Day: January 7, 2026

Queenstown’s nightlife isn’t just about craft beer and après-ski vibes. The resort town also has some pubs and bars where you can play pokies. Whether you want to enjoy a drink, watch a sports game, or try your luck, knowing which venues offer pokies makes planning a night out easier. Here’s a quick guide to where you can find them.

Playing at Online Casinos

In Queenstown, New Zealand, pokies are only allowed in establishments with the proper gaming licenses. These are usually granted to established bars, pubs, and hotel lounges, rather than small cocktail bars or late-night clubs. Local regulations also limit the number of machines per venue, so not every licensed bar will necessarily have pokies. As a result, they are mostly found in traditional pubs and sports bars. That’s why many players prefer playing online from home or on the go. There are plenty of top casino sites in New Zealand. Many of these platforms offer first deposit bonuses, giving players an ideal opportunity to try their luck without visiting a land-based venue.

Types of Bars Most Likely to Have Pokies

If you want to play pokies in Queenstown, it helps to know where they’re usually found. While some outlets can change over time, certain types of bars have gaming machines, offering you a place to drink, socialize, and try your luck. The following categories are where pokies are most often available in Queenstown:

1. Community Pubs - Long-standing neighborhood pubs are the most common hosts of pokies. These establishments often use gaming revenue to support operations, staff, and sometimes even local sports teams or charities.
2. Sports Bars - Bars that focus on live sports, big screens, and casual dining frequently include a small area for pokies. The machines are usually placed in a separate room to keep the main bar atmosphere social and relaxed.
3. Hotel Bars and Taverns - Hotels with in-house bars often have gaming facilities attached. These are typically open longer hours and cater to both travelers and locals looking for a quiet gaming environment.
4. Suburban or Local-Focused Bars - Away from the busiest tourist strips, neighborhood bars are more likely to offer pokies. They often rely on regular patrons rather than tourist traffic alone.

Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a sports bar, the community feel of a local pub, or the quieter setting of a hotel lounge, Queenstown has plenty of options for pokies enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy some drinks and a quick game after exploring the most unique restaurants of Queenstown.

Bars That Typically Don’t Have Pokies

Due to the local gambling regulations that limit the number of pokies, many venues in Queenstown completely avoid gaming machines, particularly in the central entertainment areas. Therefore, you’re unlikely to find pokies in cocktail bars, breweries, nightclubs, late-night party spots, or high-class restaurants. Instead, these places focus on creating a specific atmosphere, whether it’s enjoying carefully crafted drinks, sampling local beers, listening to live music, or dining in style. Rather than gambling, their priority is providing a social and relaxed experience for locals and tourists alike.

How to Identify a Pokie Bar

If you’re unsure whether a bar in Queenstown has pokies, there are several ways to check. Many outlets display signs showing that gaming machines are available. Some bars have a separate, clearly marked room where the pokies are located. Licensing information is usually posted near the entrance, confirming the venue is legally allowed to operate these machines. You can also check official listings on the council or trusted gambling websites. If you’re still unsure, staff are normally happy to let you know whether pokies are on site. Paying attention to these clues makes it easier to find the best bars in Queenstown matching your taste.

Final Thoughts

Pokies are part of Queenstown’s nightlife, but they’re concentrated in specific types of bars rather than spread evenly across the town. If you’re seeking a classic pub experience with a chance to play, community pubs and hotel bars are your best bet. Whether you’re interested in gaming, dining at the best seafood restaurants of Queenstown, or simply looking for a venue that matches your preferences, knowing which establishments offer pokies helps you pick the place that best suits your mood.