Force Heroes
- Ultimate Dream Team
- Star Fall
- Wild Neon
Nolimit City
Nolimit City is a software development firm and platform provider that was founded in 2013. The company is based in Stockholm and has a secondary office in Malta. Nolimit is one of the newer suppliers in the industry and has a smaller portfolio of high-definition HTML5 titles. There aren’t a lot of Nolimit City games to play at SkyCity Online Casino, but you can enjoy the following Nolimit City titles:- Hot Nudge
- Coins of Fortune
- Casino Win Spin
8Deposit Methods
SkyCity Casino accepts most of the major payment options available in New Zealand for online transactions. Because the Gaming Innovation Group (GIG) provides the payment processing for the casino, the same payment options are available at all GIG platform casinos. If your payment method is set up properly, you should be able to make and receive NZ dollar payments with ease. SkyCity Casino accepts the following options for deposits:- Visa
- MasterCard
- Maestro
- Neteller
- Skrill
- PaysafeCard
- Ecopayz
- Interac
- Sofort
- Cubits
- Zimpler
- Wirecard
- Trustly
- iDebit
9Withdrawal Methods
Players who want to withdraw funds from their SkyCity Casino account can use any of the following withdrawal options:- Visa
- MasterCard
- Maestro
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Sofort
- Zimpler
- Trustly
- Cubits
- E-Wallets: 0-1 hour
- Credit or Debit Card: 0-24 hours
- Bank Transfers: 1-3 days
- Pending Time: 0-2 hours
10Free Spins
Just like with any nz online casinos, when you sign up for an account with SkyCity Online Casino, you are eligible to receive the welcome bonus. As part of the welcome bonus, you get 70 free spins. Immediately upon activation, 10 free spins are credited to your account, then you get 10 free spins per day for the next six days. You just have to make sure you claim your free spins via the Rewards section each day by 12 PM. According to website Zamsino, there are several new casinos offering free spins but they usually come with more strict requirements.Terms and Conditions
This exclusive offer is only available to newly registered players at SkyCItyCasino.com who make the first deposit of at least NZ$10. To trigger the bonus, you have to go to the cashier and select the Welcome Bonus before you make your first deposit. If, for whatever reason, the bonus doesn’t credit the way it should contact a member of the customer support team and they can credit your bonus manually. All free spins from the welcome bonus are wager-free. Your free spins must be played within 24 hours of being credited to your account. The maximum number of free spins to be credited to your account with the welcome promotion is 70. Free spins can only be used on Dead or Alive 2, Lights, Starburst, Berryburst, or TwinSpin Deluxe. Free spins are only valid once per person, IP address, computer, or household.11SkyCity Mobile Casino
SkyCity has made sure their online casino is not only available but is also ultra-responsive on mobile. If you have an iOS or Android device and an internet connection, you can access your SkyCity Casino account and play your favorite casino games, no matter where you are. There is no need to download an app – you can play on the SkyCity Casino mobile site in your web browser. According to Casinowhizz (online casino nz), if an online casino doesn't offer a mobile platform in 2021, they are losing leaving over 50% revenue on the table.12Customer Support
SkyCity Online Casino has customer support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. You can get in touch with a customer service representative via live chat right from the website or you can send an email to help@skycitycasino.com.13Play Responsibly
To play responsibly means to be completely in control of your actions and emotions as you partake in the SkyCity gambling experience. On the SkyCity website, it is written “We are dedicated to informing and safeguarding our players, monitoring fraudulent and criminal activity and averting underage gambling.” SkyCity Casino is also committed to protecting the privacy of its customers while ensuring that each customer has the tools available to help them enjoy their experience at the casino. SkyCity promises to offer a gambling experience that is fair by maintaining transparency. In New Zealand, the legal gambling age is 20. If you are under the age of 20, you are not allowed to register for an account with SkyCity and gamble in the SkyCity Casino. The casino uses a verification process to make sure that all players who register for an account are of legal age. Your time in the SkyCity online casino should be an enjoyable one. To make sure you are playing responsibly and to avoid creating bad or even potentially harmful habits, follow the guidelines below:- Before you begin playing, set a limit on the amount of money you wager with. Determine your limits regarding deposits, wagers, and losses. Make sure to record all of your transactions and track the amount of time and money you are spending online.
- Make sure your time online doesn’t interfere with your daily responsibilities and other, normal everyday activities.
- If you are under the influence of alcohol or another substance, or are in recovery, do not play in the online casino.
- Don’t chase your losses. If, at any point, you feel that you are losing control of your gambling, seek help.