Merepeka: Casino watching is a winner

Merepeka doesn't see the appeal of pokies, but enjoyed people-watching at the casino.

If casinos were to depend on me for custom they would have closed their doors long ago.

I have never taken to gambling, sorry I think they call it gaming these days. More palatable. Can't see the sense in sitting in front of a machine, pulling a handle, pressing buttons, watching images appear on the screen with lights flashing.

But it never worries me that others seem to enjoy the experience and continually go back for more. It doesn't seem a fun activity.

In the past month I have stayed in the Auckland SkyCity Hotel on two occasions. It's just across from the TV studio, has valet carparking and very easy to get to. Both my stays were Saturday nights. The place was packed.

On the first Saturday I went for dinner with my newspaper. I didn't even go into the casino to look around. This Saturday I did.

I perched on a stool at the bar, looked out on to the main casino floor and did a couple of hours crowd watching. I enjoyed it.

The place was humming. Mostly men, with the majority appearing Asian. This didn't surprise me as I understand Asian people enjoy gambling although this could be an exaggerated generalisation we have come to believe.

What did surprise me was the number of young Indian men. I don't know why but I never saw them as gamblers. Which begs the question, what does a gambler look like anyway? Not restricted to any one ethnic group that's certain.

You could happily get lost for hours at the casino. But as staff are everywhere, always right at your elbow, that's unlikely to happen. The casino must need so many staff because the operation is 24/7 and the place is spotlessly clean.

Live music is provided in the main gaming area with a change of artists half way through the evening. They had their own following. But it is the machines and tables that are the main attraction. SkyCity is free to enter. No charge. For the price of a couple of drinks you could spend the whole evening sitting and watching the crowds go by. That in itself is an interesting activity.

I didn't see one intoxicated person and I suspect you'd be escorted out if that was the case. Most people were more interested in their machines or tables than drinking.

The casino must be one of Auckland's biggest employers. Not just the staff out front but back of house as well. While gaming might not be my thing I acknowledge it provides hundreds of people with work. And many of SkyCity staff are young.

I know that racing clubs and the TAB have experienced dwindling numbers over recent years. And I can see why. Casinos provide a total wrap-around experience. Entertainment, gaming, music, crowds of people and a host of restaurants and bars.

There were two lucky draws on Saturday, one for $5000 and one for $10,000. So it doesn't have to be all machines and tables. You can have a good night out without spending, or losing, a fortune. And, if Lady Luck is smiling, even go home with a few thousand dollars.

And there's no need to dress up. It's casual attire and from what I saw "come as you are" was taken quite literally by some of the punters.

- Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.