🏆 Best Online Casinos in New Zealand by Category
What makes an online casino the "best"? Our criteria identify gambling sites that stand out from the rest as they offer something either truly unique or rather beneficial to you as a Kiwi player at the expense of the casinos' bottom line. There is no truly just one brand that stands out in the NZ market but five platforms based on their unique selling points which have been tested and reviewed by us.
1️⃣ Lucky Elektra: Best Online Casino in New Zealand
Lucky Elecktra is the best online casino NZ both for its product offering and also its' favourable terms. I received 15% cashback on every deposit, optional 200 free spins, instant crypto banking, 3000+ pokies, tournaments, live casino, multi-channel customer support and also sports betting. This operator boasts market leading software houses like iSoftbet, Play’n GO, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger Gaming and Spinomenal. Let go the optional free spins (35x wagering) as I did and you need not look at another brand for good while.
Lucky Elektra is also licensed and regulated by the Curacao Gaming Authority (8048/JAZ151791), while the site is secured by 128-bit SSL encryption. The latter helps to secure our deposits and withdrawals, which can be made using debit and credit cards, E-wallets and even selected cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin).
Pros | Cons |
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✅ More than 3,000 slot games | ❌ There’s a lack of no-deposit bonuses |
✅ 15% Cashback on Deposits | |
✅ Instant Crypto Banking | |
Read my Lucky Elecktra review for more insights.
2️⃣ Betandplay: Best New Online Casino NZ
What makes BetandPlay one of the best online casino NZ is its fast payouts which were instant when I withdrew funds using e-wallets and crypto. Complementing instant payouts is their downloadable app which enhances the overall gaming experience boasting sublime performance when I was playing their plentiful jackpot pokies. In terms of online casino games, you’ll also find over 5,500 titles available. There are around 159 table games too, and one of the largest live casino platforms in the NZ marketplace by far. Betandplay is also a relatively newly licensed online casino (8048/JAZ2020-013) in New Zealand, having been launched by the Dama NV. brand on 17 October 2022.
Pros | Cons |
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✅ Welcome offer of $2,500 across your first four deposits | ❌ High wagering requirement for the welcome bonus |
✅ More than 5,500 casino games | |
✅ One of the biggest live casino platforms in NZ | |
My Betandplay review gives more information about all the serivces provided.
3️⃣ Betkwiff: Top Online Casino with No Wagering Bonus
Betkwiff is one of the best casino online NZ for its no wagering bonus. I received 100 free spins with no wagering requirements on the popular pokie Big Bass Bonanza after depositing $10 which is rare in this industry. Furthermore this is a fully fledged gambling operator offering live casino games, mega jackpots, regular promotions for existing clients, diverse banking options and helpful customer support of which I made use of when I had an issue uploading my proof of address after a recent relocation.
Betkwiff is one of my most trusted Kiwi casino on our list as it has a verifiable gambling license from the UKGC (44448).
It also combines an impressive sportsbook with a stacked casino library currently home to more than 1,500 titles. These games are provided by my favourite development teams like Netent, Play’n GO, Microgaming, Yggdrasil and Evolution Gaming.
In terms of banking methods, I tested their services by depositing and withdrawing using EcoPayz, MasterCard, PayPal and Visa, while you can also access your winnings via bank transfer which personally I wouldn't recommend as it takes far too long.
Pros | Cons |
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✅ 100 free spins on the slot game Big Bass Bonanza | ❌ Lack of payment methods |
✅ Games from Microgaming and Netent | |
✅ Fast pay-outs | |
Read my Betkwiff Casino review to learn more about all the aspects of this brand.
4️⃣ Letslucky: Best Multi Deposit Bonuses for Kiwis
Letslucky excels in its deposit bonuses. It matched my first deposit by 150% up to the value of $750 and gave me 100 free spins on Gates of Olympus. It also matched my second, third, and fourth deposits by 100%, 50% and 25% respectively, creating a cumulative welcome package that’s worth $4,000 and 300 free spins. Trending banking methods is another factor favouring this brand as I could deposit and withdraw with more than 20 payments, including crypto options such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum.
Frequent wagering opened Letslucky’s seven-tier loyalty programme, which unlocks tailored and scalable rewards, which depended on my level of engagement.
LetsLucky was launched in 2022 with a Curacao Gaming Licence (8048/JAZ2019-015).
Pros | Cons |
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✅ A $4,000 welcome offer across your first four deposits | ❌ No sports betting available |
✅ More than 20 different fiat and crypto payment methods | |
✅ Seven-tier loyalty programme | |
For more insights, check my Letslucky Casino review.
5️⃣ Boom Casino: Best Casino Online NZ for Pokies
There’s plenty I recommend of this casino, namely its cash back program, instant pokie bonus rounds feature, Pragmatic Play powered live casino platform and also sports betting. The games portfolio is equally impressive boasting more than 2,000 titles - both cent and high roller games. The site is also home to exclusive NZ pokies like my personal favourite Big Boom Riches by Microgaming and plenty of scratch and table games for those who fancy a bit of variety.
I also claimed 250 free spins on Gates of Olympus as part of the Boom Casino welcome offer, which also matched my first deposit by 100% up to $500.
Boom Casino launched on January 20th, 2020 and holds a reputable licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (2108018).
Pros | Cons |
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✅ More than 2,000 slot titles | ❌ A Limited Number of Payment Methods |
✅ Exclusive NZ pokies such as Big Boom Riches | |
✅ Generous welcome offer up to $500 | |
For more information check my Boom Casino review .
6️⃣ Casino Days: Classic NZ Casino
5000+ pokies, 100 free spins, fast withdrawals, vip cashbacks and the leading software developers from around the globe makes this gambling site one of the best NZ casino online. I played all the legendary casino games that stood the test of time. These ranged from classic table games, live casino version of Monopoly and best of all, Buffalo Jackpot pokies.
I claimed my 100 free spins on Book of Dead when you register for an account and make your first deposit of just $10 as well being able to grab up to $1000 in bonus credit as they matched my deposit by 100%.
Casino Days opened its doors on 1 January 2020 under the banner of its parent company White Star B.V. The company is licensed under Curacao Gaming Licence (8048/JAZ2021-089) and is known for offering one of the best selections of games in the NZ marketplace.
Pros | Cons |
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✅ A diverse game library with 2,000 titles | ❌ No mobile app |
✅ Popular drop and win slots like Sweet Bonanza | |
✅ More than 100 live casino games | |
Read my Casino Days review for further insights.
7️⃣ LegendPlay: Fastest Crypto Gambling Site
LegendPlay is my go to online casino NZ for their payment methods such as Apple Pay, Revolut, and Visa, I also deposited and withdrew using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Tether, and USDC. The site boasts rapid pay-out times, my crypto withdrawals were completed in a matter of minutes which is truly impressive.
Like many of its NZ rivals, LegendPlay has a Curacao Gaming Licence (8048/JAZ) and offers a plentiful welcome bonus that matches your first three deposits up to the value of $1,000. There are plenty of bonuses for existing players too, including Cash Drop Wednesdays and a weekly reload offer providing 50 free spins.
A truly trailblazing online casino in NZ, LegendPlay was launched in 2022 by Rabidi NV. Despite this, it’s already one of the market-leading operators in New Zealand.
Pros | Cons |
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✅ Offers access to multiple cryptocurrencies | ❌ Welcome bonus not available by Skrill or Neteller deposits |
✅ $1,000 welcome bonus across three deposits | |
✅ Lots of recurring bonuses for existing players | |
Check my LegendPlay review for all the serivdes provided by this brand.
8️⃣ Wheelz Casino: Safest NZ Online Casino
Fronted by David Hasselhoff, Wheelz is a unique gambling site peppered with daily rewards on top of a slick casino product offering. I was pampered with their propriety "Wheel of Spinz" mini game and their "Extra Wheel" feature that kept popping at random moments during my time testing the platform. Rewards varied from free spins to cash back and bonus money.
Wheelz Casino arguably has a competitive advantage from a licensing and payment security perspective, as it has been accredited by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/599/2018). Furthermore the website is PCI DSS compliant therefore it guarantees the secure handling of ones credit card data Since its launch in 2021, Wheelz Casino has become renowned for its top-tier customer support, which is incredibly responsive and helpful. You can contact the team’s agents 24/7 through interactive live chat and e-mail.
While the range of payment methods is not to my liking, the most popular methods in NZ are available such as EcoPayz, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, MasterCard, Paysafe, and POLi. The minimum deposit limit is accessible at just $10.
From a bonus perspective, I earned 20 no-deposit free spins just for registering as a new customer! The brand also matched my first deposit by 100% up to $300 and award me a further 100 free spins.
Pros | Cons |
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✅ Highly responsive and accessible customer service | ❌ There are casinos with lower minimum deposits |
✅ 20 no-deposit free spins | |
✅ Diverse selection of payment methods | |
For further details, read my Wheelz Casino review.
9️⃣ Caxino Casino: Top Paying Online Casino NZ
Caxino Casino is a straight to the point, 360 degree fully fledged online casino in New Zealand. It boasts the highest payout rate with an average of 98.1 % making it the best online casino in NZ that payout. Here I played mostly the latest pokies along with classic hits. Jackpot games include the standard, pooled and my favourite "networked" variant, as well as live casino games from both Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. This diverse offering from just one brand saves time and effort of signing up to multiple operators as I found all that I was looking for here at Caxino.
I avoided the welcome offer of 100% deposit match up to $200, and 100 free spins on slots including Book of Tut, Piggy Riches Megaways, and Razor Shark as it features a 35x wagering requirement which is on the high side. Nonetheless, this didn't negatively effect my gaming experience since there was no wagering to worry about.
This operator is also licensed by the reputable Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/599/2018). This brand was launched in 2020 and has more than earned its reputation as one of the 10 top online casinos in New Zealand amongst my team.
Pros | Cons |
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✅ Easy and accessible pay-outs | ❌ Relatively few payment methods |
✅ Deposit and play for as little as $1 | |
✅ Over 1,200 games | |
Learn more, in my Caxino Casino review.
🔟 Neon Vegas: Highest Deposit Match Bonus for NZ Players Only
I recommend Neon Vegas Casino for those seeking a high 500% deposit match up bonus with fair wagering requirements. For testing purposes I deposited $100 and played with $500 in return. The wagering requirement of only 20x the total bonus value is what makes Neon Vegas a unique NZ online casino.
I also found a diverse selection of games available at NeonVegas Casino platform, with an outstanding live casino powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. My favourite payment methods (crypto) are missing from this platform but convenient e-wallets like Interac, Neteller, Skrill, and Sofort are present.
Last but not least is another brand that has been licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/203/2011).
Pros | Cons |
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✅ Huge welcome offer and 500% deposit match | ❌ Minimal VIP offering |
✅ Highly competitive wagering requirements | |
✅ Excellent selection of e-wallets | |
Go read my Neon Vegas review for more insights.
✔️ Criteria we Established for Choosing a Top NZ Online Casino
At Online Casino New Zealand, we have many years of collective experience working within the iGaming market. As a result, we know how to evaluate, categorise and rank casino platforms, enabling you to enjoy a safe and fulfilling experience no matter what site you select.
I also introduced a range of criteria to help my team analyse and compare online casinos in NZ, with these relating to everything from safety and security to verification and available payment options. Here’s a summary of each ranking metric.
📌 Gambling Licences & Regulation
To operate as a reputable online casino in NZ, operators must hold valid and active gambling licenses from one of the following regulatory bodies:
- Curaçao eGaming Authority
- UK Gambling Commission
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
- Malta Gaming Authority
- Panama Gaming Control Board
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
Typically, my research shows that NZ online casino platforms are licensed by Curacao eGaming, the Malta Gaming Authority, or the UK Gambling Commission, which are among the most trusted regulators in the world. Licensed gambling operators by the MGA and the UK Gambling Commission are required to display their licensing number and credentials prominently on their sites, with a verifiable link to their record. Our choice of brands featured on this website have verifiable links confirming the status of the licence per respective brand.
📌 Stalwart Reputation
In addition to reputable licensing, the best NZ casino brands should also have a stellar reputation and be trusted by players. This is why established brands have an advantage over newer casinos that lack longevity or proven ability to deliver an outstanding iGaming experience. I regularly monitor customer complaints filed to regulatory bodies to keep record and track issues that arise from time to time and how they were eventually resolved or ended up in a fine against an online casino. These factors impact the visibility of operators on our site, thus ensuring we only promote brands enjoying a high standing amongst players from New Zealand.
📌 Legality & Legitimacy
New Zealanders are allowed to gamble at offshore casinos that are licensed by reputable bodies. Our job is to ensure that every casino we recommend meets that criterion.
📌 Payout Rate (Return to Player)
The payout rate describes how much you can expect to recoup for every NZ$1 staked on a particular game. As operators are compelled to publish this data, it’s also possible to calculate a casino’s average pay-out rate and how this breaks down across different verticals and markets. I typically game at brands with certified high payout rates unless for review purposes.
An RTP rate above 97% is considered to be exceptional, while the average online casino boasts an average return of 96.70%. Anything below 94% does not measure up to the industry standard, and casinos with this level of return won’t be recommended on my site.
📌 Safety and Security
Player safety is another key metric, so all of our recommended casinos will boast 128-bit SSL encryption as a minimum standard. You can also confirm a site’s SSL details yourself, simply by clicking on the URL padlock when you enter the site into your browser.
While we don’t recommend sites that fail to protect their sites with SSL encryption, some offshore operators may still market themselves without installing the requisite security software. Such casinos are likely to be rogue operators, and should be avoided at all costs. Another safety factor I look out for is the verifiable seal of PCI DSS compliance as it ensures the safe storage of banking information pertaining to the brands clients thus minimising the risk of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.
📌 Independent Audit Verification
In order for sites to guarantee their offering as being fair and transparent, online casinos are required to engage in independent testing with approved, third-party organisations. These entities test and verify the games and software used on a site, guaranteeing their fairness from the perspective of players. Prominent testing agencies we look out for include:
- eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance)
- Imtech Labs
- TST (Technical Systems Testing)
- GLI (Gaming Laboratories International)
📌 Payment Methods and Transaction Speed
When wagering for real money, you need to ensure that your preferred site uses proven and secure banking options. Most of our recommended online casinos enable you to wager using a combination of fiat and crypto payment methods, with the following considered to be the most popular among players:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Neteller
- EcoPayz
- POLi
- Paysafecard
- Cryptocurrencies
🥇 Top 10 Online Casinos NZ – September 2024
There’s a raft of new and exciting online casino platforms to choose from in NZ every month. Each of these operators has their own unique selling points, and all of our recommendations are safe to bet with, boasting licensing from reputable offshore regulators.
Below, we'll highlight the top 10 new and exciting online casino NZ platforms for 2024.
🔎 Finding the Best Online Casino in New Zealand
- Games: You should consider the available games library at a casino platform, both in terms of its size and diversity. You should review titles across all of your favourite casino verticals too, while checking out their respective payout rates and the relevant house edge.
- Software: It’s also important to consider which developers supply software to the top 10 online casinos. Usually, the sites that feature the most diverse programming offer the best iGaming experience, especially if they feature games from trusted brands. For example, Lucky Elektra features games from 53 providers including iSoftbet, Play’n GO and Playtech.
- Banking: You’ll most likely have one or more preferred payment methods when wagering online, so make sure that these are available at your chosen casino. Also, check to see if any transaction fees are charged by the brand (especially to withdrawals above a specific amount), payout times and if any bonus restrictions apply.
- Promotions: The best online casinos will regularly change the structure of their promotions and associated T&Cs. So, it’s important to check out each site and review their full range of offers for new and existing players, while analysing key conditions such as wagering requirements, game weighting and minimum deposit limits.
- Loyalty Rewards: If you’re a high roller or someone who wagers on a frequent basis, you should also see which sites offer loyalty or VIP schemes. These are usually tiered and include bespoke bonus offers, while they’ll all have different opt-in levels that will need to be considered.
- Reputation: Brand reputation is also important, although it’s up to you how much weight you put on this metric. Obviously, new online casinos lack the longevity and reputation of established brands, but they may still be excellent platforms that have received overwhelmingly positive reviews online.
- Terms and Conditions: I’ve already touched on the importance of T&Cs, which apply to everything from specific bonuses and privacy rights to third party information sharing and banking procedures. While these don’t relate directly to your online experience in NZ, they can impact your safety and effective bankroll management.
🤝🏻 Joining an Online Casino NZ
Once you’ve made your choice of online casino in New Zealand, the question that remains is how do you get started? Here’s how I signed up and played online casino games at Lucky Elektra (which is our top site for September &year) as an example!
- Join Your Chosen Casino: Firstly, you’ll need to navigate to your chosen casino and register. At Lucky Elektra, I clicked the ‘JOIN NOW!’ button in the top right-hand corner of the homepage.
- Claim Bonus and Register: At Lucky Elektra, the next step is to claim your choice of welcome offer. Then, I gave a verifiable e-mail address and secure password, while confirming my phone number. I was then prompted to provide my name, DOB which helped the site to verify my identity and legal age.
- Confirm Your Currency and Address: On the next page, I gave my physical address and preferred currency before hitting the ‘Complete’ button. Of course, this process will vary from one site to another, but you’ll have to provide significant amounts of personal data to complete any signup process.
- Credit Your Account: My identity was verified automatically, and was immediately transferred to the cashier page. Here, I chose my preferred payment method and deposit amount, while ensuring that this meets the site minimum and any relevant bonus terms.
- Start Playing!: Deposits and bonus balances show immediately, enabling me to begin playing. Simply browse the available verticals and choose your preferred game to get started!
🎮 Pros and Cons of an Online Casino
Although there are plenty of good reasons for you to play online casino games in NZ, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Here’s my comprehensive summary of the main pros and cons when gambling online in New Zealand In accumulated over the years both as a player and a reviewer!
✅ Pros
✅ You can wager at offshore casinos in NZ, affording you access to a broad choice of reputable and licensed operators.
✅ The top 10 online casinos all offer a diverse range of payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.
✅ Online casinos in New Zealand offer generous welcome bonuses, which is rarely the case at land-based establishments.
✅ Existing players can also participate in tiered loyalty schemes, which unlock personalised rewards and more generous withdrawal limits.
✅ Online casinos in NZ use HTML5 software, which makes them accessible seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices.
✅ The top 10 online casinos in NZ also offer a diverse range of verticals, including bingo, sports betting and even lottery games like Keno.
❌ Cons
❌ Offshore brands may also be unlicensed and unreliable.
❌ Online casinos in NZ lack social interaction.
❌ While you can set daily, weekly and month deposit limits online, this type of responsible gambling tool is not available offline.
📝 Our Online Casino New Zealand Guides
My team and I wrote a number of comprehensive online casino guides in order to help you to navigate the marketplace and make informed selections. You can browse each one of these below.
💲 Highest Payout Online Casinos
Casinos in NZ publish RTP rates (return to player) for the games that they offer. This means that you can calculate the average payout rate for specific sites, with some offering a better rate of return than others. Below, you’ll find the table of brands featured from our top paying online casinos NZ page.
⏩ Fastest Payout Casinos
NZ casinos benefit from a diverse selection of instant fiat and crypto payment methods. These include accessible banking options like Skrill, Neteller, EcoPayz and Bitcoin. See the operators in the table below I sourced from our fast payout online casinos page.
Fastest Payout Online Casinos | Payout Time | Fastest Payout Method |
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| 24-72 hours | Skrill, Neteller |
| Near Instant | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash |
| 24-72 hours | Skrill, Neteller |
💵 Online Casinos for Real Money
NZ is home to a number of offshore gambling operators. I have compiled a list of brands we chose from our online casinos real money page.
Brand | Welcome Bonus | Payment Methods | Licensing |
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| 15% Cashback Up to $350 | Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller | 8048/JAZ151791 |
| Up to $1000 + 100 Bonus Spins | Interac, Visa, MasterCard, Visa vouchers, MasterCard vouchers | 8048/JAZ2021-089 |
| Up to $2000 | Visa, Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter | 8048/JAZ |
| 100 Bonus Spins | Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, EcoPayz, Astropay | 44448 |
🔒 Safe Online Casinos
While all of the casinos we recommend are licensed and regulated by reputable bodies, it is fair to say that some operators have superior security precautions than others through my research. Here is a summary pulled from my safest online casinos research page and the measures that they use to safeguard players.
Brand | Bonus | Security | License |
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| 100% up to $300 + 50 bonus spins | 128-bit SSL encryption, eCOGRA approved, KYC verification, BetBlocker approved | UKGC, Malta Gaming Authority |
| 100% up to $200 + 100 free spins | 128-bit SSL encryption, PCI + DSS compliance, account restriction tools | Malta Gaming Authority |
| 200% up to $50 + 88 free spins | 128-bit SSL encryption, responsible gambling service, GamCare and GamStop approved, industry compliant verification process | UKGC, Malta Gaming Authority |
| 100% up to $100 | 128-bit SSL encryption, eCOGRA approved, RNG certified, responsible gambling tools, GamCare approved | UKGC, Malta Gaming Authority |
🆕 New Online Casinos
New gambling sites join the NZ market every week. Here is my recommendation sourced from our new online casinos page you can join today.
💱 NZD Casinos
I found that the NZ online casino market is dominated by offshore brands, making me wager using multiple currencies. However, betting with New Zealand dollars helps you to negate any currency exchange fees, so here’s a selection from our NZD casinos guide.
Best Casinos with NZD | Welcome Bonus | Currency Options |
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| 100% up to $400 | NZD, Canadian Dollar, Euros, Norwegian Krone |
| 100% up to $1,100 and 375 Free Spins | NZD, Canadian Dollar, Indian Rupee, Norwegian Krone |
| 100% up to $300 | NZD, GBP, USD, Canadian Dollar |
| 100% up to $300 and 2500 Loyalty Points | NZD, Denmark Kroner, Brazilian Reals, USD |
🤵 VIP Casinos
Most of the best online casino brands in NZ now offer us loyalty or VIP programme in order to incentivise the high rollers in their user base. Make no mistake, high rollers contribute a disproportionate amount to an online casino’s revenue, so brands look to incentivise these individuals through personalised rewards. The following brands come from the VIP casino page I wrote.
Best VIP Casinos | High Roller Bonus | VIP Programme | Exclusive Benefits |
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| 50% up to $4500 | Tiered loyalty programme + high roller bonus | VIP promotions, increased withdrawal limits, personal account manager |
| None | Five-tier programme: Warrior, Ninja, Master, Hero, and Legend | VIP promotions and higher monthly withdrawal limits |
| None | Tiered loyalty programme | 20% cash back on weekly losses, exclusive offers, dedicated support team |
| None | Five-tier loyalty programme | 20% cash back every week, account manager, tailored bonuses |
📡 Live Online Casinos
Playing against a live dealer is extremely popular in NZ. These are our approved brands from my live online casinos page.
Best Live Casinos | Bonus | Live Games | Software |
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| 200% up to $4,000 & 40 free spins | Roulette Live, Baccarat, Russian Blackjack | Ezugi, Evolution Gaming |
| 100% up to $300 & 2,500 loyalty points | European Roulette, Classic Blackjack Gold Series, Live Casino Hold ’Em | Evolution Gaming, NetEnt |
| 100% up to $500 & 200 free spins | Wildz Roulette, Wildz Blackjack, Treasure Island | Evolution Gaming, NetEnt |
| 100% up to $200 & 100 free spins | High Limits Baccarat, Lightning Roulette, Dream Catcher | Evolution Gaming, NetEnt |
📱 Mobile Casinos
I also test casino entertainment from my phone. These are the best from my mobile casinos NZ research page below.
⬇️ Minimum Deposit Casinos
There are online casinos in NZ for all budgets, so if you are looking for minimum deposit casinos by denomination, check out our list below I personally tested.
🥇 Casinos with Sports Betting
If you want a casino that also lets you bet on rugby league, cricket, or even more sports, you will be able to find out more about our recomended brands sourced from our sports betting sites page.
🎁 Best NZ Casino Bonuses
An online casino bonus can present users with an additional credit or free spins, sometimes within the same offer. There is a myriad of bonuses that can be claimed from a casino’s selection of promotions and loyalty rewards. Here are a few of the main marketing concepts that I come across at NZ casinos:
- Promotions tend to be highlights of an optional service that the casino provides, for example, an invitation to be part of a slot tournament. Or they can indeed be limited rewards, for example, free spins on the Game of the Week.
- Bonuses are the rewards that are to be used on a game, the free credit, or the free spins. These are the offers that are there to help you experience the casino with a bit of assistance.
Now, let's take a look at some of the best bonuses I come across at NZ casinos:
✍️ Welcome (Sign-up) Bonuses
Let me start by looking at casino welcome bonuses, for which you can become eligible when you sign up at a new site and make a qualifying deposit. These usually follow a similar structure, such as offering 100% or 200% deposit match up to a specified value. They may also include a finite number of free spins.
Wondering which five picks are our best online casinos with welcome bonuses? Have a look at the table below.
🔠 Bonus and Promo Codes
When it comes to bonuses, sometimes I come across a casino promo code that you will have to enter in order to claim what is on offer. The code will always be highlighted and is usually to be entered when you complete your qualifying deposit.
🆓 Free Spin Bonuses
Free spin bonuses are popular with NZ casino players because they allow us to try out a popular slot game with a minimal deposit to unlock them. They may be included as part of a wider bonus structure that includes one or more deposit matches, but could also be marketed as stand-alone promotions or no-deposit offers. Casino free spins can be released in increments too. Here are the best casino platforms I found with free spins below.
⛔ No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are ones that can be claimed without you needing to deposit any money. Just complete the sign-up process and claim the bonus. This is a popular bonus because it gives you the chance to try out a site without you needing to commit by depositing your own cash. Here are some of the best no deposit bonus offers at NZ casinos:
🏧 Deposit Bonuses
Deposit bonuses simply describe offers that initially required me to credit my account with a qualifying deposit. Most of the top ten online casinos in NZ provide a number of deposit bonuses, from matched offers and reloads to those that simply unlock free spins or a cash reward.
If you’re a casual player, you may be interested in accessible bonuses that can be unlocked by minimal deposit amounts. Here are some examples to compare before you deposit your hard-earned cash:
♻️ Cash Back Bonuses
Losses do happen when playing at online casinos (I've had my fair share), and cash back bonuses are ones that will give you a chance to regain some of your losses in the shape of bonus money. Usually, you will be able to regain 10-20% of your weekly losses. Some of the best cash back bonus casinos include the following:
💳 Online Casino Payment Methods for NZ Players
I have already touched on some of the payment methods available through the top ten online casinos in New Zealand. These include everything from Visa and e-wallets to cryptocurrency tokens like Bitcoin. Below, you will find a comprehensive summary of the most widely used online casino payment methods and what you should expect when using them to deposit and withdraw.
🔹 Bitcoin Casinos
The number of crypto and Bitcoin casinos I am asked to review continues to surge. Popular sites include LegendPlay and Grand Rush Casino. There are several benefits to betting with Bitcoin, including the removal of transaction fees and rapid withdrawal speeds (often within 24 hours). The lack of personal data associated with BTC also makes it an anonymous payment method which is personally why I use it.
🔸 Visa Casinos
Visa debit is one of the most secure and convenient payment methods, as it links directly to your bank account. In NZ, I found that most offshore casinos also accept Visa credit cards. As a result, there’s a huge number of Visa casinos, which will enable you to both deposit and withdraw using your debit or credit card. Typically, withdrawals processed using Visa will completed within 72 hours.
🔹 PayPal Casinos
I know that PayPal casinos are somewhat rarer due to the high 25% charge on the value of each transaction the casino forks out. However they enable you to deposit and wager with one of the most convenient and widely used payment methods in the world. PayPal introduces 2FA in addition to 128-bit SSL encryption and allows you to access multiple debit and credit cards through a single interface. PayPal deposits will be processed instantly, while withdrawals through this method will typically be completed within 24 hours.
🔸 Mastercard Casinos
Mastercard casinos are also commonplace in NZ, with the vast majority of offshore sites accepting this trusted payment method. You can access Mastercard debit and credit cards, although through my testing I found that you’ll only be able to withdraw fund through the former. You can also access $1, $2 and $10 minimum deposit casinos when using Mastercard, making it an ideal payment method for casual players or newcomers.
🔹 MiFinity Casinos
MiFinity is an incredibly popular e-wallet in New Zealand, and one that allows you to send and receive funds globally. By playing at MiFinity casinos, you can also benefit from incredibly low transaction fees, while accessing more than 75 integrated payment solutions. MiFinity is becoming increasingly popular as more casinos start to accept this ideal banking option, which is suitable for both deposits and withdrawals.
🔸 Skrill Casinos
Like PayPal and MiFinity, Skrill can be used to connect and integrated multiple funding sources within a single wallet. This include debit and credit cards, with Skrill casinos enabling you to deposit and withdraw with one of the most convenient payment methods around. Skrill is also synonymous with minimal withdrawal fees, although I found that the terms of some welcome bonuses prohibited me from depositing with Skrill (possibly due to high costs to the casino).
🔹 EcoPayz Casinos
EcoPayz is another incredibly popular e-wallet. This simple global payment solution allows you to send, receive, and manage money in multiple currencies, including NZD. EcoPayz casinos let you use a payment method that’s completely free to access too, while I found that they also process withdrawals within 24-48 hours on average during testing. Deposits are also completed instantly at online NZ casinos.
🔸 Paysafe Casinos
Paysafe is a payment method that’s synonymous with responsible gambling. The main service works with a pre-paid, cash-based payment method built on vouchers. These are secured with a 16-digit PIN code which can only be used once and typically has a cash deposit limit of $40. Of course, you can not use this payment method to withdraw funds, Paysafecard casinos do allow you to make withdrawals to Paysafe accounts that work like other e-wallets.
🔹 Poli Casinos
Poli is only available in New Zealand and Australia, but as it is a popular service, a number of offshore casinos have looked to integrate this payment method. Poli allowed me to make quick and secure payments through my internet banking portal. Poli casinos are highly trustworthy and minimise fees. I was able to access my winnings within 48 hours on average.
🔸 EntroPay Casinos
Entropay is one of the fastest online payment methods around. This is highly secure and flexible, as it allowed me to set up multiple virtual Visa cards. Entropay Casinos guarantees low processing fees and rapid withdrawal times (usually within 24-48 hours) with an additional layer of security on top.
🔹 Neteller Casinos
Neteller is often referenced in addition to Skrill, as it’s another online e-wallet that renowned for fast and secure payments that can be funded through multiple sources. I connected my Neteller account to different debit and credit cards, with integration being possible with further banking methods. Like Skrill, however, during my testing I found that Neteller casinos may prevent you from using this payment method when opting in to a welcome bonus.
🔸 Apple Pay Casinos
I like to access the best NZ online casinos through my mobile (either using a browser or native app where available). If you're like me, you may want to consider using Apple Pay. This is one of the most secure and convenient mobile payment methods around, as it makes it possible to complete deposits and withdrawals with a single touch. With Apple Pay casinos, deposits will be completed instantly, while withdrawals will usually take about 24 hours.
🔹 Google Pay Casinos
Google Pay casinos are almost identical to Apple Pay alternatives, with the only difference being that they’re accessible to Android rather than iOS users. Once again, this is secured by the phone’s encryption and processes instant deposits with a single click. I can also withdraw money from my account using Google Pay, but I need to set this up through my mobile wallet first.
🔸 PayForIt Casinos
When I bet at one of NZ’s growing number of PayForIt casinos, I am be able to complete deposits using my mobile phone credit (or bill allowance). This is only available for deposits and is currently capped at $30 per transaction. This payment method enabled me to pay for numerous subscriptions using my smartphone credit or balance.
🔹 Zimpler Casinos
If you use Zimpler, you will know that this payment method can initiate A2A payments on your behalf using open banking APIs, making it one of the fastest, safest, and most trusted banking methods in New Zealand. In terms of pay-out speeds, Zimpler casinos will process your withdrawals instantly, with any subsequent delays caused by the internal processing teams at the casino in question.
🔸 Ukash Casinos
Ukash is a trusted electronic payment system that is based in the UK. As a result, it’s regulated by the FCA. Ukash allows you to exchange your cash for secure codes to complete payments online. Due to the need initially to stake using cash, this is a popular payment method among fans of responsible gambling. There are plenty of Ukash casinos in New Zealand, including High Roller and Unibet.
🕹️ Online Casino Games
My testing found a huge range of online casino games available in NZ. From pokies to table games like roulette and blackjack, I can access a diverse number of titles that contribute to a genuinely enjoyable iGaming experience. These games differ in terms of their skill requirements, stake amounts, and RTP rate, and they all offer unique pros and cons that will need to be considered before I wager my hard-earned cash. Here is our take on the best of these games.
🎰 Pokies
I found that Pokies, or slot games, are the most popular game at any online casino. These games are incredibly diverse, from both a design and gameplay perspective. To win, I will usually have to match three or more symbols on a specified payline, although there are various reel grids and payline structures used online.
Here are some of the best pokies at online NZ casinos:
Game | RTP Rate | Features |
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Juicy Joker: Mega Moolah™ | 92.3% | Progressive jackpot, 20 paylines, $0.10- 10 per spin |
Sisters of Oz: WowPot™ | 92.00% | Progressive jackpot, 20 paylines, $0.20-300 per spin |
Rainbow Jackpots™ | 95.13% | 20 paylines, $0.20-$100 per spin, max win of 1,054x your stake |
Jurassic Park Gold™ | 96.00% | 40 paylines, $0.20-30 per spin, seven bonus features |
Lara Croft: Temples and Tombs™ | 96.05% | 243 paylines, $0.20-20 per spin, max win of 1000x your stake |
Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead™ | 96.6% | 10 Paylines, $0.10 to $100 per spin, max win of 5000x your stake |
🎡 Roulette
Roulette is a popular table discipline and one that’s also categorised as a game of chance. I found American and European roulette iterations. European roulette versions are the most popular online, while most games require placing bets as the roulette wheel is in motion. Wagers are placed on the table, while online roulette features various bet types with differing odds and implied probabilities of success.
Game | RTP Rate | Features |
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Double Ball Roulette | 94.67% and 97.22% for inside and outside bets | Maximum payout 35:1, bet between $0.20 and $2,000 per spin |
French Roulette VIP | 98.65% | Le partage and en prison rules, bet between $0.20 and $10,000 per spin |
XXXTreme Lightning Roulette | 97.30% | Bet between $0.20 and $1,000 per spin, maximum pay-out of 2,000x your stake |
Mega Roulette | 97.30% | Bet between $0.10 and $5,000 per spin, maximum pay-out of 499:1 |
Immersive Roulette | 97.30% | Bet between $1 and $10,000 per spin, maximum pay-out of 35:1 |
🎲 Craps
This is one of the most niche online casino games because up until about 2020, craps was not available as a live dealer option. Now, when I am reviewing brands I find with every top NZ online casino offering one or more iterations of this game, I can play my preferred variation without having to look too far. Craps versions come with differing rules, and variants such as live craps games by Evolution use first-person camera angles to create a truly immersive experience.
♠️ Poker
Poker is the quintessential card game, and one that has enthralled most gamblers for years (apart from me). This game of skill and chance appeals to lots of high rollers and seasoned players alike. You can access a number of exciting poker iterations at top ten New Zealand casinos, including Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. Online poker is also played directly against others rather than a dealer.
Game | RTP Rate | Features |
---|
Ultimate Texas Hold ’em | 97.82% | Single deck, 52 Cards, royal flush pays out at 500:1 |
Three Card Poker | 97.15% | Straight flush pays at 40:1, ante house edge of 3.4% |
Caribbean Stud Poker | 92.72-98.19% | Royal flush pays out at 1000:1, wins achieved for three-of-a-kind |
Deuces Wild | 100.76% (Full Pay) | High profit and rate of return, natural royal flush pay-out ratio of 800 |
Jacks or Better | 99.54% | Similar RTP to blackjack with optimal strategy, odds of royal flush: 1 in 649,740 |
♣️ Blackjack
Blackjack is another traditional card game. Online, you can also access this game as a virtual feature or as a live casino game. There are not too many variants of this game, but those that do exist are diverse and tend to offer RTP rates in excess of 99%.
👨💼 Baccarat
In recent years, this card game has blossomed into one of the most adapted games online. There are a surprising number of online baccarat variants using the traditional format of playing with only nine cards and trying to reach a total of nine with the hand you are dealt.
Game | RTP Rate | Features |
---|
Golden Wealth Baccarat | 98.85% | Win 512x on a banker or player win, golden cards have multipliers of 2x, 3x, 5x or 8x |
No Commission Baccarat | 98.94% | Max pay-out of 200x your bet, bet between $1.00 and $15,000 |
Peek Baccarat | 98.80% | 8-deck game, peek bets can be doubled or tripled, 20% peek fee is taken for banker and player bets |
Baccarat Controlled Squeeze | 98.76% | Bet between $0.50 and $10,000 per hand, affords players greater control |
Lightning Baccarat | 98.76% | Two side bets with pay-outs of 9:1, max pay-out of 262,144x your bet |
⚔️ Casino War
No review of online NZ casino platforms would be complete without reference to Casino War. This is a proprietary table game that has been distributed by Shuffle Master (a division of Scientific Games). Based on the iconic game of War, this title features six standard 52-card decks, with each individual card ranked as they are in poker. One card is dealt per hand to each player, and whoever has the highest value card will win the stake. This is a thrilling and fast-paced game that has taken NZ online casinos by storm!
🎫 Keno
Keno games are vanishingly rare, even at top ten NZ casinos. However, this lottery-based game, which is also influenced by bingo and see players mark off numbers in squares on virtual tickets, is available at popular sites like Spin Casino, Rizk and Jackpot City Casino. Featured numbers range from one to 80, and you’ll be tasked with marking offer numbers of your ticket as they’re drawn. Pay-outs can range from $2 to $250,000 on a $1 dollar stake depending on your chosen iteration and multipliers involved.
🆓 Free Online Casino Games
Here at Online Casino New Zealand, we also review a number of free casino games. These include free-to-play iterations of roulette, blackjack, poker and baccarat, alongside versions of craps, keno, bingo, and pokies.
There are pros and cons to free online casino games: they are accessible and can help you to formulate viable gameplay strategies, but they also do not enable you to pursue real money returns.
🖥️ Software Powering a Casino Online
I found a huge selection of casino software providers at online casinos in NZ. Many of these software houses are well known, with their respective portfolios encompassing everything from slots and table games to live casino software. Here is my breakdown of top casino software providers.
1️⃣ Microgaming
Microgaming launched during the initial iGaming boom in the mid-90s circa when the original Play Station was lanuched. Its library of slots includes titles like Immortal Romance, Bookie of Odds, and Thunder Struck. The software provider also has an impressive range of progressive jackpotsl like the iconic Mega Moolah.
2️⃣ Playtech
Playtech was formed in 1999 and currently holds and impressive 140 global licences within 20 regulated jurisdictions (including NZ). The site also holds the slot games licence for Marvel Comics, which has yielded slots like The Avengers and Man of Steel. Other popular Playtech slots include Gladiator, Top Gun, and Buffalo Blitz.
3️⃣ NetEnt
Since being founded in 1996, NetEnt has produced a huge library of slots and live casino games, earning licencing from Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and Universal. Some of its most engaging titles include Jimi Hendrix and Vikings. Mega Fortune is also one of its famous jackpot slots, which in 2015 paid out an incredible $17 million to one player.
4️⃣ Betsoft
Betsoft arrived a little later in 2000. It is known for its trailblazing Shift platform to capture cinematic 3D gaming. This software provider supplies more than 500 casinos worldwide, and it has developed in excess of 150 premium slots and games. Popular Betsoft titles include Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Tycoons, and The Angler.
5️⃣ Nextgen
Next up is Nextgen, which was founded in 1999 and boasts branded gaming licences with Universal Studios and DC Comics. The brand is also partnered with SG Digital, and Nextgen offers more than 100 different games. These include Gorilla Go Wild, King Kong Fury, and the lucrative Medusa Megaways.
6️⃣ IGT
IGT transcends the iGaming industry, having launched in 1975 and initially provided physical slot machines. It also created the first million-dollar progressive slot and has a host of gaming licences that have produced games like Avatar, Monopoly, and Jurassic Park. Other popular IGT slots include Cleopatra, Jeopardy, and Dungeons and Dragons.
⚖️ Casino NZ Laws
Domestic gambling endeavours in New Zealand are government-backed and controlled by the Department of Internal Affairs. There are, however, no specific laws ban NZ residents from wagering at licensed offshore sites, including those that have accreditation from bodies like the UKGC and Malta Gaming Authority. So, regardless of which site you select from this page, you can rest assured that you will enjoy a secure, regulated and highly engaging experience.
🔖 Gambling References
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Online Casinos New Zealand
🥇What Is the Best Online Casino?
While we’ve recommended Lucky Elektra as the best online casino in NZ for January 2024, you may have a different perspective based on the criteria that’s most important to you. So, be sure to check out each site interpedently before making your choice!
💸 What Is the Best Online Casino for Real Money?
Lucky Elekra is also among the best casinos for real money gambling, as is Boom Casino, Betkwiff, LegendPlay, Grand Ivy Casino, Caxino and Letslucky. This is because these sites offer the best average payout rates and RTPs for individual slots, which is a key consideration when wagering your hard-earned cash.
▶️ How To Play Casino Online?
To get started playing at one of the top 10 casinos in NZ, you’ll just have to navigate your way to the site and register for an account. Just make sure that you click through the right URL as a NZ player, while following each individual signup step to the letter.
🎴 How To Beat an Online Casino?
There’s no efficient or foolproof way of beating an online casino, as these sites use random number generator (RNG) software to guarantee completely random outcomes. Instead, you should focus on creating betting strategies that focus on bankroll management and minimising losses.
💸Which Online Casino Is Easiest To Win?
Most online casinos in NZ offer the same titles and similar gameplay structures. So, instead of focusing on where it may be easier to win, you should analyse each site’s average RTP rate and determine where you can make the most of your bankroll.
⏲️Which Online Casino Pays the Quickest?
The top 10 casinos in NZ all offer quick and secure payouts, but those that offer access to cryptocurrencies and ewallets tend to be the fastest when processing withdrawals. LegendPlay is New Zealand’s premier cryptocurrency casino, for example, with tokens like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin often processing transactions in hours.
💲 What Online Casino Pays Out the Most?
The best online casino platforms in NZ all offer average payout rates in excess of 96%, which means that you can recoup $96 or more for every $100 wagered online. Currently, Grand Ivy Casino, Caxino and Letslucky are among those that pay out the most on average.
🔐 What Is the Most Trusted Online Casino in NZ?
Every offshore site that we rank and review is licensed by a trusted regulator. They also boast 128-bit SSL encryption as a minimum standard, along with various responsible gambling tools. Our pick as the safest online casino in NZ is Letslucky, while Caxino is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and has both PCI + DSS Compliance.
🎁 What Online Casino Has Free Bonus Without Deposit?
Once again, not all of the best online casino platforms in New Zealand offer no deposit bonuses to players. This type of promotion usually rewards you with a small number of free spins in exchange for you registering for an account, while you’ll currently find such bonuses available at Wheelz Casino, Amazon Slots, Vegas Paradise and more!
Daniel Chapman is our Editor-in-Chief. A man of many talents, he has been with OCNZ for the past three years. He graduated from the University of Waikato with a Master of Arts degree, so he knows what he is doing when it comes to ensuring that all of the content we publish is epic.