List of the best New Zealand online casino sites
If you’re an online gambling fan in New Zealand, then you probably already know that it can be hard to find a good NZ casino online. This is because advertising gambling sites is prohibited in New Zealand. Therefore, online casinos struggle to get their names out there for you to find.
Luckily, that’s where our experts come in! With over 10 years’ experience in the industry, our team knows how to find the best sites on the market. And we bring them direct to you! So we take the hard work out of finding these awesome sites where NZ players can enjoy thousands of casino games, bonuses and many more perks.
So, to find your next great casino experience, always come to us. We only list the top sites that accept players from NZ. And we’ll keep you up-to-date on all the latest news and reviews on casino gaming in NZ.
The laws of online gambling NZ
The good news is, gambling in New Zealand is perfectly legal. However, as of 2003, the government made some changes that affect any online-based casino with real money in NZ. And nowadays, anything other than lotteries and sports betting is not permitted online within the territory of New Zealand. This includes casino gambling.
So, while land-based casinos can operate as normal, if you want to take your gambling to the online arena, you have to look outside of NZ.
Is online gambling legal in New Zealand?
In short, yes. While there aren’t any official New Zealand online casino sites in the country, there are plenty of operators overseas where you can play. And, if you’re a NZ resident, this is perfectly legal for you to do.
Some countries, like the UK, only allow their residents to play at casinos that are licensed to operate in the UK. But this is because Britain has its own government-run regulatory body that issues licenses and regulates the industry and all online-based casinos within it.
So, because NZ doesn’t issue licenses to any online gambling operator, you’ll have to look outside New Zealand to find casinos – Playing at a casinos licensed outside of NZ is perfectly legal.
Finally, just because you’re playing outside of NZ, you still have to follow the rules of gambling in New Zealand. And one such rule is that you must be over 20 years of age in order to gamble. Just something to keep in mind if you’re a young player!
Off-shore casino licenses for NZ players
Playing at any site which is based outside of NZ territory is considered an ‘off-shore’ casino. And overseas sites give you an incredibly varied and exciting selection of games, as well as huge bonuses and eye-watering jackpot prizes.
However, it’s important to remember that there are some shady types out there. And the online gambling industry is the perfect place for some fraudsters to trick you out of money, or worse, take your financial and/or personal information from you. That’s why it’s so important that you make sure the site’s you’re visiting are safe. And that comes from checking a casino’s license and where that licence has been issued.
So, with that in mind, here’s a look at the two top licensing bodies that the majority of overseas players choose. As they are safe, regulated and trusted by gamblers all over the world.
MGA (Malta Gaming Authority)
Started in 2001, the Malta Gaming Authority is one of the most respected organisations in the gambling industry. In fact, they’re the Number 1 provider of safe and reputable casino sites in the whole of Europe. And, as such, any site that bears the MGA logo is automatically considered trustworthy and secure.
In fact, the Maltese casino-governing system run by the MGA proved so successful that other countries across the world adopted their methods. And nowadays there are a lot more safe, reputable and regulated casinos in the online sector than ever before. Thanks, in large part, to the MGA.
Curacao
If this name looks familiar to you, it’s either because of the blue liquor used in countless cocktails in the 80’s. Or it’s because this tiny island is home to thousands of casino operators!
Curacao, a tiny island in the Caribbean licenses and regulates offshore casinos from all corners of the globe. Big names that operate out of Curacao make up the vast majority of overseas sites that aren’t covered by the MGA. And these operators are known for having some of the biggest bonus deals around.
However, these hugely generous bonuses are due, in part, to the slightly more relaxed regulations that Curacao puts on its casinos. Meaning that Curacao casinos might not match up to the high expectations of customers who are used to dealing with MGA sites. So this is something to keep in mind when shopping around for a great new casino.
Bonuses available at online casinos NZ
The great thing about finding an NZ casino online from overseas, is that these operators offer a huge range of bonus deals.
Whereas countries like the UK have very restrictive rules surrounding what a casino can offer its customers, offshore sites have far more freedom to extend bonuses as they see fit. And that can open the door to some seriously enticing offers.
So, let’s take a closer look at some of the types of deals that you can get your hands on.
Welcome bonuses
The most common, and the most generous, bonus deals are always welcome packages. All online casinos offer their new customers some form of welcome deal, in order to entice them in to play. Therefore, these offers tend to be huge. And can encompass more than one type of bonus.
As part of a great welcome package, we would expect to see at least one or more of the following:
- No deposit bonus: this is where you get free bonus cash and/or free spins to use on slot machine games, without having to make a deposit with the casino
- Deposit bonuses: this is where you receive your bonus after you make a deposit with the casino site. Often these are ‘match deposit bonuses’, where the casino matches your deposit amount with a percentage. This can be anywhere from 100% to 500%!
- Free spins: these are a fantastic way to try out new slot games, and can be found as part of a no deposit or deposit deal
No deposit offers
No deposit bonuses are extraordinarily popular with casino lovers all over the world. The fact that you don’t have to pay in any money at all in order to receive your bonus means that you can try out a site and its games for free. So it’s not difficult to see why this is such a popular promotion.
Online casino NZ no deposit deals can include bonus cash, which can be used on any game in the casino’s catalogue. Or, you might be offered free spins to use an online pokies instead. Either way, these bonuses are generally low in value, considering that they are a gift from the casino.
Furthermore, they usually come with a lot of terms and conditions, which must be adhered to in order to use your bonus correctly.
Matched deposit bonus
Match deposit bonuses are an incredible way to boost your bankroll. And they’re great for players who like to gamble with lots of cash.
When you make your deposit, the casino will match your deposit amount with a percentage. The average is between 100% and 200%. But some of the best online casino NZ sites offer anywhere up to 500% on top of your deposit amount. Meaning that these deals are extremely lucrative and could land you with thousands of dollars to play with.
Just remember, like any other casino offer, the more generous it is, the more likely you are to have some serious terms and conditions attached.
Free spins
NZ slots online are some of the most popular games that you can find at any casino site. With thousands of titles to choose from, all with stunning graphics and crisp sounds, there’s no end to the fun with online pokies.
Therefore, free spins are given out frequently, as part of deposit or no deposit deals. And they are a great way to try out lots of different titles for free, or by using bonus cash.
Don’t forget, pokies offer some of the biggest jackpot around. So, with plenty of free spins, you up your chances of landing one of these incredible cash prizes at online slots real money NZ gaming sites.
How we select the best online casinos NZ
As we’ve seen, there are plenty of operators that you can play with, if you are an NZ resident. But not all casinos are created equal. And, as mentioned, there are some disreputable sites operating around the world, which you should avoid playing with.
So how do you know which casino you should choose? That’s where we come in! Our team of expert reviewers follow a strict set of criteria. And we only list sites that meet our team’s exceptional standards.
With that in mind, here’s a rundown of exactly what we look for in the best online casino NZ sites.
Game selection
First up, no casino online NZ would be worth its salt without a great game selection. From a fantastic casino operator, we expect to see a good choice of table games, pokies, scratch cards and live casino games. It’s also great when we find sites that have their own dedicated bingo pages, as well as a fantastic sportsbook for you to bet on.
Also, a great catalogue of games doesn’t just mean lots of titles. We look to see that the casino gets its games from the top software developers and games providers on the planet. So that you get a huge selection, in a variety of styles.
Therefore, before we list any online casinos, we go through their game selection. To make sure that you’re being offered the very that the industry has to offer.
Customer Support
Like any other business, customer support is integral to a great NZ casino online. One of the major issues players face when choosing an offshore site, is that the staff employed by the casino do not have a good grasp of English. They might also have opening hours which are not very accessible for you.
Therefore, before listing any site, our experts get in touch with the customer support at these casinos, to make sure that they only use professional and well-trained staff that speak excellent English.
We also make sure that the casino has multiple ways in which you can contact them, in case you have a query. These include things like an email address and telephone number. Both of which should be clearly displayed and easy to find. As well as a live chat feature, so that you can speak to remember staff at a moment’s notice.
Welcome bonus
As you now know, welcome bonuses are a huge part of the casino’s marketing strategy to get you to come and use their site. However, just because a bonus looks good from the outset, it doesn’t mean you should immediately snap it up.
In fact, some of the terms and conditions attached to these types of deals can make it difficult for you to convert your winnings into real money that can be withdrawn. Therefore, before our experts recommend any sites to you, we make sure that the welcome bonuses being offered have transparent and attainable T&Cs. So that you can get the best possible deals from the top online casinos that serve NZ customers.
Fast payouts
When you finish a great session at your new favourite casino, there’s nothing worse than finding out that you have to wait days on end for your winnings to land in your bank account.
That’s why we take into account a casino’s payout and processing times. Before bringing you the top fast payout online casino NZ operators on the market.
While payout times depend on what payment method you use (bank transfer, e-wallet etc.), casinos also have their own processing times. Which can slow things down considerably. And these can range from anywhere between 24 hours and 1 week.
Therefore, our experts look at exactly how long it takes for you to get your winnings from the moment you request them. Because we know you want that money in your pocket as quickly as possible. After all, it’s yours!
So, we only list the top paying online casino NZ sites; that promise their customers a quick turnaround when it comes to paying out their winnings.
Accepts NZD currency
Casino online NZ operators offer their customers a uniquely international experience. This means an awesome selection of games, fantastic bonuses and lots of other perks. But none of those are any good unless you can use your own currency!
Therefore, one of the most important things that we make sure of before we list any sites, is that they accept New Zealand dollars. Obviously, as these casinos aren’t based in New Zealand itself, it’s not a given that you can pay using NZD. So we check that the sites we bring to you all offer NZD as a preferred currency.
Payment options
Finally, when it comes to making deposits and withdrawals at an NZ casino online, we want you to have the most state-of-the-art and convenient payment methods at your fingertips.
Options like debit cards and bank transfers are accepted at most sites online. However, more modern payment methods, such as e-wallets and pay-by-mobile platforms are also extremely popular among players.
So, our experts look at which payment methods you can use at each site. In order for you to get the most convenient payment methods for you.
Popular online pokies NZ
Online pokies for real money are super popular with players in New Zealand. And, with so many NZ online pokies to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
So, with that in mind, here’s our experts’ top 5 picks of great slot games that you can play today.
Starburst
If you love a fruit machine with a twist, then you’ll love this space-age adventure! Starburst is an 80’s-style, intergalactic, arcade-inspired fruit machine game. Complete with sparkling jewels and starry backdrop.
This game from software giants NetEnt was such a smash-hit, that it went on to spawn multiple sequels. And players love the classic fruit machine format with dynamic gameplay and tons of chances to win big. Plus, Starburst is a low volatility game. Meaning that it pays out regularly, which keeps punters coming back time and time again!
Monopoly Megaways
Way more exciting than the family board game! Monopoly Megaways is fast-paced and super exciting. And brings you that extra hit of nostalgia from your childhood. But, instead of throwing hotels at your nearest and dearest, you can actually win some serious prizes with this version!
Brought to you by Big Time Gaming, this Monopoly pokie uses the innovative Megaways function. Which gives you a whopping 14,700 paylines. As well as multipliers and free spins.
Just remember, this game is highly volatile. Meaning, you’ll be waiting around for a win. But, when it does pay out, Monopoly Megaways pays out BIG!
Gonzo’s Quest
Join your guide, Gonzo, as he takes you on a journey through Ancient Mayan rainforests, to discover the lost city of El Dorado. This game from NetEnt was the first slot ever to use the avalanche feature. And it proved to be another smash-hit for NetEnt.
Plus, this game’s graphics and special features are absolutely incredible. And players love the bonus rounds and tons of chances for free spins.
Finally, if you love Gonzo’s Quest, then why not try the sequel, Gonzo’s Gold. Or even Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, where you get even more paylines and chances to win.
Mega Moolah
Best-known for its mouth-watering jackpot, Mega Moolah has made a handful of lucky players into millionnaires.
Set in the Savannah, this slot is colourful, wacky and extremely fast-paced. Plus, because it’s a progressive jackpot, it means that the top prize continues to grow until somebody wins it!
Just keep in mind while you’re reaching for that big win that this is an extremely volatile game. So the payouts are few and far between. Also, the bonus game is hard to trigger. That said, this game remains popular with slots fans all over the world, due to its insanely generous jackpot prize.
Break Da Bank
As the name suggests, this slot is all about money. And lots of it! Try to break into the bank’s vault and take off with the lot, if you can. Break Da Bank is the original title in the series of the same name, from gaming geniuses Microgaming.
The graphics and animations are fun and very tongue-in-cheek. There are diamonds, jewels and stone-cold cash all up for grabs inside the secure vault. Can you be the one to crack the code and snatch it all?
Break Da Bank has a minimal 9 paylines. But, this is more than made up for with bonus games and free spins aplenty. But, like a lot of games with a huge jackpot, this title has high volatility. So, you’ll have to be patient if you want to make off with all that loot!
Other popular online casino games NZ
Now let’s take a look at some of the other most popular offerings at casinos for NZ players.
Table Games
No casino would be complete without a fantastic selection of table games. Table games are the backbone of any casino, whether it be online or in a land-based establishment. And these glitzy traditional offerings are eponymous to casino culture.
Games like Blackjack, roulette and baccarat are all synonymous with casino gambling. So we want you to have a great selection of all these titles, and many more!
Video Poker
Another hugely popular type of game at any casino is video poker. From Texas Hold’em to Omaha and hi-lo varieties, poker offers players a wealth of possibilities.
And, while there are a lot of dedicated poker sites in the world, a lot of people don’t actually want to go up against other competitors. So, if you prefer to pit your skills against a computer program rather than a real human being, video poker is the game for you.
Thoughtful and tactical, poker is a game based almost entirely on skill. And players love the selection offered by the top international casino sites.
Live casino games
Live casino games have revolutionised the way that we play online. With classic table games, like roulette, baccarat and blackjack, you can now stand face-to-face with a real human dealer via your device’s screen. And you can enable the chat function, to speak to a dealer or croupier directly.
This means that live online casinos are about as close to land-based gambling as you can possibly get. And players love the atmosphere created by these incredibly sophisticated and cutting-edge live games.
Mobile online casinos NZ
These days, we use our phones for everything. So there’s no reason why you can’t get the same great experience as you would expect on a PC or laptop straight to your mobile phone or tablet.
In fact, mobile gaming has taken the world by storm. And now, casinos everywhere offer their customers an incredible mobile-optimised experience direct to their smartphone.
Mobile apps or browser based gaming?
When it comes to mobile casino gaming, you have two options. You can either choose to access your favourite casino via your phone’s internet browser. Or you can download the casino site’s dedicated app.
Both of these methods are quite similar, in that you can be logged into your account and playing games in seconds. However, apps do offer a slightly more sophisticated experience, as they come with some added benefits.
That said, apps take up a lot of internal storage on your phone. And it’s just as easy to get onto your account with your phone’s internet browser. So really, regardless of which one you pick, you’re in for a fantastic experience!
Real money casino gaming in New Zealand
When it comes to finding real-money casino gaming in New Zealand, we’re experts in our field. With over 10 years’ experience in the online casinos industry, our experts know exactly what makes a great site. And, more importantly, what doesn’t!
So, whether it’s a great games selection, fabulous bonuses or the best mobile casino experience you’re looking for, you can trust us to bring you only the very best from the NZ gambling world.
Security for NZ online casino sites
As we’ve mentioned, finding a great NZ online can be easy when you choose a site with us. However, it’s imperative that when you play at any real-money site that you stay safe.
So, here are the top two things that we recommend you keep in mind before you sign up to any new casino site.
Casino licence
The very first thing you should do before you sign up to any casino whatsoever is check for a licence number.
In the case of MGA and Curacao, each of these regulatory bodies has their logo clearly displayed on every site that they licence. So you should have no trouble in finding this logo, along with the corresponding licence number.
But, regardless of where the casino is based, you should look for a licence number anyway! Beyond that, it’s also a good idea to look at who issued this licence, and do some research on that regulatory body. Just to make sure you’re in safe hands.
SSL data encryption
SSL encryption is the software that’s responsible for keeping all transactions between you and the casino site secure.
Every time you make a transaction using SSL software that action is encrypted. So third parties can’t access it. Meaning that the lines of communication between you and the casino remain safe and uninterrupted.
Checking for SSL encryption is easy. Simply look for the padlock icon next to the casino’s link in the search bar. If the icon appears locked, then you’re good to go!
Responsible gambling in New Zealand
Online gambling NZ can be extremely fun and can land you some serious cash rewards. However, with any real-money game comes the possibility of forming bad habits. And it can be easy to spend more time and money gambling than you originally intended.
The good news is, there’s plenty of help available to you if you feel like your gambling habits are getting out of control. For example, most casinos offer their own self-exclusion programs that you can join. As well as specific helplines and websites for casino players.
So, if you ever feel like you need some help, there are lots of ways to find the assistance and support.
Gambling Helpline NZ
One of the quickest and most effective ways to get help with any gambling online problems is by contacting one of the many gambling helplines that are available to NZ residents.
These helplines exist specifically to help players who are struggling to play responsibly. And you can find freephone numbers, as well as dedicated websites, for many of these organisations with a quick Google search.
Most helplines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And most of them offer web forms and live chat features, if you prefer to contact them that way.
FAQ
If you still have questions about casino sites for NZ players, then check out our FAQs.
