The looser regulations apply only outside of Auckland, as the majority of the country would fall under Alert Level 1.

This means operations can resume without physical distancing measures, the venues can host events and the casinos are now open to the general public.

However, SkyCity Auckland will remain under Alert Level 2 with stricter regulations until the Government announces the resumption of normalcy.

This means the casino is permitted to accept guests who are rewards members only, with limited operations. 

The Auckland venue was first closed from March to mid-May. And recently it closed for the second time on August 12, when New Zealand experienced a new spike in COVID-19 cases.

The casino reopened on August 31, being permitted to resume operations as long as the casino follows physical distancing and other health and safety measures.