Grand Casino Dunedin — known as Dunedin Casino until 2021 — is a land-based casino and entertainment venue in the heart of the city, set inside one of Dunedin’s most striking heritage buildings. Unlike the offshore online sites elsewhere on this site, this is a physical, New Zealand–licensed casino you can walk into.
This guide covers the plain facts: its history, what’s on the gaming floor, how to plan a visit, and how it’s regulated here in Aotearoa.
History and Heritage
The casino occupies the Southern Cross Hotel building (also known as the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross), originally the Grand Hotel, built in 1883 by Italian architect Louis Boldini. In its day it was among New Zealand’s largest and most lavish hotels, and the building earned Heritage 1 status in 1989. Inside, Victorian details remain on show — plasterwork, a sweeping marble staircase beneath a domed roof, and original mosaic floors, some dating from 1883 and still visible beneath the gaming tables.
The casino itself opened on 6 October 1999 under a 25-year licence. In April 2021 it was rebranded from Dunedin Casino to Grand Casino Dunedin, a nod to the building’s origins as the Grand Hotel, alongside a refurbishment of its bar and restaurant. The venue marked its 25th anniversary in 2024.
Gaming Options
The gaming floor spreads across the ground floor and mixes traditional and modern spaces, including the Gainsborough Room, a former Victorian ballroom that now houses premium gaming tables.
For table-game players, the casino runs blackjack, roulette, baccarat and Caribbean Stud Poker, dealt by trained croupiers who follow set house rules. For electronic gaming, there are around 150 to 180 gaming machines grouped by style and stake level, with betting limits shown on-screen before you play — options range from low-stake games to higher-limit machines. Poker and occasional tournaments feature at various times through the year.
Events, Dining and Membership
The on-site Grand Bar & Restaurant serves contemporary New Zealand cuisine daily from noon, and the venue’s events team runs functions and private events using the heritage spaces. Throughout the year the casino hosts themed nights, seasonal celebrations and promotions, and its marketing and events team supports a number of local charity and not-for-profit initiatives.
A loyalty/membership programme lets regular visitors earn points while gaming and access discounts and exclusive draws, with benefits increasing at higher tiers. As with any such scheme, it’s worth remembering these programmes are designed to encourage repeat visits.
How It’s Licensed and Regulated
Grand Casino Dunedin is one of only six licensed casinos in New Zealand, and it operates under the Gambling Act 2003. Casino gambling here is overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs, with the Gambling Commission responsible for casino licensing decisions and conditions. That framework sets real obligations around fair gaming and harm minimisation — and it’s enforced: in 2006 the Gambling Commission briefly suspended the then-Dunedin Casino’s licence over problem-gambling compliance breaches, an illustration that the oversight has teeth.
This is a useful contrast with the overseas online operators covered elsewhere on this site. A physical, NZ-licensed venue like this one sits under domestic law and local regulators; offshore online casinos do not. For more on how New Zealand regulates gambling, see our regulation and legal framework overview, our guide to online casino licensing in New Zealand, and our notes on trust, safety and compliance.
Where to Stay Nearby
Because the casino sits within the Southern Cross Hotel, accommodation is available in the same building, and its central location in The Exchange puts it within easy walking distance of other central-Dunedin hotels, heritage sites and shopping. Options nearby range from higher-end hotels to more budget-friendly stays, so visitors can pair a night at the casino with a central base.
Playing Responsibly
Gambling should only ever be treated as paid entertainment — never as a way to make money. Casino games and machines are designed so the venue profits over time.
As a licensed New Zealand casino, Grand Casino Dunedin is required to support responsible gambling, with measures including self-exclusion options, information and resources, and trained staff who can help patrons with any concerns. Our guide to self-exclusion tools explains how these work.
Free, confidential help is available in New Zealand at any time — you do not need to be in crisis to use it.
Factual information note
This article is provided for general information only. It describes Grand Casino Dunedin (formerly Dunedin Casino) and how casino gambling is regulated in New Zealand. It does not encourage gambling and is not financial or professional advice. Details such as hours, dress code and gaming offerings can change — always confirm the current position with the venue before visiting.
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free and confidential support is available: the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655 or at gamblinghelpline.co.nz.
Is Dunedin Casino the same as Grand Casino Dunedin?
Yes. The venue was called Dunedin Casino from its 1999 opening until April 2021, when it was rebranded Grand Casino Dunedin in recognition of the historic Grand Hotel building it occupies. It’s the same casino at the same address.
What are the opening hours of Grand Casino Dunedin?
The casino is open daily from midday, except Good Friday and Christmas Day. It generally closes around midnight earlier in the week and stays open later (roughly 2–3am) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Hours can change, so check with the venue before visiting.
What is the minimum age and dress code?
You must be 20 years or older to enter the gaming floor, so bring valid photo ID. The dress code is smart casual — avoid items such as flip-flops and singlets.
What games are available at Grand Casino Dunedin?
The casino offers table games including blackjack, roulette, baccarat and Caribbean Stud Poker, plus around 150 to 180 electronic gaming machines across a range of stake levels, and poker at various times.
Is Grand Casino Dunedin licensed in New Zealand?
Yes. It’s one of six licensed casinos in New Zealand, operating under the Gambling Act 2003 and overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs and the Gambling Commission — a domestic, regulated venue, unlike the offshore online casinos covered elsewhere on this site.