Best Online Casinos in New Zealand 2024

Best NZ Online Casinos in 2024

Rizk Casino

• Payout Speed: 1-3 days
• Founded: 2016
• License: Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• Headquarters: Malta

Rizk Casino has quickly ascended the ranks to become a favourite among New Zealand players, thanks to its innovative features and player-centric approach. Established in 2016, Rizk operates under a prestigious Malta Gaming Authority license, ensuring a secure and fair gaming environment.

One of the standout features of Rizk Casino is its unique “Wheel of Rizk” reward system, which offers players the chance to win various rewards, from free spins to real money, as they progress through levels by playing games. The casino prides itself on transparency and fairness, with all rewards coming with no wagering requirements.

Rizk offers a diverse gaming portfolio, including over 1,000 games from leading providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Play’n GO. The selection encompasses a wide range of slots, table games, live casino options, and progressive jackpots, ensuring there’s something for every type of player.

Pros

• Fast and secure payouts within 1-3 days.
• Wide selection of games from top-tier providers.
• Unique and rewarding “Wheel of Rizk” loyalty program.
• No wagering requirements on free spins and bonuses.
• Strong focus on player security and responsible gaming.

Cons

• Customer support is not available 24/7.
• Limited cryptocurrency payment options.
• Geographic restrictions for some countries.
• Variability in welcome bonus terms by region.
• A smaller selection of progressive jackpot slots.

SkyCity Online Casino

• Payout Speed: 1-2 Days
• Founded: 2019
• License: Issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), specifically tailored for operation by a company based in Malta but also holds a New Zealand license for its local operations.
• Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand

SkyCity Online Casino brings the trusted name of its Auckland-based, land-based counterpart to the digital realm, catering specifically to New Zealand players. Launched in 2019, it’s designed to provide a locally focused online casino experience, combining the convenience of online play with the reliability and social responsibility of the SkyCity brand.

Ensuring a safe and regulated gaming environment, SkyCity Online Casino adheres to strict regulatory standards set by the Malta Gaming Authority and complies with New Zealand gambling regulations. This dual layer of oversight guarantees a high level of player protection and operational integrity.

The casino boasts a rich selection of over 1,000 games from top-tier providers, including live dealer games, slots, table games, and exclusive titles that reflect the diversity and richness of the casino gaming world. Beyond its expansive game library, SkyCity Online Casino is known for its user-friendly website, excellent customer service, and appealing bonus offers that are specially designed for Kiwi players.

Pros

• Fast and reliable payout process.
• Licensed and regulated for safe and fair play.
• A vast array of games from leading providers.
• Tailored bonus offers and promotions for New Zealand players.
• Strong commitment to responsible gaming and player safety.

Cons

• No cryptocurrency payment options.
• Fewer game titles compared to some international competitors.
• Wagering requirements on bonuses may be higher than some players prefer.

Galactic Wins Casino

• Payout Speed: 24-48 Hours
• Founded: 2021
• License: Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• Headquarters: Malta

Galactic Wins Casino, previously known as Galaxyno Casino, has quickly ascended as a stellar choice among online casinos for New Zealand players. Launched in 2021 and boasting a reputable Malta Gaming Authority license, it offers a secure and fair gaming cosmos where adventure and chances for wins abound.

Unlike the trend of anonymous play and cryptocurrency payments, Galactic Wins emphasizes security through KYC procedures to ensure a safe and transparent gaming environment. This commitment extends to their payment methods, which include traditional options like credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, ensuring accessibility and reliability for players.

The galaxy of games at Galactic Wins is vast, with over 2,000 titles from leading game developers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Evolution Gaming. Players can navigate through a universe of slots, table games, live dealer experiences, and progressive jackpots, all designed to provide an engaging and immersive gaming experience.

Pros

• Rapid payout process with a timeframe of 24-48 hours.
• Regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, offering a high level of security and fairness.
• A wide array of over 2,000 games from renowned game providers.
• Includes a diverse mix of payment options catering to various preferences.
• Features a compelling theme with a unique and engaging user interface.

Cons

• No cryptocurrency payment options.
• KYC verification process required.
• Limited promotional offers compared to some other online casinos.

Best Casino App in New Zealand

Jackpot City Casino

Jackpot City Casino has cemented its status as a go-to spot for New Zealand players, blending a stellar game lineup with enticing bonuses and a top-notch mobile gaming experience. Launched in 1998, Jackpot City is backed by a Malta Gaming Authority license, assuring players of a safe and honest gaming environment.

The casino dazzles with its game selection, featuring heavy hitters like Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gaming. These providers bring to the table fan favourites such as the Mega Moolah jackpot and Starburst slot, with over 650 games spanning slots, table games, and an impressive live dealer section.

For gamers on the go, Jackpot City’s mobile app is a dream come true, offering smooth gameplay on both iOS and Android devices. Players have the choice to download the app or play directly in their browser, with access to a vast array of slots, table games, and live casino action.

Bonuses and Promotions

Jackpot City rolls out the red carpet for new players with a handsome welcome bonus of up to NZ$1,600, spread across the first four deposits. The casino doesn’t stop there; it also offers various free spin promotions on popular slots. Loyal players aren’t left out either, with a loyalty points system that rewards playing time with credits for more gaming fun.

Payment Options

The casino offers a secure lineup of payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, and ecoPayz, ensuring quick and safe deposits and withdrawals. However, it’s worth noting that Jackpot City hasn’t embraced cryptocurrency transactions just yet.

Security and Fairness

With a legacy spanning over two decades, Jackpot City has built a reputation as a reliable and fair casino. It boasts licensing from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and previously, the Malta Gaming Authority, along with an eCOGRA certification. The casino is serious about responsible gaming, offering resources and support for players in need.

Pros

• Extensive game selection from leading software providers
• Attractive welcome bonus and ongoing promotional offers
• Wide range of secure payment methods
• Committed to player safety and fair play
• High-quality mobile gaming experience

Cons

• No option for cryptocurrency transactions
• The game library might seem limited to some players compared to casinos with larger catalogues
• Withdrawal limits and times may not appeal to everyone
• In essence, Jackpot City Casino delivers a compelling blend of entertainment, security, and player perks, making it a preferred choice for New Zealand players, especially those seeking an exceptional mobile gaming experience

Selecting An Online Casino in New Zealand

Choosing the right online casino involves considering several crucial factors to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and secure gaming experience. Customer support is essential for resolving issues and providing guidance. Payment options should be diverse and secure, facilitating easy deposits and withdrawals. Licensing and regulation by reputable authorities ensure the casino’s legality and fairness.

A user-friendly mobile experience, whether through a responsive website or a dedicated app, is critical for on-the-go gambling. Security measures, including encryption, protect personal and financial information. Online reputation, gleaned from reviews and forums, can provide insight into the casino’s reliability. Bonuses and promotions should offer real value with fair terms.

A wide selection of games and game variety caters to different preferences, while website security protects against cyber threats. Ultimately, an online casino should offer a balanced combination of these elements, enhancing user experience and ensuring a trustworthy environment for gambling.

How We Rate, Review and Rank NZ Online Casinos

At Templated.co, we’ve developed a streamlined and effective method for reviewing, rating, and ranking online casinos, with a keen focus on those accessible to New Zealand players. Our approach is designed to ensure that only the most reliable casinos make our list. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of our comprehensive evaluation process.

Initial Screening

The process begins by confirming each casino’s licensing and regulatory compliance, a crucial step to guarantee legality and safety for players. Unlicensed casinos are immediately removed from consideration.

Security and Fair Play

Our focus on fair play and security leads us to rigorously assess casinos, prioritizing SSL encryption to protect player data. Proper licensing is essential, ensuring legal compliance and high standards of fairness and security.

We also require casinos to implement strong privacy policies and effective fraud prevention measures, creating a safe and fair gaming environment.

Game Selection and Variety

The variety and quality of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options, are evaluated. Preference is given to casinos offering a wide range of reputable providers, ensuring fairness and a good player experience.

Casino Bonuses

The assessment scrutinizes bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs, with special attention to their value and fairness.

Casinos offering no deposit bonuses or free spins are far more likely to be featured, as players highly value these for the opportunity to try games without upfront investment. Clear and reasonable wagering requirements are also crucial for inclusion, ensuring that the offers are not only attractive but also fair and transparent.

Payment Methods

The availability of diverse, secure payment options is a fundamental requirement in our evaluation process. Casinos must offer a range of commonly used online casino payment methods to ensure accessibility and convenience for players.

This includes credit and debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill, as well as bank transfers and, increasingly, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

We also scrutinize the speed of withdrawals, prioritizing casinos that provide fast, hassle-free payouts.

Customer Support

We rigorously test customer support services anonymously to ensure they meet our high standards for availability and quality.

Casinos that offer 24/7 support and demonstrate responsiveness and helpfulness through their staff are rated more favourably. Our evaluation aims to confirm that players can expect reliable assistance whenever needed.

Player Feedback and Real User Reviews

We actively search the internet for real user reviews from NZ casino players, meticulously investigating any allegations of misconduct to assess the casino’s overall reputation. A casino’s ranking is significantly influenced by positive feedback and a proven track record of integrity and fairness.

NZD Online Casinos Only

Although many online casinos gladly welcome players from New Zealand, not all of them accept NZD. Paying in local currency is very convenient since you don’t pay any conversion fees. Also, you can use your preferred local payment method, making the overall gaming experience seamless allowing you to focus on the gameplay without worrying about transactions.    

Therefore, checking if the casino supports NZD is essential before you sign up. Luckily, many top-rated casinos include NZD. Just check my curated NZ online casino list; it showcases excellent operators supporting NZ dollars.

You’ll also discover I’ve picked some websites offering attractive bonus deals to New Zealanders, like “deposit $1 to get $10”, “deposit $1 to receive 50 free spins”, “100 free spins for $10”, and no deposit free chips.    

Avoid These NZ Casinos

The most important things about every online casino are its reputation and legality. The operator must be licensed and provide games tested for fairness by reputable independent laboratories. However, not everyone thinks this way. So, rogue and bad casinos are not a myth. They exist. As an online casino expert, I highlight a few examples of unsafe gambling establishments you should avoid.

• Lady Dream Online Casino has rigged games, and players have reported this. How did they realise the games are not fair? Easy. The RTP values were significantly lower, so the payouts were constantly small.
• Miami Beach Casino has payment issues, so players complained about deposits not being credited to their balances. Also, many gamers said they never received money after they requested a withdrawal.
• Road House Reels Casino spams its members. Players complained about receiving dozens of emails with suspicious promotions every day, which is not allowed.

Common Online Casino Pokies

The main reason why Kiwis visit online casinos is games, of course. So, the rich casino lobby with a wide range of game types is a must if the provider wants to attract and keep the members. The top gambling websites I’ve handpicked for you and recommend on this page all have impressive libraries packed with different games.

New Zealanders are huge fans of pokies, so they are always the most extensive section at each casino. Besides numerous online pokies, you’ll also find various RNG table games, such as blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat. Online casinos usually include classic versions and those with innovative twists. Furthermore, Asian games have become widely popular in recent years, so Dragon Tiger, Teen Patti, Sic Bo and Andar Bahar have swamped online casinos. And players are charmed by all of them.  

Live dealer games are also top-rated among Kiwis as they blend land-based casino action with the convenience of the online world. You’ll find the casino classic table games, like live blackjack, live roulette, or live poker, alongside thrilling variations with multipliers and attractive side bets, like Lightning Roulette. Still, the most exciting live casino releases are live game shows. These games are so immersive and engaging that they captivate players, making them return for more. Crazy Time, Adventures Beyond Wonderland, Sweet Bonanza CandyLand or Funky Time promise hours of entertainment intertwined with the excitement of winning.

Finally, New Zealanders like bingo and lottery, so casinos provide these instant-win games. Moreover, you’ll also discover many crash games, Plinko, Keno, scratch cards, and other titles tailored for those who prefer fast-paced action and instant results.      

Popular Casino Software Providers

The best NZ gambling websites feature top-tier game providers to ensure quality gaming for the players. Since the online gambling market is highly competitive, the list of software developers has to be impressive to attract players to join the site. Still, besides leading content creators, casinos also need to include smaller studios to provide enough options for their members.

Some of the industry-leading brands you’ll find at online casinos in New Zealand include Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, Playtech, Games Global, Big Time Gaming, Nolimit City, NetEnt, Relax Gaming, and Yggdrasil. However, the operators also offer titles by Booming Games, Blueprint Gaming, ELK Studios, Quickspin, Betsoft, and others.  

Live casino fans can look forward to releases by world-famous Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live, Playtech, Stakelogic, OnAir Entertainment, and several other reputable brands.  

Popular Payment Methods on NZ Casinos

Online casinos catering to Kiwis include the most convenient international and local banking methods. This way, the casinos that want to appeal to NZ gamers ensure flexibility, allowing members to choose their preferred payment methods. Here are the most popular casino banking options you’ll find at the best NZ online casinos.

Payment Cards

Visa and Mastercard are available on all online casino platforms. They are easy to use and present in everyday life. So, many gamers choose debit cards because they know how they work.   

Instant Bank Transfers

This is a quick and hassle-free way to make direct and instant transactions from and to your bank account. But without revealing banking details and waiting too long. POLi is a payment gateway that facilitates such transfers and works with all major banks in New Zealand. Therefore, it will be one of the regulars on the Cashier pages of many NZ gambling platforms.  

E-wallets

Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and Payz are a few well-known digital wallets NZ gamers can choose for deposits and withdrawals. One of the benefits of using e-wallets is the speed. Transfers are processed more quickly.

Prepaid Cards

Many gamers don’t like sharing banking details online. Therefore, they pick prepaid cards or vouchers, which require entering a unique code to load the balance. Paysafecard is a leading prepaid card supported by all major gambling websites in New Zealand.   

Cryptocurrencies

Another payment method providing full anonymity is digital money. Cryptocurrencies have become widely popular, so Kiwis also like to use them for casino gaming. The range of cryptocurrencies at the casinos varies, but the leading coins are BTC, USDT, and ETH.  

Online Casino Legality in New Zealand

Gambling in New Zealand is regulated by the NZ Gambling Commission, established by the Department of Internal Affairs. The Gambling Commission was founded in 2003 when the most important gambling legislation in New Zealand, the Gambling Act 2003, was officially adopted.

This document allows gambling at land-based casinos, including playing pokies and sports betting. However, the law doesn’t allow domestic operators to offer online gambling in New Zealand. In other words, the NZ Gambling Commission doesn’t issue online gambling licences to domestic brands.     

Still, offshore online casinos weren’t mentioned in this act, so they remain in a grey area to date. In other words, NZ gamers can register and play at overseas online venues without any legal consequences. Since online gambling platforms registered outside New Zealand are excluded from the Gambling Act 2003, the Department of Internal Affairs has no authority over them.

Although New Zealanders can register and play at foreign online casinos, choosing regulated and licensed brands by globally recognised gambling authorities is vital. Some of the trustworthy authorities are the UKGC, Malta Gaming Authority and Curacao. If you choose a site approved by one of these bodies, you join a platform that adheres to strict regulations created to protect players.   

Popular Land-Based Casinos in NZ

New Zealand has several world-class land-based casinos that are popular among Kiwis and are also tourist attractions. I present here the best ones.  

Christchurch Casino

This is the first casino in New Zealand, opened in 1994. It has remained one of the most popular brick-and-mortar casinos in the country, offering over 450 pokie machines and 30+ table games. You can play poker, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and Money Wheel, or choose one of the gaming machines spread across two floors.    

SkyCity Auckland Casino

Opened in 1996, SkyCity Auckland Casino is the second casino establishment in NZ. It houses over 2,000 pokie machines and 150+ table games. Besides popular classics on the main casino floor, the casino also offers a Poker Room, Baccarat Room, Bingo, and VIP gaming.   

SkyCity Hamilton Casino

Overlooking Waikato River, the casino provides the most popular casino games, live entertainment, and great food. You can pick between 330+ slot machines or 20+ table games, such as Texas Hold ’em, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. If you prefer a more private experience, visit Salon 8 for a VIP treatment.

Responsible Gambling

In New Zealand, individuals looking to manage their gambling habits have access to several resources and tools.

Gambling Blockers

• BetBlocker: Free, blocks gambling sites, adjustable period (24 hours to 5 years).
• Gamban: Free trial, then subscription-based, blocks all gambling sites.
• BetFilter and Gamblock: Subscription-based, blocks gambling sites, varied pricing.

Gambling Transaction Blockers

Banks like KiwiBank, WestPac, ANZ, and Bank of New Zealand offer options to block gambling-related transactions to help customers manage gambling spending.

Institutional Support

• The New Zealand Gambling Commission oversees and regulates the gambling industry, providing resources on responsible gambling and legal frameworks. https://www.gamblingcommission.govt.nz/
• The Department of Internal Affairs offers harm prevention, harm minimization, and responsible gambling guidelines under the Gambling Act 2003. https://www.dia.govt.nz/