Best Online Casinos in NZ for 2024

Online casinos are digital platforms where players bet on and play casino games via the internet. New Zealand doesn’t have a gambling commission to oversee and regulate online casinos operating in the country, but gambling on offshore websites is completely legal.

This page will guide you through everything you need to know about online casinos in NZ. We cover the best casino operators, explain how we choose them, and discuss casino safety, popular games, bonuses and payment methods available.

How We Rate the Best NZ Casinos

To choose the best NZ casinos, we follow detailed, strict and honest rating guidelines. Our review process looks, tests and evaluates various aspects of an online casino to ensure they meet our high standards. The factors we cover include the following:

Game Selection

Game selection refers to the variety and types of games available at an online casino, encompassing slots, table games, live dealer games, and other titles you might find at gambling sites. The game library should include various titles, including pokies and table games. We look for providers that offer players secure connections and certified RNG software ensuring game randomness.

Bonuses and Offers

This section of our criteria refers to the promotional incentives provided by online casinos to attract new and retain existing players, including welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback offers, and deposit rewards. We look at each bonus and promotion, their terms and conditions, and the types of bonuses the casino offers, checking whether they are written transparently and clearly.

Safety and Security

This part concerns the measures and protocols implemented by online casinos to protect players’ personal and financial information from unauthorized access, breaches, and fraud attempts. We research whether online casinos possess valid licences and employ security measures such as 128-bit or 256-bit SSL encryption for protecting their players’ personal and financial information.

Payment Methods

Payment methods are various options and mechanisms provided by online casinos for players to deposit and withdraw funds from their accounts. We check online casino payment methods according to their transaction speed, safety, and potential deposit and withdrawal limits. We also look at the banking options offered to New Zealand players and whether an online casino offers a good mix of credit cards, e-wallets and crypto.

Customer Support

Customer Support is the service and assistance provided by online casinos addressing players’ inquiries, issues, or concerns. We examine things like the available methods of contact and working hours of the customer support, but also how quick and helpful the customer service agents are when responding to player queries.

Mobile Gaming

Mobile gaming refers to the activity of playing casino games, such as slots, table games, and live dealer games, on smartphones and tablets, apps or mobile-optimized websites. Through this criteria, we judge whether the mobile casino experience is on par with that of accessing the site from your desktop computer. Well-optimised mobile-friendly sites are a basic requirement but casinos with well-designed standalone apps will get bonus points from us.

Payout Rate

Payout Rate refers to the percentage of total money wagered by players that a casino returns to them as winnings over a specific period or for a particular game. We research online casinos to ensure that the payout rates are fair and match or exceed industry standards.

Casino Licences and Reputation

This part of our rating methodology refers to the official permits and endorsements an online casino holds from recognized regulatory bodies, ensuring its legitimacy and trustworthiness. We verify that all our recommended online casinos hold a valid licence with a reputable governing body. We check the overall reputation of the online casino, other players’ reviews and whether any third parties endorse the casino.

Operator’s Legal Background

Every respectable casino is owned and operated by a legal entity that has official records, legal standing, and historical legal activities. We examine the background of each casino we review by considering the reputation and history of its operator, the length the casino has been operating on the market, and whether and how often third-party regulatory entities audit both.

How To Choose a New Zealand Online Casino

This section outlines the criteria and factors players need to consider when selecting an online casino platform that caters to the gaming preferences of New Zealand players.

Welcome Offers

Welcome Offers are welcome promotions and bonuses that online casinos extend to new players upon registering or making their first deposit. A casino site will require you to meet the wagering requirements before withdrawing winnings made from bonus funds. Before playing, look at:

• Terms and conditions,
• Wagering requirements,
• Bonus expiration date,
• Withdrawal limit,
• Bet limit

Game Variety

Game Variety refers to the range and diversity of games available at an online casino, providing different genres, themes, and formats. An online casino offers:

• Pokies
• Poker games,
• Blackjack,
• Roulette,
• Live casino,
• Bingo,
• Keno,
• Scratch cards.

Payment Methods & Withdrawals

Payment Methods & Withdrawals refer to the various options and processes an online casino provides for players to deposit funds into their accounts and cash out their winnings. Deposit methods and withdrawal options need to include:

• Credit/debit cards,
• E-wallet services,
• Bank transfers,
• Cryptocurrencies.

Withdrawals need to be fast, and there needs to be clear information on how much you can withdraw.

Unique Site Features

Unique Site Features are distinct and special functionalities or aspects that an online casino offers, setting it apart from other platforms in the industry. These features are:

• Being able to switch between games easily
• Playing multiple games at once
• Branded casino games
• Exclusive games
• Sportsbook,
• VIP program

Mobile Experience

Mobile Experience refers to the quality, accessibility, and overall user experience provided by an online casino when accessed via smartphones or tablets. The casino needs to be accessible through instant play or offer apps to download.

Security and Support

Security and Support refer to the measures an online casino employs to protect user data and the assistance they provide to address player inquiries or concerns. The customer support should be contactable through various channels and offer speedy, friendly and professional responses.

Licensing & Regulation

Licensing & Regulation refers to the official permissions and oversight granted by authoritative bodies to online casinos, ensuring their operations adhere to established standards and laws. All casinos reviewed by Betkiwi are licensed and regulated by a legitimate governing body.

Getting Started at NZ Online Casinos

To get started at NZ online casinos these are the 6 steps to follow:

1. Choose an online casino
2. Check its operating licence
3. Check the bonus requirements
4. Click the “Join Now” or “Register” button
5. Make a deposit
6. Withdraw your winnings

Award-Winning Online Casinos in New Zealand 2024

Award-winning online casinos are recognized and celebrated online casino platforms that have received honours and awards for their exceptional performance and service from eminent internet authorities and the general public. The largest awards ceremonies are International Gaming Awards, Global Gaming Awards and EGR Operator Awards.

Here at Betkiwi, we always strive to showcase the industry’s best casinos. Two of our recommended casinos had a very successful year behind them, with LeoVegas winning the Global Gaming Awards’ 2023 Online Casino of the Year and 2024 EMEA Online Casino of the Year awards and Casumo snatching the International Gaming Awards Customer Service Company of the Year 2023.

As we eagerly await this year’s award ceremonies, these two casinos are a great option to check out, if you haven’t already.

Online Casinos by Category

At Betkiwi, we classify the various online casino platforms we review based on several distinct characteristics – game variety, bonuses, software providers, or user experience. Here are the main subcategories of online casinos you can find at Betkiwi:

Mobile Casinos

Mobile casinos are online casino platforms specifically optimized or designed for mobile devices. These casinos strive to make the experience of playing from your mobile device (tablet or smartphone) equally as appealing, if not better, than doing so from your desktop computer.

Minimum Deposit Casinos

Minimum deposit casinos are online casino platforms that allow players to start betting or playing pokies with a specific (typically low) initial deposit. These deposits can range between NZ$1 to NZ$20, with higher ones typically offering less restrictive terms & conditions, or offering more free spins or other bonuses for new players.

Fast Payout Online Casinos

Fast payout online casinos are online casino platforms that process withdrawals swiftly, ensuring players receive their winnings with minimal delay.

Under 1 Hour Withdrawal Casinos

Under 1 Hour Withdrawal Casinos are the quickest of the online casino platforms that process and complete players’ withdrawal requests in less than one hour, ensuring the quickest and easiest access to their winnings.

Crypto Casinos

Crypto casinos are online casino platforms that accept various cryptocurrencies as deposit and withdrawal methods, offering players an anonymous igaming experience.

NZ Dollar Casinos

NZ Dollar Casinos are online gambling platforms that specifically accept the New Zealand dollar (NZD) as a primary currency for deposits and withdrawals. While playing at one of these casinos, players won’t need to worry about dealing with exchange rates.

Casinos With the Best Payouts

Casinos with the best payouts are online platforms known for offering players higher return-to-player (RTP) percentages, ensuring they receive a larger portion of their wagered money over time.

VPN Casinos

VPN casinos are online casino platforms accessed using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass geographical restrictions.

Safe Online Casinos

Safe online casinos are online igaming platforms that prioritize the security and privacy of players by employing strict security measures, including advanced encryption and regular audits, to ensure a trustworthy and secure playing experience.

Inclave Casinos

Inclave casinos refers to a set of traditional casino sites that players can access using one-click access and a single master password through the Inclave portal. In addition to convenience, this method is gaining popularity due to its fantastic security safeguards, including the option to use multi-factor authentication and facial recognition or fingerprint technology.

Casino Game Selection

Casino games at online casinos NZ players can visit include slots, table games, live dealer games, and much more. Here is a rundown of the most common types you’ll find at online casinos these days:

Online Pokies

Online pokies (also known as slot games) are digital versions of traditional slot machines, available at online casinos. These games feature numerous themes ranging from fantasy to sci-fi and can come with additional gameplay mechanics and features, such as Hold & Win and Megaways. There are also many ways to try online slots for free: free-play pokies/demo mode and free spin offers on select slots as part of a casino’s welcome offer all provide ways to spin reels without parting with any cash.

Poker

Poker is a card game that combines gambling, strategy, and skill, with players wagering over which hand is best according to the game’s rules. Popular variants include – Caribbean Stud Poker, Three-Card Poker, and Texas Hold’em. If you enjoy progressive jackpot bets, then choose Caribbean Stud, pick Three-Card Poker for a fast-paced game, or if you want to compete against the dealer, go for Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Video poker is also very popular, for bridging that gap between online and real-world gaming venues.

Roulette

Roulette is a casino game where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel divided into numbered slots. If you prefer the thrill of high rewards, bet on single numbers. For more frequent wins, opt for red or black, odd or even, or high or low numbers.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a card game based on strategy, played in casinos where the objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand total closest to 21 without going over that number.

Baccarat is a card game that involves comparing cards between two hands, the “player” and the “banker.” Each baccarat coup (round of play) has three possible outcomes: “player” (the player has the higher score), “banker,” and “tie.”

Bingo

Bingo is a game of chance where players try to match numbers on a card with drawn numbers. Popular varieties include 75-Ball Bingo, 90-Ball Bingo, and Bingo Blast.

Keno

Another lottery-style game, Keno has players pick numbers from 1 to 80, and 20 are then randomly drawn, either using a ball machine like those found in lotto or (more commonly at online venues) using a random number generator machine. Variants include Super Keno, Power Keno, and Lightning Box Keno.

Scratchcards

Scratch cards or scratchies as they are commonly known in NZ are instant win games where players are tasked with scratching cards to reveal matching symbols underneath. Popular versions of the game include Deal or No Deal, Merlin’s Millions, and Diamond Strike.

Craps

Craps is an old-school dice game that has players betting on the outcomes of a single roll or a series of rolls. It’s often played against both the casino and several other players. There are a few variations, such as Craps (Play’n Go) and Craps – First Person.

Casino Bonuses & Offers

Casino bonuses and offers are incentives provided by casinos to attract and retain players, including welcome bonuses, free spins, loyalty rewards, and promotional deals.

Welcome Bonuses

A welcome bonus rewards players after they create a new account. If you are signing up for a new online casino, welcome bonuses are a way to enhance your gaming experience.

It consists of a deposit match and includes free spins. A 100% deposit match means that all the money deposited by players will be doubled up to a certain limit set by the casino. This bonus can be split across multiple deposits, or it can be a one-time offer.

Free Spins

Free spins are a type of casino promotion that allows players to spin the reels of selected online slot games without using their own money. Each free spin is assigned a monetary value (usually NZ$0.10 or NZ$0.20), and the maximum winnings from this bonus are limited.

Free Bets

Free bets are bonuses offered by bookmakers to encourage users to participate in betting activities without using their own funds. To use a free bet, select it from your account when placing a wager. If you’re interested in betting without the initial risk, free bets offer a chance to participate with the potential of real winnings.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses grant players a chance to start playing at an online casino without making an initial deposit. If you’re looking for a risk-free way to start playing at an online casino, no deposit bonuses offer a valuable opportunity to play real money games without financial commitment. These bonuses can be used in various games, from pokies to table games, but typically have stricter requirements and limitations on winnings compared to other casino bonuses.

Loyalty & VIP Programmes

Casinos like to reward loyal players with exclusive benefits and services. To access loyalty & VIP offers, consistently play and engage with the casino’s services. Some examples include cashback offers, free spins, weekly deposit bonuses, and account perks such as a personal account manager or priority customer support. To join a casino’s VIP club, players must climb through the ranks of a VIP programme ladder by playing regularly and achieving various milestones. Alternatively, dedicated players sometimes receive special invitations from the casino staff.

Cashback

Cashback at online casinos refers to a bonus feature where players receive a portion of their wagered money back, typically when they lose a bet. If you deposit NZ$100 with a 10% cashback offer and lose all of it without winning any bets, you’ll receive NZ$10 back in free bets or other casino bonuses.

Bonus Code Offers

Bonus code offers in online casinos are promotions that require players to enter a specific code to unlock a bonus. Bonus codes are often used in seasonal promotions or to promote certain events, but they can also target specific players based on their playing preferences (i.e. free spins on a slot machine they love to play at).

Safety at Online Casinos

Safety at online casinos refers to the measures and technologies employed to protect players’ personal and financial information from unauthorized access and to ensure fair play. Safety procedures are evaluated and regulated by various gambling commissions. If a casino has a gambling license, it passes several security evaluations and fairness tests. Licensed casinos are the industry standard for safety.

The two most famous gambling commissions include the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), but many casinos are also licensed under the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.

Payment Methods in NZ Casinos

Payment methods refer to the available options for making deposits and withdrawals at online casinos NZ players can play on. If you’re using an online casino in NZ, you can find many highly secure and fast payment methods, ranging from debit cards and eWallets to cryptocurrencies. Here are the most common transaction methods you’ll find:

Tips & Tricks for Playing Online Casino Games in NZ

The following section includes some key strategies for maximizing winnings and enhancing gameplay. Here are our best tips and tricks to maximize your gaming experience:

• Bankroll management – Decide what you can afford to lose, have a budget and stick to it. Never chase your losses, and know when to stop.
• Claim bonuses and promotions offered to Kiwi players – These bonuses will boost your bankroll. Read the terms and conditions of any bonus before you claim, as these detail the wagering requirements and other details.
• Play games in demo mode – This is a great way to learn what games you like and how to play the games before spending money.
• Play at reputable casino sites – Our reviewers painstakingly evaluate casinos to ensure our selection only includes casinos that have valid gambling licenses and adhere to safe, fair, and responsible gambling practices. This ensures you won’t have to worry about scams, stolen personal data, and other potential inconveniences linked to playing at shady online venues.

Are NZ Online Casinos Legal?

Online gambling in New Zealand operates under the Gambling Act of 2003. This law permits New Zealand residents to engage with online casinos located outside the country. No laws stop New Zealand players from participating in offshore online casinos.

That said, any respectable gambling site you play at needs to adhere to strict regulations regarding gameplay, licensing, and responsible gaming. Here are some of the key points you should be aware of:

Fairness of Gameplay

Fairness in gameplay at online casinos means that all players have an equal chance of winning, and outcomes are not manipulated or rigged in any way. Top software providers employ Random Number Generators to ensure truly random and fair results. Software providers are audited regularly to ensure they maintain this standard across their games, and reputable casinos will also receive audits from official regulatory bodies or hired third-party experts to prove they are also keeping everything above board.

Personal Data Protection

Personal data protection at online casinos is critical to safeguarding the players’ personal and financial information. A reputable online casino will use security measures like SSL encryption to secure such data and also employ measures like multi-factor authentication or biometrics for mobile users. Always carefully read the privacy policy to see how the casino handles security and privacy-related matters.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling ensures safe play by minimizing gambling risks. Any casino dedicated to responsible gambling practices needs to have a separate section that is easy to locate and can offer external links to helpful articles or gambling addiction helplines. It should also feature a self-assessment test and several ways to limit account spending through setting deposit/bet limits, along with options for requesting self-exclusion/cool-off periods.

Complaints and Licence Enforcement

These are the processes and regulations that oversee the handling of player disputes and the adherence of the casino to the rules and standards of its licensing authority. Complaints can be escalated to the licensing authority, which has the power to investigate and enforce punitive actions if necessary.

Minimum Age to Gamble at Online Casinos in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the legal gambling age for online casinos is 18. Upon registration and before the first withdrawal, online casinos must verify players’ ages as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

Blacklisted Casinos

Unfortunately, not all online casinos get into the business with honest intentions, and the internet is full of scammy websites or operators offering unfair player odds, boasting poor security measures, or conducting other shady practices that you should do well to steer clear of. While every casino we recommend on our pages undergoes strict quality checks by our team, some of them do not pass and, as such, do not get our seal of approval. Particularly questionable casinos get put on our blacklist and we do our best to warn you against playing at such online venues. You can check which casinos you should avoid and learn more about why you should by visiting our Blacklisted Casinos page.

Online vs Land-Based Casinos

Online casinos offer a wider selection of games than their land-based counterparts. This allows them to add new games and offer tables with varied minimum and maximum limits. The other main advantage of an online casino lies in its convenience — there’s no need to travel to participate, and, as long as it’s even remotely mobile-optimised you can play anywhere at any time from your smartphone or tablet.

Land-based casinos have a special and unique feel, with a social aspect that is hard to replicate at an online venue. Despite the rise of online platforms, land-based casinos continue to attract those who prefer the experience of gaming in person. Here are some of the most popular ones in New Zealand:

SkyCity Casino

SkyCity is one of the most well-known land-based casino brands with casinos across New Zealand. They also offer Premier Rewards at their land-based casino, which gives you access to amazing rewards.

Casino Auckland

SkyCity Casino in Auckland offers the best games, food, and drinks for a complete gaming experience. The casino features over 2,100 casino titles and 150 table games.

Casino Hamilton

SkyCity in Hamilton offers over 330 gaming machines and 23 table games. While not as large or popular as the casinos in bigger NZ cities, it has a distinct charm that draws in many players.

Casino Queenstown

SkyCity in Queenstown offers the glitz and glam with food, drinks and casino games. Their floor features 86 gaming machines, and you can find a selection of the best table games, including roulette, blackjack and midi baccarat.

Grand Casino Dunedin

The Grand Casino entertains everyone with a fantastic range of casino games and an on-site restaurant for delicious dining. The casino offers blackjack, baccarat, roulette and Caribbean stud poker. Pokie lovers will find over 180 electronic gaming machines.

Christchurch Casino

Christchurch Casino offers an array of games to suit every type of player. Their floors have over 450 slot machines and 32 casino table games. With the Players Club, players can earn and redeem numerous great rewards for the ultimate gaming experience.

If you’re keen on trying out the brick-and-mortar casino experience, you can find the closest land-based casino by searching on the map.

NZ Online Casinos Key Facts

If you’re looking for a quick summary of online casinos in NZ, here’s a brief rundown of the most important information you’ll need:

1. Players from NZ who wish to play at an online casino must be 18 or over.
2. Casinos operating in NZ don’t have to be licensed, but it’s recommended you pick a licensed casino.
3. Before you play at an online casino, you’ll have to create an account and make a deposit.
4. Online casinos offer a wide variety of games, including pokies, table games, and live casino games.
5. Online casinos offer welcome bonuses and other promotions to both new players and regulars.
6. Players at online gambling venues can usually try out games for free with the demo mode before playing with real money.
7. Before playing with real money, you’ll need to make a deposit using one of the available payment methods on the site.
8. Most online casinos allow you to withdraw your winnings using the same method used for deposits.
9. The iGaming industry is expected to increase by around 10% annually.
10. Sweden has the largest percentage of online gamblers, as around 60% of the bets are made online.
11. In New Zealand, men tend to participate more in online gambling than women (17% versus 10%).
12. On average online gamblers are 45.7 years old.
13. Casino games are responsible for a market share of 38% within the iGaming industry.
14. Bookmakers make up 24% of all online gambling activities.
15. Online bingo has a market share of 8%, online lotteries 5%, and spread bets and betting exchanges have a share of 3%.

Summary About Online Casinos

Online casinos in NZ are a great way to play all your favourite casino games without leaving the comfort of your home. Mobile-optimised online casinos for NZ players also allow them to spin reels or play a round or two of poker anywhere and anytime from their smartphone or tablet. However, when choosing an online casino, there are numerous factors you need to consider to get the best experience. At Betkiwi, we have done the hard work for you and have found the best online casinos in NZ. Check out our list and read our reviews to find your next online gaming home.

Online Casino References

By using few online resources, therefore strengthening our expertise in this field, we ensure the information is correct and up to date as possible. Find the references listed down below:

• The Gambling Commission
• Department of Internal Affairs, Gambling
• PGF Services
• Department of Internal Affairs, Prohibited Gambling
• Online Casino, Wikipedia
• Online Gambling, Wikipedia