Best Online Casinos NZ 2023

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 online casinos in NZ. We have covered the best casinos, how we choose them, safety, popular games, bonuses and payment methods available.

How Did We Choose The Best NZ Casinos?

To choose the best NZ casinos, we follow detailed, strict and honest rating guidelines. Our rating guideline 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 casino specialties. The game library should include various games, including pokies and table games. The games need to be powered by secure game providers that use RNG software

Bonuses and Offers

Bonuses and Offers refer to the promotional incentives provided by online casinos to attract and retain players, including welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback, and deposit rewards. We look at each bonus and promotion, their terms and conditions, the type of bonuses the casino offers and if they are transparent and clear.

Safety and Security

Safety and Security refer to the measures and protocols implemented by online casinos to protect players’ personal and financial information from unauthorized access, breaches, and fraud. We research if online casinos have licences and security protocols, such as 128-bit SSL encryption. This type of encryption protects personal and financial information and is a must at any online casino.

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 speed, safety, and limits. We look at the banking options offered to our New Zealand players and if 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 to address players’ inquiries, issues, or concerns. We look at how you can contact customer support, when it is available, and how quickly they give assistance.

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. We ensure the mobile casino offers the same gameplay experience with an easy-to-use interface.

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 it offers a decent payout rate to players.

Licences and Reputation

Licences and Reputation refer 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.

Company’s Legal Background

Company’s Legal Background refers to the official records, legal standing, and historical legal activities related to a casino’s owning or operating entity. We examine the background of the casino, by considering who owns the online casino, the operator’s reputation, when the casino was formed, whether they are audited regularly and other such aspects.

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 Casino Licence
3. Check Bonus Requirements
4. Click the “Join Now” or “Register” button
5. Make a Deposit
6. Withdraw Your Winnings

Online Casinos by Category

Online Casinos by Category refers to the classification of online casino platforms based on distinct characteristics – game variety, bonuses, software providers, or user experience. Below we have provided 9 online casino categories:

Mobile Casinos

Mobile Casinos are online casino platforms specifically optimized or designed for mobile devices. They allow you to play in a casino from your mobile device, for example tablet or smartphone, directly from your mobile browser or a mobile app.

Fast Payout Online Casino

Fast Payout Online Casino refers to an online casino platform that processes withdrawals swiftly, ensuring players receive their winnings with minimal delay. These casinos can be under 1 hour or same-day payout casinos.

Minimum Deposit Casinos

Minimum Deposit Casinos refer to online casino platforms that allow players to start betting or playing with a specific low initial deposit. These deposits wager between NZ$1 to NZ$10

Crypto Casinos

Crypto Casinos are online casino platforms that accept cryptocurrency as a method of deposit and withdrawal, offering players an anonymous betting 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, withdrawals, and gameplay. In these casinos players don’t need to worry about dealing with exchange rates.

Casinos With Best Payouts

Casinos With Best Payouts are online casino platforms known for offering players higher return-to-player (RTP) percentages, ensuring that 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, ensuring that players from regions where the casino is restricted are able to play.

Safe Online Casinos

Safe Online Casinos are online casinos 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.

Under 1 Hour Withdrawal Casinos

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

Casino Game Selection

Casino Games Selection refers to the variety and range of games offered by an online casino, including games as slots, table games, live dealer games, and others. Here are all the games you can enjoy:

Poker

Poker is a card game that combines gambling, strategy, and skill, with players wagering over which hand is best according to game’s rules. Popular variants include – Caribbean Stud Poker, Three-Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. If you enjoy progressive jackpot bets, then choose Caribbean Stud, choose Three-Card Poker for a fast-paced game, or if you want to compete against the dealer, then choose Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

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 that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21.

Baccarat

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

Jackpots

Jackpots refer to large cash prizes or payouts that can be won in casino games. Pokies are part of jackpot networks, offering prizes worth millions. The odds of winning the jackpot are one in a million.

Online Pokies & Slots

Online pokies and slots are digital versions of traditional slot machines, available at online casinos for players to enjoy a variety of themes and bonus features. These games feature exciting free spins, bonus games and mechanics, like Hold & Win and Megaways.

Play Free Pokies

Play free pokies to enjoy the excitement of slots without the risk, sampling a variety of games and features at no cost. If you’re looking to practice or enjoy the game, free pokies are a perfect choice.

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 bonus grants players a start an online casino without making a 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. No deposit bonuses can be used in various games, from pokies to table games. No deposit bonuses have stricter requirements than other casino bonuses.

VIP Offers

VIP offers reward loyal players with exclusive benefits and services. To access VIP offers, consistently play and engage with the casino’s services. VIP offers include cashback offers, free spins, weekly deposit bonuses, and several other perks. To join the VIP club, players must climb through the ranks or receive an invitation 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, you’ll receive NZ$10 back in free bets or other casino bonuses once you’ve used your money.

Bonus Code Offer

Bonus code offers in online casinos are promotions that require players to enter a specific code to unlock a bonus. Bonus codes are used for special offers or targeting specific players only.

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 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 most reputable gambling commissions include the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

Payment Methods in NZ Casinos

Payment methods at New Zealand casinos enable deposits and withdrawals in online gambling platforms. If you’re playing at an online casino in NZ, you can find many highly secure and fast payment methods, ranging from debit cards to crypto. Here are the most common methods you’ll find:

Tips & Tricks for Playing Online Casino Games in NZ

Tips and tricks for playing online casino games in New Zealand include 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.

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.

A gambling site needs to adhere to regulations regarding gameplay, licensing, and responsible gaming.

Fairness of Gameplay

Fairness in gameplay at online casinos means that all players have an equal chance of winning, and outcomes are not manipulated. Top software providers employ Random Number Generators to ensure random and fair results. Software providers are audited regularly to ensure this maintains the standard across their games.

Personal Data Protection

Personal data protection at online casinos is critical to safeguard players’ personal and financial information. A reputable online casino will use security measures like SSL encryption to secure personal data. Always check and read the privacy policy to see how or if the online casino shares your information.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling ensures safe play by minimizing gambling risks. There needs to be a separate section that is easy to locate that can offer external links to help, a self-assessment test, ways to limit your account and a self-exclusion option.

Complaints and Licence Enforcement

Complaints and Licence Enforcement refer to 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 actions if necessary.

Minimum Age to Gamble at Online Casinos in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the legal gambling age at land-based casinos is 20. For online casinos, individuals must be 18 or older. Upon registration and before the first withdrawal, online casinos verify players’ ages as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

Online vs Land-Based Casinos

Online casinos offer a wider selection of games than land-based counterparts. This allows them to add new games and offer tables with various minimum and maximum limits. Online casinos are unique and players can claim bonuses and promotions. The primary advantage of an online casino lies in its convenience — there’s no need to travel to participate.

Land-based casinos have a special and unique feel, with a social aspect that is hard to replicate at an online casino. Despite the rise of online platforms, land-based casinos continue to attract those who prefer the experience of gaming in person.

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 entertaining experience. They offer over 2100 casino games and 150 table games.

Casino Hamilton

SkyCity in Hamilton offers over 330 gaming machines and 23 table games with thrills and spills for every player.

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. Slot machine 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, you can earn and redeem rewards for the ultimate gaming experience.

You can find the closest land-based casino to you by searching on the map.

NZ Online Casinos Key Facts

We’ve compiled the key facts about online casinos below:

1. Players who wish to play at an online casino in NZ must be 20 or over.
2. Casinos operating in NZ don’t have to be licensed, it’s recommended you pick a licensed casino.
3. Before you play at an online casino, you 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 new players and regulars.
6. Online casinos give players the chance to try out games for free with the demo mode before playing with real money.
7. Before playing with real money, you have to make a deposit using a payment method.
8. Most online casinos allow you to withdraw your winnings with the same method used for deposits.
9. The iGaming industry is expected to increase by around 10% annually.
10. The top five gambling countries are the USA, Canada, the UK, Japan, and New Zealand.
11. Men make up 82.4% of the online gambling population, while women make up 17.6%.
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 your home. You can also play on the go with your mobile device with optimised online casinos. However, when choosing an online casino, there are factors 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 where you can play, claim amazing bonuses and more. Check out our list of online casinos and read our reviews to make sure it is a casino you want to become a member of.

Online Casino Refrences

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