Best Online Casinos in New Zealand

When discussing gambling and the best NZ casinos online, we mean websites where you can play online. Digital gambling has become a total hit in the last 15 years and has even managed to displace traditional casinos from the top. Which is why we will focus primarily on offshore casino sites. However, we offer information on some of the most popular land-based operators in NZ, so do look if you are interested.

Top 10 Casinos in New Zealand – Our Test Result

To make it easier for our readers to come to the right decision about which casino to play at, we have done thorough research and chosen the top NZ casinos. The NZ casinos online we have chosen have the best bonus conditions, the most significant game selections and, most importantly, are safe and secure operators with all the needed certificates and licences. Find the top online casinos in NZ down below!

The NZ casinos in the table above have ranked the highest across our criteria for a reputable and worthy NZ online casino. You can rest assured that when betting your money at any of the aforementioned operators, you are in fact playing at a respected and fair casino. All operators have rich game selections, developed by leading software providers and offer spectacular welcome bonuses worthy of your attention.

Top Safe Online Casinos by Category

All NZ online casinos listed above meet our security expectations, so customers at these operators are at no risk of scams. We have sorted them according to some of the most popular features expected by us and our readers, and they have scored excellent ratings in all categories of our test. However, if you are looking for something specific, perhaps you need a more specialised platform, and the table below may help you find what you need.

Our Casino Expert

Alya Gray is one of our online casino experts who has been with us for over half a decade and deals with the revision and research of online casino sites and their features. She is not just a reviewer but a passionate player, which helps her provide you with an objective perspective on the different operators and their games.

Alya is also a graduated journalist, contributing even more to her articles’ overall quality. All of her materials are well prepared and contain helpful and detailed info on the given subjects. Trust her because she is one of the best authors we have ever had.

A Guide to Casino Sites in New Zealand

You are probably wondering which casino is a worthy operator based on which criteria we choose. First and foremost, safety is the absolute winner regarding the top must-haves of online casino sites. After all, you are playing with your hard-earned money, and it is of massive importance that the casino is not a scam.

What you can do for your assurance is check at the bottom of the casino’s website to see if it has all the needed licences and certificates. In this review, you will get more than enough information on all that is required by an operator to be regarded as safe. So, if you are looking for an online casino with real money in NZ, then stay with us.

This review will give you thorough information on all the vital safety and security measures you must undertake when gambling online. We’ve got you covered! You can also read a bit more about the country’s gambling laws and the legal status of NZ online casino sites. Just keep reading!

Protection Against Scam When Playing for Real Money

As a form of entertainment that attracts many people willing to take risks, gambling hides numerous threats to security. This is a market, perfect for online scams where big wins, huge numbers and bonuses attract people. Therefore, it is not that difficult to attract NZ players using deceit. You need to simply produce an offer hard to resist and you will probably catch a lot of innocent fish in your net. So, an essential rule of thumb in online gambling is – if it looks too good to be true – it probably is.

Since there are more and more new operators on the scene, it is pretty hard to keep track of which is reputable and which is a little dodgy. This allows scammers to pass unnoticed and deceive people. To discover whether a casino is a scam, you must dig a little deeper, which is precisely what we do. So, look for the needed licences and read NZ players’ reviews beforehand.

Make Your Deposits and Withdrawals Safely

Regarding payment methods at the recommended online casinos, you can rest assured your preferred method is probably among the selected. Most operators accept credit and debit card payments and numerous other alternative methods. Some of the methods, which are popular with players are ewallets, such as PayPal, Neteller and Skrill.

Other methods you can use are prepaid cards, such as paysafecard. This is a perfect solution for Kiwi casino players who prefer to be anonymous when paying online or simply don’t own a debit card. Interestingly, we see more and more NZ online casinos that support Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Different casinos online allow various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. At most internet casinos, you will find Visa and Mastercard. Paypal and American Express are a little less common, and if you insist on using them as methods, you must look specifically for their logo at the bottom of the casino’s website.

Furthermore, some NZ casinos take charges for deposits and withdrawals, whereas others don’t. You need to check their policy beforehand on the Terms and Conditions page. Furthermore, some payments from e-wallets and cryptocurrency are not eligible for the welcome bonus offer. So, you need to check in the bonus conditions what the deal is.

e-Wallets: Recommended Payment Method

E-Wallets are the most convenient and secure method of online payment. You do not need to give any of your personal details or card number, when making a deposit at a casino, which offers a sense of security to players. Some of those methods include PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, POLi and others.

They are accepted at popular online casinos, which is another privilege. One small drawback, as already mentioned, is the fact that some casino bonuses cannot be unlocked if the payment has been made via eWallet. But you can use a different method to deposit that one time and then continue to use your Neteller or Skrill account. Paypal is also a widely beloved method, however, not many NZ casinos offer it.

All the NZ casinos we offer on this page accept Neteller as a payment choice. However, we recommend LeoVegas, as it has the most glorious platform and game catalogue. All of the casinos also offer Skrill as a payment method. Unfortunately, no one has PayPal as an option, which happens quite often.

Limits and Fees

As you can see from the table down below, there are differences among the various methods. Some have a low deposit limit, others have a high maximum withdrawal limit. Most payments don’t have a fee, but that can change for the different operators, so always check. eWallets are usually instant payment methods, whereas, with credit cards and banking, you typically have to wait a few days. So you can choose the method which best suits your needs.

For high rollers, I would recommend using debit cards or direct banking. This will allow higher sums to be withheld at once. If the casino allows it, of course. Neteller and Paypal should be perfect choices for low-stakes players to satisfy their needs. However, it is very individual, and the choice depends on the person and his preferences.

Reliable Customer Support Service

Customer support is an essential factor that should be considered when choosing the right casino. Things to look for are how long it takes to contact them and whether or not they are helpful and polite. The best method for contacting any casino is via live chat or phone. When it comes to emails, it could take quite a while to get an answer back, which can be pretty frustrating. Q&A is another excellent way to have your question answered without losing your time attempting to make contact.

Transparent and Fair Casino Bonus Terms

The best bonuses you can get from a casino are ones that have reasonable terms that can easily be fulfilled. Don’t be too blinded by a giant bonus amount, and always dig a little deeper. The minimum amount you must deposit into the casino must be reasonable. If it is between $10-20, that is quite realistic. If, however, it exceeds the sum and you are a new player, unsure whether online gambling is his thing, don’t feel pressured to deposit a sum more extensive than what you have prepared.

Another critical factor is the wagering requirements. You can receive a considerable bonus amount and numerous free spins to use on pokies, but what is the point if they have a giant wagering requirement to fulfil. The other important thing to look for is the expiry period of the bonus.

If you have 300 free spins, but the expiration period is 3 days, don’t feel like you are obliged to lose a lot of your time gambling just, so you can manage to get in the time frame. Furthermore, the contribution of various games is also a must when looking for bonus requirements. If you love playing online roulette and it has no contribution towards the wagering requirements, looking for another bonus is probably a better idea.

Rich Casino Games Selection

A diverse selection of games is of immense importance for every online casino. Gamblers can quickly get bored of playing the same games, and it is always great to have a breath of fresh air. Regarding pokies, a collection more extensive than 300 games is more than enough to satisfy every taste. When it comes to table games, however, the variety isn’t that big.

Providers haven’t made as many blackjack games, roulette and baccarat, so it is pretty challenging to see more than 10 variations of each game in a catalogue. Live games are a different story. Providers like Evolution have as many as 100 table games in their selection, so you can always go live if you are a table games fan.

We consider Betway the best online casino in NZ regarding game selection. This operator has over 700 slot games by the 20 best software providers. They also have nearly 50 blackjack and live blackjack variations and 40+ roulettes. And the cherry on top of the sundae is that they power a spectacular live casino by Evolution. So, as you can see, this casino is definitely worth trying.

Stable Software Compatible with All Devices

Last but not least, software reliability is considered in our most trusted online casinos’ list of criteria. It is of significant importance for an NZ online casino to have secure and reliable software. Furthermore, it would be much better if the casino had a highly interactive platform, which could be great for the player’s overall gambling experience. It is also recommended that a casino maintain a mobile platform – whether in the form of a web app or a mobile app. This is because most players nowadays want to have the option of playing on the go.

How to Choose NZ Online Casinos

Choosing the most suitable online casino in NZ is crucial for overall satisfaction and the online casino experience. We have compiled a simple step-by-step guide to choosing NZ online casinos. Follow these steps to learn the most essential aspects of picking gambling platforms.

• 1. Set Priorities  – Think of what you seek to find in one operator.
• 2. Research – Take time to investigate all of the available options in detail.
• 3. Safety First – Before picking a platform, ensure it is licenced and secure.
• 4. Examine the Games – Go through the available games and find the operator that offers your favourites.
• 5. Check the Bonuses – Review the bonus deals and their terms and conditions.
• 6. Overview Payments – Make sure your preferred payment is on the platform.

To make the correct choice, you must also set your priorities straight and decide on the most essential things and features. For example, if you seek to play live tables, you must look for an operator with a more extensive live casino selection. Knowing your preferences will help you pick the most suitable platform.

What You Need to Know to Play Legally in New Zealand

Every country has different attitudes towards online gambling – in some countries, it is forbidden, whereas in others, it is not. Online gambling in New Zealand is entirely legal, and we will learn more about the gambling laws and authorities in the coming paragraphs. So, keep reading!

Gambling Laws and Authorities

Gambling is not new to people in New Zealand. Over the centuries, there have been various restrictions and limitations on the practice of gambling. With the introduction of the Gambling Act 2003, there was finally clear guidance on the legality of various forms of gambling within the country. Nowadays, kiwis can legally take part in sports betting, play pokies and take part in the national lottery.

They can also gamble in all land-based casinos regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. The Gambling Act also states that people in NZ are legally permitted to play at online casino sites, provided the operators are located within the country.

After the Gambling Act was introduced back in 2003, the Gambling Commission of New Zealand was established. It is an independent statutory body with the power to authorize applications for casino licences. For NZ casinos to operate legally within the country, they must apply for a permit from the commission and are also subject to the Department of Internal Affairs regulation.

Despite the legalization of online gambling, players must be cautious when choosing the best NZ online casino and always look for a secure and trustworthy website. Licences are good to have from the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Government of Gibraltar.

Gambling Taxation – Do You Owe Taxes After a Win?

Some countries have a law that states that you owe taxes after winning a certain amount from gambling. Countries like UK, Oceania and Canada don’t have that law and don’t pay any taxes for online gambling. However, the situation is slightly different in other countries like the US, New Zealand and Australia.

The critical point is that each jurisdiction has its regulations regarding gambling taxation. If you are a resident of New Zealand, and you hit a jackpot of $1,200 or more, then you should ask to fill out a form W8BEN. That should reduce or in most cases, eliminate the withholding. You would not be subject if you won over $1,200 in small wins.

In comparison, numerous countries such as the UK, Canada, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Sweden and Malta don’t collect taxes on gambling. However, gamblers are not the only ones subject to taxation. Since the introduction of the Point of Consumption Tax, online gambling sites – no matter where they are based – must pay 15% on all wagers accepted from UK players.

Most Important Legal Acts

The primary gambling laws in New Zealand have been officially introduced through the following legal acts:

The main legal document for gambling in New Zealand is the Gambling Act 2003. It repeals the Casino Control Act 1990 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1977 and integrates them into a single Act. Racing continues to be administered under the Racing Act 2003. Since its initial release in 2003, the act has had several amendments – Gambling Amendment Act 2005, 2015 1 and 2. You can find them on the official New Zealand legislation website if you are interested in reading them.

What Might the Future Hold

Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne told the Hospitality NZ conference in Nelson that while increasing some gambling operators’ fees and reviewing the minimum amount that gambling trusts must return to the community from class 4 gaming machines, he was also looking to a broader review of the sector. Mr Dunne said the government is concerned about the decline in gaming machines’ gross proceeds over the past 10 years.

Some of the decline is an inevitable consequence of the significant reduction in gaming machine numbers in the last ten years, but it is not the whole picture.” The Government carries an annual gambling operating deficit of $3.8 million and an accumulated deficit of nearly $13 million. This would continue to grow without any fee increase. Fees have been unchanged since 2008, but to help address the gap between costs and revenue, some fees will increase from December 2015, while others will remain the same or drop.

Is Gambling a Top Activity in New Zealand?

Gambling is definitely one of the most common hobbies that Kiwis have. As a result of this, gambling is one of the significant sources of revenue income. With the taxes gamblers and legit online casinos pay, the government receives much-needed financial income. As long as NZ players are cautious and play responsibly, there is no harm in gambling, including at bookmakers in New Zealand, being a shared hobby.

Responsible Gambling in NZ

Unfortunately, not all gamblers are responsible for this activity, and there can often be complications that arise as a result of problem gambling. The Department of Internal Affairs has carried out various investigations into problem gambling to be able to provide the public with helpful information and resources on how to minimize the harm from addiction. The NZ Ministry of Health also works hard to provide the needed help and guidance for anyone who is affected by problem gambling and addiction. More information can be found on the Gambling Helpline website.

Gambling Statistics

The social and economic costs and benefits of gaming are challenging to measure as official statistical information on the industry is limited. Detailed financial information is often hard to access for reasons of commercial sensitivity. In some sectors, information is complex due to large numbers of small operators, e.g. individual racing clubs. The amount households or individuals spend on gambling is influenced by changes in discretionary income.

According to the Department of Internal Affairs, participation in most games increases as income increases, although Daily Keno and Housie have more NZ players in low-income brackets. The regulatory regime also influences spending levels by determining accessibility to gaming e.g. current legislation prohibits anyone under the age of 20 from gambling in casinos. The Household Economic Survey (HES) reported that in March 1998, the average household expenditure on gambling was $6.50 per week or $338 per year per household.

This is up 11.9 percent from the $5.81 per week – or $302 per year – reported in 1989. Total spending on gambling is reported in the HES to be $391.9 million per year (gross). This works out to $103 per year per person based on population estimates. Nowadays, the numbers are rising. The total income from casinos in 2010 was $448 000 000, whereas in 2017, the number reached $572 000 000. The take from non-casino gaming machines (“pokies”) increased 3.1 per cent from $843 million in 2015/16 to $870 million in 2016/17.

The future of the gaming industry looks positive in economic terms. It is still in the growth stages, and the contribution gaming makes to New Zealand’s GDP may increase. There are social costs, but the industry positively impacts areas such as tourism and employment and contributes to local and national economies.

Gambling Resorts

There are 6 licenced and regulated land-based casinos located in New Zealand. This number isn’t high compared to other countries with hundreds of casinos. However, New Zealand is a small country with a population of 4 million. Therefore, we cannot expect as many operators as there are at other places. In the following paragraph, we will show you some of the most popular gambling resorts in New Zealand.

SkyCity Auckland

It is the biggest casino in NZ, located within the capital. SkyCity attracts international players and locals with its giant selection of gaming machines and table games, including baccarat, blackjack and poker. It is a whole entertainment complex, which includes 2 luxurious hotels, 20 restaurants, bars and a 700-seat theatre. The iconic Sky Tower rises from the entertainment complex, which is 220m high and has a breathtaking panoramic 360-degree view.

Numerous fascinating events take place in the resort. Festive dinners, parties, and a weekly Saturday bingo night. There is also a Latin carnival filled with dancing and good energy. There are girls’ nights, boys’ nights and many more fantastic party occasions. So, visiting this resort will leave you filled with unforgettable memories.

Christchurch Casino

Christchurch Casino is located in the famous Victoria Street district and is the top casino destination in the city. It features over 500 slots and table games, which is pretty spectacular. The resort has 2 bars and 3 restaurants, which feature a delicious selection of cuisine. Whenever there is a sports event, you can count on watching it at the resort, broadcast on a giant screen. Furthermore, every weekend, live bands perform at the bars.

An interesting fact about the operator is that SkyCity paid $93.75 million for a 41 per cent share in the casino last year. Mr Davies indicated that SkyCity saw an opportunity to ‘refresh and re-present’ the business. Furthermore, Christchurch Casino hosts the popular New Zealand Poker Championships.

Grand Casino Dunedin

If you find yourself somewhere in the south, the place to go is Grand Casino, which is known for its breathtaking interior features and opulent gaming rooms. Each Wednesday, there are weekly poker tournaments that take place. Furthermore, there are 2 restaurants in the resort: the Grand Café, which serves contemporary NZ cuisine and Room 118 – a boutique bar that offers craft beers and cocktails.

Grand Casino offers visitors an unparalleled entertainment experience in the Southern Cross Hotel. The breathtaking interior features opulent gaming rooms, original mosaic floors and a sweeping grand staircase, reaching to a magical glass dome roof. It features the most popular table games and 180 electronic gaming machines. An interesting fact about the operator is the fact that the Gambling Commission suspended its licence for 2 days in 2006 after it was found to have let a woman gamble $6.6 million over three years.

Famous New Zealand Gamblers

New Zealand has a rich history when it comes to gambling, and its origins can be traced as far back as the 1830s. Therefore, despite its small size, it has a well-deserved place in the gambling world. Poker players tend to come to mind when it comes to famous gamblers. New Zealand has several standout poker players who have made a name for themselves internationally.

We will focus on two renowned poker stars from New Zealand. The first is David Yan, who began his career as a successful online player and has been quite successful in the live tournament scene. The second poker player is Lee Nelson, who is, in fact, a retired doctor who currently resides in Nelson. He has opened a wellness retreat near Nelson, a part of his charity work to prevent prostate cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

We use our vast gambling industry experience to give you advice and recommendations about the best online casino sites in New Zealand. Of course, it’s natural that you may have additional questions. Look at the FAQs below: we have compiled more information about online NZ casinos there, so your answer may already be waiting for you.

🤚 Is it safe to play in NZ online casinos?

Yes, playing at online casino sites in New Zealand is safe if you do it on proven international platforms with a concrete background and proper licences. Regarding casino safety, you need to learn how to recognize potential scams.

🥇 Which are the top online casinos in New Zealand?

You can compare and contrast the top NZ online casinos by taking a look at our official ranking at the top of this page.

🤚 Are online casinos legal in New Zealand?

Yes, many online casinos are legal in New Zealand. To learn more about the legal situation, we recommend that you read our guide to New Zealand gambling laws.

🧐 How can Kiwi players pay at an online casino?

Setting up payments in NZ online casino sites is not difficult at all. You can choose one of the many available payment methods a the top online casinos in NZ, which cover everything from traditional bank transfers and cards to more modern alternatives like PayPal, Neteller, Skrill and others.