Safe Online Casinos
In the online gambling world, there are, sadly, platforms and organisations that will try to take advantage of you. This could be anything from promising something and not following through, to actually withholding your funds. It can ruin your experience of online casinos and even put you off returning to them in the future. However, it doesn’t have to be that way when you know who to trust.
There are hundreds of licensed and regulated casinos out there, you just need to know where to look. Luckily, the experts at Betkiwi have found the safest online casinos in New Zealand so that you can play your favourite games with complete peace of mind.
LeoVegas Casino
LeoVegas Casino was founded in 2011 by LeoVegas Group and is regularly checked by authorities such as eCOGRA. The site is licensed by Malta Gaming Authority with license number MGA/CRP/237/2013 issued on 1st August 2018. They also have their own responsible gambling website leosafeplay.com, therefore encouraging responsible gambling. With more than 10 year experience in online casino field and multiple online gaming operator awards, they have proven themselves to be a safe online casino.
JackpotCity Casino
JackpotCity Casino was established in 1998 by Bayton Group Limited. This casino is certified by eCOGRA and has the latest SSL encryption implemented. Jackpotcity is licensed by MGA (MGA/B2C/145/2007 ) and Alderney Gambling Control Commission (license number 155 C1). They also are offering more than 500 games, multiple promotions and very safe banking options. Jackpotcity also promote responsible gambling and offer multiple ways to limit creation of gambling addiction.
BitStarz Casino
BitStarz Casino was established in 2014 by DAMA N.V. Casinos. This casino has the latest SSL encryption implemented. Bitstarz is licensed by Curacao ( license No. 8048/JAZ2020-13 ). They also are offering more than 600 games, multiple promotions and very safe banking options.
SkyCity Casino
Skycity Casino was launched in 2019 by Silvereye Entertainment Limited and is regulated by Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/880/2021). Even though it’s relatively new website, they are committed to responsible gambling as they offer self assessment test and provide links to external help for NZ players, like The Salvation Army, Raukura and Asian Family Services websites . Also they have incorporated their own responsible gambling tools like reality check feature, which can be set up to 1 hour.
22Bet Casino
22Bet in New Zealand was launched in 2018 by TechSolutions Group Limited. This casino holds a Curacao Gambling licence with the number 00882. They have a solid reputation within the iGaming industry and the site is secure, thanks to the latest SSL technology. All of their games come with RNG (Random Number Generator) which means that all games are fair.
Stake Casino
Stake casino made was launched in 2017 by Medium Rare N.V. During these years they have broadened their portfolio with Pragmatic Play, Play ‘N Go, Yggdrasil and many more game providers. They were the first crypto casino available for public and therefore they had to provide top safety to their players. Today Stake offers 2FA security system for their crypto flow and ensure their customer’s anonymity and data encryption. They are regulated by Curacao and operate under Antillephone license No. 8048/JAZ. They are also verified by the Crypto Gambling Foundation.
Lucky Days Casino
Lucky Days Casino was launched in 2018 by Raging Rhino NV. They hold a Curacao License 365/JAZ. Even though they are also relatively new casino their payment options come from established banking companies and they’re also ensuring proper SSL certification.
Why You Can Trust Us
We only have players’ best interests at heart. We want to provide New Zealand gamblers with accurate information on online casinos, so they can make informed choices about whether they should play there or not.
We only use real people to conduct our casino reviews and offer honest opinions and facts about what online casinos offer. You can be confident about playing at any of the online casinos we recommend.
Did you know? Some of the most reliable licensing authorities include the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
How We Review The Safest Online Casino Sites
At BetKiwi, we take our role seriously when undertaking our casino reviews. We provide honest and unbiased reviews using the following criteria:
Licensing and Security
This is the most crucial aspect we check. We won’t publish unlicensed sites, so it’s always our first point of call. We check which authority licenses the casino and its expiration date to ensure its validity. The MGA and UKGC licenses are the ultimate ones for the casino brand to obtain, and stringent regulations to protect users. The casino must offer fair practices; without a licence, we cannot guarantee that. It must also have SSL encryption software, which will protect players’ data and provide a secure platform.
Game Selection
Our next stop is the games lobby. We want to ensure the site has a range of pokies, jackpot slot machines, bingo and other casino games, like live or table games. They would include games like blackjack, baccarat, video, poker, keno, roulette and craps. We look at whether there is a demo mode and whether the site has a sportsbook. If there are any exclusive games, we highlight them and look at the variety of games on offer.
Trusted Providers
The more software providers at a casino, the more fantastic the range of diverse titles you can play. The big names like NetEnt, Play’n GO and Pragmatic Play offer provably fair games, and if they supply their games to a site, it adds to its credibility.
Positive Player Reviews
We have a sift through the review sites. Although there are usually some negative reviews, we seek sites with more positive than negative and more happy players that strengthens their reliability.
Transparent Terms and Conditions
An online casino’s terms and conditions must be easy to find and list the gaming practices. We expect complete transparency so our Kiwi players have all the facts to hand. Unscrupulous casinos may use unclear terms to try to retain your winnings when youtry to collecting any winnings.
Payment Methods and Withdrawal Process
When it comes to payment methods, we want to see a wide variety that will suit all types of Kiws. We are looking for a mix of bank cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and cryptocurrencies. We also inspect the withdrawal timeframes and if there are fees and any limits on deposits and withdrawals.
Account Registration and Verification
When you open up a new casino account, it should be uncomplicated. We check what steps you must take, and the process should only take a few minutes, with you able to play straightaway once completed. We also check out the KYC process to see what’s required and how long the casino takes to process your documentation.
Customer Service
Customer service is another essential element of a reputable Kiwi casino. We prefer the casino to offer 24/7 services, but if it doesn’t, we ensure that you know how and when to contact them. We look at the supported languages, all the ways you can contact them, and whether the team responds promptly, has the knowledge required and is friendly and professional.
Responsible Gaming
We firmly believe in responsible gambling and are committed to ensuring our Kiwi players can access casino site’s responsible gambling tools. We look at what’s offered and how easily our players can access them. The primary tools we look for are personal limits like deposit, loss and wager limits, which players can choose from daily, weekly or even monthly periods. We also check that there is a way to control session limits, cooling-off periods, reality checks, and ways to self-exclude from a casino.
User-friendly Interface
This is another area we investigate. We all know how annoying it can be if the site’s designers have created a casino that is hard to navigate and use. We look at the theme and its user-friendliness on various devices like a mobile phone or tablet. We also include our thoughts on the layout and its usability.
Promotions
Promotions are the main reason many players choose to join gambling sites. So we look at what bonuses are offered, from welcome bonuses, cashback offers, a VIP or loyalty program and reload bonuses. We are looking for attractive promotional offers with achievable wagering that are fair and don’t have unfriendly terms.
Future Changes
The last element we inspect is whether there are any changes in the pipeline. This could include the addition of a live casino lobby if there isn’t one, or perhaps they are expanding to social media. We are looking for casinos constantly looking for ways to improve your experience.
How To Find The Safest Casinos in NZ
When looking for the safest online casinos in New Zealand, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure a secure and trustworthy gambling experience.
Licensing and Regulation
Start by checking if the online casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. In New Zealand, look for casinos with licences from the New Zealand Gambling Commission or other respected regulatory bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
Security Measures
Ensure the online casino implements strict security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Look for SSL encryption technology, which ensures your data is encrypted and cannot be accessed by unauthorised parties.
Independent Auditing
Reliable online casinos often undergo regular audits by independent third-party organisations such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). These audits ensure fair gameplay and verify that the casino operates with integrity.
Reputation and Reviews
Research the online casino’s reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from other players. Look for feedback regarding their security practices, customer support, and overall user experience. Reliable casino review websites can provide valuable insights.
Game Selection and Software Providers
Check the casino’s game selection and the software providers they collaborate with. Reputable online casinos partner with well-known and trustworthy software developers, such as Games Global (formerly Microgaming), NetEnt, or Playtech. A diverse range of games indicates a more established and reliable casino.
Payment Options
Ensure the online casino offers secure and reliable payment options for deposits and withdrawals. Find reputable payment providers like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal or other e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill.
Responsible Gambling Measures
Trustworthy online casinos prioritise responsible gambling. Look for features like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to responsible gambling resources.
Customer Support
A reliable online casino will provide responsive customer support to assist you with inquiries or concerns. Check if they offer multiple support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone, and ensure their customer support team is knowledgeable and helpful.
How Can You Determine If An Online Casino Is Safe Or Not?
To determine whether an online casino is safe or not, consider watching out for the following 5 points:
- Pokie payout rates – High payout rates that are too good to be true are a sign that casinos are not safe.
- Legitimate Websites – Ensure that the website is legitimate. Legitimate online casino will be licensed by a reputable commission and tested by an independent regulator.
- One-Click Top-Ups – No safe online casino will make it too easy to top up your credits. Easy credit top up will lead to rapid and significant financial loss.
- Risks of Gambling Alone – A safe online casino will implement and promote responsible gambling practice. They will not encourage you to play for hours without a break that would lead to isolation and loss of time.
- Secure Credit Details – Safe online casino will offer a secure connection for transfers, they will use an SSL certificate. You need to look for https in the url and a locked padlock icon in the url bar. If a casino uses these things they are secure.
How Are Safe Online Casinos Monitored?
Third-party regulators are in charge of monitoring and inspecting the casino’s operations. This includes security measures, game fairness, and implementation of responsible gambling practices.
Casino Regulators
The Malta Gaming Authority and the Curacao Gaming licence are the primary casino regulators licensing New Zealand casinos. The Malta licence is far superior, offering Kiwis a safer site. The regulators have strict conditions the casinos must meet to obtain a licence, and they will have regular inspections.
Casino Auditors
A casino auditor’s role is to check that all players’ financial details are protected and that there are no discrepancies with their financial transaction reporting. The other auditors vital to an online casino’s success are those who monitor the games for fairness. They check the games, mainly the pokies, for complete transparency and that they are provably fair.
They do this by testing the Random Number Generators (RNGs), which all the top reputable software providers include in their pokies. Each spin must be completely random from the next, and the machine must also be impossible to rig.
Logos To Pay Attention To
When you open up a Kiwi website, you will often see some logos on the home page and may need to figure out who they are. If you click on these on some sites, they will take you to the logos company website, while others don’t have that option. However, the logos that adds extra credibility to an online casino is eCogra, an external regulatory body that checks the game’s RNGs and is the top audit regulator in the business.
Others to look for include the licensing authority’s name, which further authenticates the site’s legitimacy, like the MGA or Curacao licensing logos.
Licensing Requirements
There are stringent requirements for online casinos to obtain a casino licence, as follows:
The company must have a permanent base in the country of registration with actual employees, a bank account and a registered office.
- A fully detailed business plan
- Description of the services that they will offer, including the type of games
- RNG certificates to prove the fairness of the casino games they will provide.
- The RTP of the games
- An AML-CFT policy to ensure the casino complies with anti-money laundering regulations and acts of terrorism.
Reasons To Play At Safe Casinos
There are several compelling reasons to play at safe online casinos. Here are some of the key benefits.
Security and Protection
Safe online casinos prioritise the security and protection of their players’ personal and financial information. They employ advanced encryption technologies to ensure that sensitive data is transmitted securely and unauthorised individuals cannot access it. Playing at a safe online casino reduces the risk of identity theft, fraud, and other online security threats.
Fairness and Trustworthiness
Safe online casinos operate with integrity and fairness. They use certified random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that game outcomes are entirely random and not manipulated. Independent testing agencies often audit these casinos to verify the fairness of their games. As a player, you can have confidence that the games are not rigged and that you have a genuine chance of winning.
Reliable Payouts
Safe online casinos provide reliable and timely payouts. They have transparent policies and procedures for processing withdrawals, ensuring you receive your winnings promptly. Additionally, reputable casinos typically offer various trusted payment options, giving you flexibility in choosing the method that suits you best.
Game Selection and Quality
Safe online casinos collaborate with reputable software providers to offer a wide range of high-quality games. These casinos often have extensive libraries, including popular slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. Playing at a safe casino ensures a diverse and engaging gaming experience with smooth gameplay and attractive graphics.
Bonuses and Promotions
Safe online casinos often provide attractive bonuses and promotions to reward both new and existing players. These bonuses can include welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback offers, loyalty programs, and more. By playing at a safe casino, you can confidently take advantage of these promotions, knowing that the terms and conditions are fair and transparent.
Responsible Gambling Support
Safe online casinos prioritise responsible gambling and provide resources to help players control their gambling activities. They may offer deposit limits, self-exclusion options, cooling-off periods, and links to support organisations. If you ever need assistance or want to set limits on gambling, a safe casino will support you.
Reliable Customer Support
Safe online casinos value their players and offer reliable customer support. They have responsive support teams available through multiple channels, such as live chat, email, and phone. Whether you have questions about the games, need assistance with your account, or have any concerns, you can expect prompt and helpful support from a safe casino.
Did you know? Random number generators are regularly audited by independent testing agencies like eCOGRA to ensure they are fair.
How to Set Up Account at Safe Casino?
Once you have decided on your casino, setting up an account is a straighforward process that will only take a few minutes of your time, as detailed below:
- Head to one of our Safe Casino websites and click on the button which typically says “Join Now” or “Register” to start the registration process.
- Input all your details, like email, personal details, phone number and anything else as requested by the casino.
- Before you submit your details, you must agree to the site’s terms and conditions and confirm you are of legal age to gamble.
- Once registered, you usually have to click on an email or input a code sent to your mobile to finalise the registration process.
- You are now ready to play, can claim welcome bonuses, and make your first deposit.
Tips on Staying Safe And Responsible Whilst Gambling
Gambling should always be fun, and when it stops being fun, it can cause problems. Here are our top tips on how to stay safe and gamble responsibly:
- Set a cash budget and stick to it. If you don’t win, don’t redeposit more cash.
- Walk away after a loss, and do not chase a losing bet.
- Set limits on the amount of time you spend online gambling
- Do not take drugs or alcohol and combine it with gambling.
- Treat gambling as an expense and factor it into your monthly expenditure.
How To Report a Casino
Suppose you have had a bad experience with an online casino operator or have tried to contact support but need help to resolve the issue. In that case, your next step is to report them. First, find out which regulatory body licenses the site. You must check that you haven’t broken any terms before reporting and provide sufficient evidence of wrongdoing.
The main reason for customers reporting a site is the withholding of winnings. It takes a lot of work, but if you explain why you feel you were unfairly treated, lay out the reason and include the relevant terms to the body proving your case.
Summary of Safest Online Casinos
While there are unreliable online casinos out there, it isn’t too difficult to find ones that are safe and that you can trust. The experts at Betkiwi have made it our mission to provide accurate and unbiased reviews to help you find the best gambling site. You can also go through the different factors we mentioned in this article, such as licensing and independent auditing, if you want to use an online casino that isn’t mentioned on our list.
FAQs about Best Safe Online Casinos
If you still need information on finding and verifying the best safe online casinos, check out our list of frequently asked questions below.
How can I determine if an online casino is safe?
Look for licences from reputable regulatory bodies like the New Zealand Gambling Commission or other respected authorities. Check for SSL encryption technology, independent audits, and positive reviews from other players.
Are my personal and financial details secure at online casinos?
Safe online casinos use advanced encryption technologies like SSL to protect personal and financial information. This ensures that your data remains confidential and cannot be accessed by third parties.
What should I consider when choosing a payment method at online casinos?
Opt for trusted banking options like credit cards, e-wallets, or reputable payment processors. These methods offer added layers of security and may provide buyer protection in case of any issues.
Can I trust online casino bonuses and promotions?
Safe online casinos offer bonuses and promotions with transparent terms and conditions. Read through the terms to understand any wagering requirements or restrictions associated with the bonuses.
Wayne has been writing about iGaming news and sites for several years, with a particular focus on New Zealand casinos. His background includes being an English teacher, and a professionally-published writer/editor for over ten years.
