SkyCity suites target high-rollers

Nigel Morrison hopes the Horizon Suites will attract high-stakes gamblers. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Asian high-rollers who splash out millions are the target of SkyCity Entertainment Group's new $30 million Horizon Suites.

The new accommodation and private gambling rooms have been developed on the southern end of level five of the existing SkyCity Hotel between Hobson St, Federal St and Wellesley St in Auckland.

They replace the level three four-table VIP room which chief executive Nigel Morrison said would become a sports bar.

Once completed, the new suites will offer 12 tables and adjoining luxury accommodation with large suites with lounge areas and outdoor zones.

Work is continuing on the northern end of level five and a new floor on level six has been developed, to be opened in time for the Rugby World Cup in September.

SkyCity Hotel's outdoor deck swimming pool has gone but new terrace and outdoor areas have been created for gamblers who smoke.

Morrison said SkyCity's odds were 49.5 per cent in favour of highrollers and 50.5 per cent in favour of the house.

"This new development closes the gap with Melbourne's Crown Casino and Sydney's Star City," he said.

"In the last year, we have doubled our international business with revenue of $35 million and that's with just one VIP room which was terrible.

"These international highrollers not only spend at SkyCity but they also spend an average of $15,000 a visit outside here during three to five days. They might spend $1 million at SkyCity because they bet at $4 million an hour."

SkyCity is about to launch a new marketing campaign in China with the slogan: "Vegas, Macau, Auckland."

Ejaaz Dean, SkyCity's president of international business, said two businessmen from Thailand and China were already booked into the Horizon Suites but they would not pay: accommodation was to be part of their package.

"These are qualified gamers so they show us a history.

"They bet up to $150,000 a time and 90 per cent of them play baccarat, the French card game which they like because it's social, although some also play roulette and blackjack," Dean said.

Feng shui experts were consulted on interior design for the new suites. Bed coverings feature red for luck and gold for luxury.