Treasury officials warned against the SkyCity cash-for-convention-centre deal, saying there were doubts the taxpayer would get enough out of it.
Officials also expressed concern that the casino company held all the cards in the negotiations. It agreed to build the $400 million centre in return for concessions to give it a bigger and more profitable business.
The details emerged in a release of documents almost a week after politicians voted on the deal to allow SkyCity's Auckland casino extra pokies, increased electronic games, cashless gaming and early extensions to its exclusive licence.
The papers give the most complete insight yet into how the deal came together - but also show SkyCity initially demanded much more.
In documents and letters from 2010, SkyCity's wishlist included significant law changes, an extra casino in Wellington, 900 extra pokies, the casino entry age lowered by two years from 20 and a licence to get into internet gambling.