Best Online Casinos in New Zealand
- Reputation
- A site’s reputation reflects the relationship it has with its players. That’s why we speak with gamblers and industry experts to uncover every detail in our reviews.
- Safety and Security
- It takes trust to deposit your real money online and we want you to know, if we trust a partner, so can you. This is why all sites must be legitimately licensed and regulated, as well as keeping your data safe with the best encryption technology.
- Banking and Payments
- A necessity of all online gambling sites is a range of secure banking options. From there, it’s imperative all sites provide high payout percentages with fast withdrawals and a fair RTP.
- Bonuses & Promotions
- All our sites are expected to provide new players with a welcome bonus, as well as rewarding loyal players with bankroll boosting promotions. We also check for any unfair T&Cs, meaning you can bet with confidence.
- Customer Support
- Top sites will offer extensive customer support, which is why we review this rigorously. While we always encourage our users to get in touch, we understand the importance of having your questions answered efficiently and by a real person.
- Compatibility
- Whether you're playing online from your computer or mobile device or tablet, our top recommendations can match your lifestyle. A top online casino needs to be compatible with multiple devices, so you have the freedom to play wherever and however you want.
- Online Experience
- Whether through the range of games or sports to bet on, the option to play for free or even choosing between software providers, players must be provided with options when gambling online. Aside from this, we require all partners to meet a high standard with the graphics of their games and localization to accommodate for players from around the world.
How We Rate Online Casinos in New Zealand
Every real money online casino must pass our meticulous review process before it appears on our recommended list. Players need fair and secure gameplay when gambling online, which is why our experts have spent years evaluating hundreds of online casinos. Players should not trust a casino site with their bankroll if it lacks transparency on how it operates. Here are the features we use to judge NZ online casinos:
An online casino must be licensed and regularly inspected by an independent authority to appear on our site. This ensures its site is tested for randomness and fair play for our New Zealand players.
We verify that an online casino protects its players' details with security features like data encryption. Casino sites must also provide multiple customer support contact options, which we test.
NZ law states the minimum gambling age is 20. For an online casino to appear on our site, it must do more than have a simple, clear process; it should also verify a player's details on sign-up. Responsible gambling features, such as deposit limits, are essential for safe online betting.
The best NZ casinos offer a large variety of pokies, live dealer games, blackjack, poker, and other table and card games, with verified return-to-player percentage (RTP) or payout rates.
For us, it's not enough that an online casino offers a welcome bonus. A top-rated real money online casino rewards its regular players with promotions, too. Our experts search for any unreasonable terms and conditions in casino bonuses to protect our players from unfair practices.
With mobile gaming increasing in popularity with New Zealand players, a casino site must be optimised for mobile devices or offer an app. We test features including game speed, graphic quality, and responsiveness for iOS and Android devices.
We want to help our players beat the odds. If any of them report a pattern of complaints against an operator, we'll investigate the site and add them to our blacklisted casinos list.
There are thousands of real money online casinos in the world, but only the top-rated sites qualify for our recommended list. Players should read casino reviews, and use the criteria above to assess whether an online casino is worth their bankroll before depositing any dollars.
Best Online Casino Games in New Zealand
Online casinos offer Kiwi players thousands of thrilling real money games to try. With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky finding the best casino games to play online, even if you already have some favourite titles. We've compiled the top ten casino games to play, based on popularity by NZ players. From huge real money jackpots to tournaments for super-skilled pros, we've found a game to suit everyone.
#1 Game in New Zealand Spin the reels for a chance to hit a life-changing slot payout. Pokies are simple, fun, and require no skill, which makes them appealing to so many players.
Real Money Pokies
Think you have a solid poker face? Test your nerve and card skill against players worldwide with the best Texas Hold'em poker rooms.
Best for Skilled Players
Learn some simple blackjack rules before facing off against the dealer. Once you're ready, pick up some easy blackjack strategies or try your luck with side bets.
Top Card Game for Beginners
With one wheel and numerous bets, roulette is the perfect casino game for players wanting fast-paced action. Learn about roulette bets and payouts to give yourself the best chance of winning real money.
Best Game for Thrills
This classic casino game offers good odds and comes in several variations. Find your favourite one with our guide below.
Golden Oldie
Don't let the name fool you – craps is one of the most exciting table games in a casino. Find which bets offer the best craps payouts to improve your chances of winning real money.
Lowest House Edge
It's simple – will the dealer or banker win? If your bet is correct, you can potentially win big money in this card game.
Best for Simple Bets
Forget the metallic mess and outdated themes. Online scratch cards are fun, feature modern styling, and reveal rewards with a click of the mouse.
Best for Instant Play
Bring the entertainment of casino tables to your screen. With real dealers and chat functions, you can enjoy the same casino experience in your living room.
Best for Live-Action Play
Online bingo comes in a variety of formats and jackpot sizes. Chat with other players around the worldwide while seeing if luck is on your side.
Best Sociable Gaming
Free Online Casino Games
Free online casino games offer the same exciting gaming experience, without the risking of losing money. Players can find these games at real money online casinos and are a great option for learning new titles. Experienced bettors can use free games to practice strategies or improve their skill and keep their bankroll intact.
Some casino sites will even offer bonuses that can help you win real money for playing free online games. This does require players to register with an online casino to claim the bonus, though.
If you're not ready to register with an online gambling site, our Free Casino Games arcade offers hundreds of popular titles across pokies, blackjack, roulette, poker, and more. Players can enjoy their favourite games with no registration or download required. Your details are kept safe by us, and there's zero commitment required from you.
Free Pokies
Slot fans can find even more reasons to play free games online with our free pokies arcade. With over 7,000 slot titles to choose from, players can find their favourite pokie games with us. There's no download or registration needed, and players can take advantage of our expert advice and tips to make their gameplay more fun.
Biggest & Fast Payouts Casinos in New Zealand
There are plenty of casino sites available, but to find the best NZ online casinos players should use a statistic called the average payout percentage. Also known as payout rate, this handy number states the approximate percentage of a player's wagers which are paid back in winnings. Like payout percentages in slots, it does not guarantee the player will win that amount in real money. It can help players find the online casinos that pay out the most, though.
Regulatory bodies like eCOGRA monitor payout percentages monthly and players can find this information through the eCOGRA icon in the footer of a casino site. Huge jackpot slot wins are also a sign of a good-paying casino, but it can also skew the payout rate slightly.
Check out the top ten online NZ casinos with the biggest payouts, along with their payout speeds:
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ Only. Gamble Responsibly.
NZ players can sign up to any of the casinos mentioned above, and most accept NZ dollars as a currency option.
How Do Online Casino Bonuses Work?
Online casino bonuses are an essential and profitable benefit for both players and gambling sites. In return for signing up, an online casino will reward players with free credit in their account. Casino sites also use casino bonuses to thank their loyal players or entice potential bettors away from their competitors.
With some casino bonuses hitting thousands of NZ dollars, it can seem too good to be true. That's why we recommend players do a little homework first. Check whether a casino bonus's wagering requirements suit your bankroll. Also, players should make sure they can redeem the casino bonus on the games they want to play, and within a time frame that suits them.
Casino bonuses can come in many forms, but we've listed the most common online promotions and how players can earn them:
Register with a new casino and after making your first deposit, the gambling site will add a set amount of free credit into your account.
Deposit money into your account, and the online casino will match it for free up to a set percentage.
Offered mainly on slot and roulette games, online casinos give free spins as a welcome bonus to new sign-ups, or as a perk to regular players.
Sign up to a new casino without depositing cash, and the site will give players free credit to spend on real money games. No deposit bonuses are usually small and redeemable only on specific games.
Play casino games on a mobile device and online casinos will reward you with free credit or free spins. A casino usually gives out mobile bonuses after it releases an app or revamps its mobile site.
Online casinos will sometimes reward players a percentage of their bankroll back if they play a specific game or within a set time frame on their site.
Refer a friend, and if they register and deposit money the online casino will reward you with free credit in your account.
Either rewarded through weekly play or earning points through a scheme, players can receive free spins or free credit in their accounts for playing regularly with the same online casinos.
High rollers at online casinos can receive exclusive bonuses, prizes, and dedicated account management services with an online casino's invite-only programme.
We've found our NZ players the best online casino sign-up bonus for November. Check out our recommended operator this month and start playing online.
Online Casino Payment Methods in New Zealand
When it comes to gambling online, NZ players have plenty of banking options. The service each payment method offers can differ between payout speed, transaction fees, security features and withdrawal limits. Some online casinos will even reward players for choosing their preferred payment methods with casino bonuses.
Not all online casinos accept every banking option, so players should check a site accepts their preferred payment method before signing up. To help you decide, here are the top ten banking methods as chosen by NZ players:
As the world's largest debit and credit card company, Visa is easy to use and accepted at all online casinos.
Closely following Visa, Mastercard processes millions of transactions a day and is a popular payment method at all casino sites.
This prepayment method offers greater anonymity and cross-currency payments, which explains why NZ players love it.
Previously known as Moneybookers, this eWallet lets players make transactions using only their email address. Not all online casinos accept Skrill as a deposit method when claiming a bonus, so keep this in mind.
This eWallet gives users another layer of security when gambling online, as well as no transaction fees. Like Skrill, players may find NETELLER won't qualify for welcome bonuses with some online casinos.
Players can enjoy increased security, quick deposits, and greater control of their bankroll when using this prepaid card.
Players can use this eBanking service to make secure transfers and is popular with European online casinos.
This banking service provides instant transactions without requiring bettors to share any personal information.
Use a global card from this payment processor, and players have great flexibility with casinos worldwide.
With over a dozen payment options available, EMS is a payment processor that gives players access to the best banking options for their favourite casinos.
Sports Betting in New Zealand
For many sports fans, betting on games gives them more excitement and fun when spectating. We want our bettors to make smart choices when gambling online, which is why we provide expert tips and guides to the biggest sports events in the world. So, whether you like rugby, cricket, NZ football, or even basketball or horseracing, we'll help you get the edge in your sports betting.
Choose Trusted & Legit Online Casinos
When playing with real money online casinos, players need to know the site is trustworthy. No one wants to discover they've lost cash playing with a rigged casino site. We evaluate all of our recommended online casinos for fair and honest gameplay and responsible banking, but we've provided tips below to help our Kiwi players find safe and legitimate gambling sites:
-
1
Licensed & Inspected
A legit online casino will display its license and inspection info in the footer or 'About Us' sections on their website. The most common reputable licenses for Kiwi players to look for are from the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
-
2
Banking Methods
The best real money casinos offer popular payment options that players worldwide use, like Visa or PayPal. Don't deposit money with a site that doesn't offer these or demands an unusual amount of personal data.
-
3
Data Protection
Safe online casinos have Secure Socket Layers (SSL) encryption to protect its players' details and will not inundate their emails with spam.
-
4
Game Developers
The top game developers, like Microgaming or Yggdrasil, are very selective about which online casinos can use their software.
-
5
Terms & Conditions
Kiwi players should look for casinos that offer clear guidance for issues like game malfunction, dormant accounts, etc.
-
6
Payments
A quick search will indicate whether an online casino has a pattern of failing to pay out real money winnings to players. Read casino reviews or blacklisted casino site pages for further information.
Players in New Zealand recommend this online casino for the best secure and safe gaming online:
Is Online Gambling Legal in New Zealand?
We want our NZ players to gamble online safely and legally. Understanding legal jargon can be exhausting, so we've provided NZ players with an overview to gambling online in New Zealand.
According to the Gambling Act 2003, all gambling located within New Zealand is regulated by the government. The Department of Internal Affairs divides gambling into four categories and awards licenses to operators that provide fair, honest, and transparent gameplay. Each category has restrictions for maximum prize money and turnover limits and faces regular inspections.
Kiwi law states it's illegal for players to gamble at any unregulated online casino based in New Zealand. However, any player of legal age can play at online casinos based outside of New Zealand.
Disclaimer: this information should not be taken as legal advice. If in doubt, we always recommend players seek answers through the official NZ Government website.
Gamble Responsibly
Online gambling should be fun, but players must always be in control. Some people start gambling online to make big money or distract themselves from everyday problems. Lack of restraint or obsessive behaviour can see gamblers spend money they can't afford to lose or develop a gambling addiction.
If you can't quit the pokies or other casino games, it's time to get help. Choice Not Chance and the Problem Gambling Foundation are both New Zealand-based organisations that offer support and guidance for gambling addiction.
What are the signs of gambling addiction?
Wondering what the signs of problem gambling might be? If you have one or more of the following symptoms, then you could be at risk:
-
1
Ignoring Bet Regret
The guilt of losing a bet makes most people shut off their screens. If you're making increasingly larger bets to cover your losses though, this will only lead to debt and long-term financial repercussions.
-
2
Social Isolation
If your loved ones have distanced themselves from you because of your gambling habit, this is a huge red flag to seek help.
-
3
Repetitive Absence
Risking your career and relationships to spend more time gambling is a common symptom of addiction.
-
4
Hiding Your Gambling
Your gambling may be out of control if you can't tell friends or family how much time and money you spend on it.
-
5
Irritability
Step away from the gambling sites if you feel repeatedly stressed, angry or depressed for long periods after betting.
If these symptoms feel familiar to you, the organisations below offer further reading and direct, local action. They can get you in touch with local counsellors and support groups near you.
FAQs
What are the best online casinos in New Zealand?
The top online casinos offer an array of new and favourite casino games, multiple promotions, and fair and secure gambling online. Players can find the best casino sites for New Zealand players with our recommended list of operators.
Do you have to pay tax on gambling winnings in New Zealand?
New Zealanders are exempt from paying tax on gambling winnings, as the NZ Government considers gambling a recreational activity instead of an income. Instead, pokie owners, casinos, lottery organisers and TAB pay tax.
What is the safest online casino?
Players should actively search for licensed casinos that offer transparent guidance about its banking system, data protection, and games. Trusted and legit online casinos also use tough security protocols and quick payments to its players.
Which online casino has the best payouts?
Casino.com currently has the highest average payout percentage rate, meaning it awards the most payouts on average. Players can find the online casinos with the best payouts in our top ten list.
Does anyone win on online casinos?
Yes, players win every day on casino sites. Some people have won such big jackpots on online casinos that they hold titles for them in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Do online casinos cheat?
Most online casinos do not cheat, as players would report them and consequently ruin their reputations and business. Licensed casino sites have their games inspected by independent governing bodies regularly, meaning they would uncover any cheating tactics.
Are online casinos regulated?
As there is no global regulatory authority for online gambling, it is up to the governments of individual countries to decide how they regulate casino sites. Some countries have government-regulated online casinos, in others independent authorities license and regulate casino sites to ensure they follow the law. In New Zealand, the government regulates some of its own online gambling sites.