Find the best online casino in New Zealand
Choosing the right casino to play at can be a bit tricky, especially if you are new to it all. While some players are looking for an online casino where they can find a vast number of slots and other types of casino games, others care more about the bonus offers and available loyalty rewards. No matter which type of casino you are in the market for, you will find the perfect match here.
The goal behind BestCasino is twofold: first of all, we want to provide our readers with important and useful information about gambling, including in-depth gambling articles and tips, slot reviews, news, and insights. Secondly, we have created a guide to the best New Zealand online casinos. When you register at one of our recommended sites, you can be sure that you are in good hands. We only feature safe gambling sites that accept New Zealand casino players.
Further down this page, we will show you some of the vital things to consider when choosing an online casino. We will go through everything you need to know about casino games and best payouts, casino bonuses, licenses, and much more. In addition, you can check out some great tips and tricks that can come in handy when you play at an online casino in New Zealand.
About our casino review process
We test a lot of online casinos here at BestCasino, but how do we decide which sites to recommend? All the casinos listed on our website have been tested by a team of experienced casino reviewers, and we only feature New Zealand online casinos that live up to our high standards. Not only do we register and try out the casino extensively, but we also study the casino’s terms and conditions to spot any unfair or unreasonable rules.
When we test a casino, we examine all the factors that are important for the average player. We begin by taking a look at the welcome bonus that is on offer. The next steps are to check out the loyalty program and promotions, the mobile casino, the variety of slots and table games, the live casino lobby, and the casino’s overall design and user-friendliness. Once we have all the details, we compile all the essential information in a long and detailed casino review for you to read.
One of our core policies is to always be transparent and honest when we recommend a casino in New Zealand. We never recommend rogue or unfair casinos that are looking to exploit their players with false advertising or hidden bonus rules. To this end, we aim to point out both the positive and the negative aspects of the site we cover.
Tips for choosing the best real money online casinos
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to online casinos, but the best New Zealand casino sites need to have something for everyone. Whether you want to try your luck on the latest slot titles, go for a big progressive jackpot or play some high-stakes blackjack against a live dealer, you can choose between hundreds of great online casinos in New Zealand. To point you in the right direction, here are some of the things you should consider before choosing an online gambling site in 2023.
Welcome bonus and promotions
The welcome bonus is usually the first thing that catches your eye when you visit an online casino for the first time. The vast majority of online casino sites offer a welcome bonus to new players. In most cases, you receive a deposit bonus that matches your first deposit, and sometimes you also get some free spins on top of the bonus funds.
However, the welcome bonus is usually only the beginning. The best NZ casinos give you access to frequent free spins and reload bonuses, cashback programs, competitions, and other great promotions. Just don’t forget to take a closer look at the specific wagering requirements and other restrictions before you accept any of the offers that are sent to your inbox.
Slots, table games, live casino
One of the first things you should do when you visit a new casino is to check out the games lobby just to make sure that your favorite online casino games are available. If you want to play casino games in a real setting, be sure to open the live casino lobby and take a quick look at the selection of live dealer games. If you prefer to play slots, you should check that you will be able to play the games from all the top online casino software providers.
The best online casino sites allow you to experience thousands of fun and exciting games, including both classic fruit games and modern video slots. The most popular slots from game providers like NetEnt, Blueprint, Play’n GO, and Pragmatic Play can be found at the majority of the online casinos in New Zealand, which means you can always explore some of the most fun casino games on the planet.
Design and user experience
We expect modern online casinos to have a great interface and a stylish design, but that’s not always the case. If the casino has a slow and poorly optimized website, it can really ruin the experience. The best online casinos have a simple and clean website that also looks nice. The games should run smoothly without any lag or technical hiccups.
In addition, the registration process needs to be quick and easy, and you should be able to jump straight into the games after signing up. A well-organized games lobby will allow you to search for the slot you wish to play or browse different game categories to discover new titles. Some casinos even allow you to play multiple casino games simultaneously – the perfect feature for those who can’t get enough of the action.
Loyalty and VIP program
If you spend a lot of time playing at one casino, we believe you should be rewarded for it. A loyalty program can give you free spins, loyalty points, free bonus funds, and other types of rewards just by depositing and playing your favorite online casino games. Most casinos offer some form of a loyalty program these days, so learn how it works and make sure to get the most value out of it.
And no matter which casino they play at, VIP players should always get VIP treatment. At most online casinos, VIPs and high rollers can expect to receive exclusive bonuses, gifts, cashback, priority withdrawals, personal customer support, and even invitations to special events. These types of perks are reserved for the most loyal players.
License and security
While it is generally safe to play at an online casino in New Zealand, there are unfortunately many rogue gambling sites out there. To ensure that you are playing at a safe and reputable operator, we recommend choosing an online casino site with a gambling license. The best casino sites are licensed by the MGA, which is considered to be the most reputable gambling authority in Europe.
When you stick to licensed operators, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. The casino software at licensed sites has been tested by independent auditors, and your personal information is kept secure with cutting-edge encryption technology. Plus, you have access to a range of responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion.
Customer service quality
Even the best casinos cannot guarantee that you won’t bump into any technical difficulties when using their site. Maybe your deposit got stuck somewhere in the system, your free spins didn’t show up when you launched the slot, or a game crashed just as you got into the bonus round. No matter the problem you are facing, you should be able to get fast and professional help from the casino’s customer support team whenever you need it.
The top online casinos offer world-class customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most Kiwi casino players prefer being able to get in touch with the support time via instant live chat, but you should also be able to send an email or call a phone number if you wish to do so. A casino is only as good as its customer service, which is why you should check out the support options that are available before you sign up.
Fast payouts
Have you ever had to wait days for your withdrawal to be processed? If the answer is yes, you know how frustrating it can be. When you hit a big win and make a withdrawal, you want to get your winnings immediately – not within several days or even a week. Unfortunately, some gambling sites are really slow when it comes to processing their players’ withdrawals, which can lead to a lot of frustration and disappointment.
The best casino sites offer fast payouts and aim to send all withdrawals within hours, which means that you will sometimes receive your winnings the same day, depending on which payment method you used. Just keep in mind that no matter how quick the casino is to process your withdrawal, it may take a few days before the money hits your account if you withdraw using a bank transfer.
Mobile casino experience
There is no doubt that most online casino players prefer to enjoy slots and table games on their mobile phones these days. The mobile revolution happened more than a decade ago, but some casinos still haven’t adapted to the trends. If you are like most online casino players, you want to be able to play your favorite games on the go – without missing out on any of the important features.
A good online casino for mobile needs to offer the same selection of games and the same promotions and banking options as the desktop version, as well as the option to get in touch with customer service via live chat. Moreover, the site should work across all mobile devices (both Android and iOS) and on the most popular mobile browsers. Some casinos in New Zealand allow you to download an app, but this is almost always optional.
The benefits of playing at an online casino
There are only six land-based casinos in New Zealand, located in Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, and a few other places. Since there are so few brick-and-mortar casinos to choose from, most Kiwi casino players prefer to play online instead. Not only is it more accessible and convenient, but there are several other benefits to playing at online casinos instead of visiting a local gambling establishment. You can read more about the benefits of online gaming below.
More games to choose from
The biggest benefit of playing online is that you can choose from a huge number of games. While most land-based casinos offer a decent variety of slots and table games, it doesn’t come close to the selection you will find at the best casinos on the internet, such as at Grand Mondial Casino or Cosmo Casino. Here you can play video poker, slots, and other casino games for a chance to win real money. Many online gambling sites also offer sports betting, poker, and bingo.
Players who gamble online can log into their casino accounts and get instant access to thousands of exciting casino game titles. The best online casinos and mobile casinos offer games from the leading providers in the gaming industry, including NetEnt, Big Time Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming. At most sites, you can play with real money or practice for free with only bonus funds (of course, only cash stakes qualify if you want to play for real).
Better bonuses and rewards
Another major benefit of online gaming is that you will be able to take advantage of free spins, deposit match bonuses, and other casino rewards. If the casino site you play on has a loyalty or VIP program, you can even earn a cash reward by leveling up or completing various challenges in the casino. Claiming these types of online casino bonuses can be quite lucrative.
But no matter how tempting a deposit bonus or free spins offer looks, it is always recommended to read the bonus terms and conditions. While most online casinos based in Malta have fair wagering requirements and terms, you should make sure to understand the rules before you play with a casino bonus. For example, most free spins and bonus funds expire if you don’t complete the wagering requirement within a specific time frame.
Higher returns – better payouts
When you play at the best online casino websites in New Zealand, you are more likely to win than when you play in a real casino. The reason is that the online casino industry operates with higher RTP percentages than land-based gambling establishments. The average online slot machine has a payout percentage of around 95-96%, whereas the percentage in physical slots can be as low as 80%.
The difference in the RTP percentages will have a major impact on your results over time, and this is one of the reasons why many New Zealand players prefer to play at online casinos. While you definitely can win real money on land-based slots, you should be aware that the house edge is significantly higher.
Convenient and easy
Online gambling is very convenient these days. All you need to play is a phone or a PC and a free player account. You can choose from a wide range of deposit methods when you wish to play with cash funds, including cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. On top of that, it is easy to keep track of your account history, available free spins, remaining bonus wagering, and more when you are logged in to your account.
But are online casinos legal? While it is currently illegal for gambling to be provided domestically, players from New Zealand can play at online casinos based outside the country. In other words, the answer to the question “is online gambling legal?” is yes – you don’t have to worry when you play with real money at an online casino in New Zealand.
Play the most popular casino games online
An incredible and diverse world of games opens up to you once you have signed up at one of the best casino sites listed on this page. Whether you want to play video slots or blackjack, roulette or baccarat, or something else, the best online casinos offer everything you are looking for and much more. If you don’t know where to begin, you can read about some of the most popular game types below.
Online slot games
Nothing comes close to slot machines when it comes to instant entertainment and fun. Today’s modern slots (commonly known as online pokies in New Zealand and Australia) are filled to the brim with incredible wild features, free spins bonuses, excellent animations, and much more. They are loved by millions of players worldwide, and you can choose between thousands of exciting titles at most mobile casinos and online casinos.
Progressive jackpot slots
Some progressive jackpot games can make you a multi-millionaire in less than a minute. Progressive jackpots are shared among multiple casino sites, which allows them to grow incredibly fast. Games like Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune have famously paid out prizes of millions and million dollars, and the next NZD million-sized cash prize can be won at any time.
Table games
Roulette, baccarat, poker, blackjack, and other table games have been around for a very long time, and these timeless classics are just as exciting at online casinos. Played with cards, roulette wheels, and dice, classic table games are a staple of every real casino in New Zealand, and also at the best online casinos. They are generally easy to learn and master, but games like blackjack and poker require both skill and luck – and that’s what makes them so enticing.
Live casino games
As the name suggests, live dealer games are played with real and professional casino dealers. All the best online casino websites offer a large selection of live games, including multiple variations of roulette, blackjack, and poker games. In recent years, studios like Evolution Gaming have also introduced fun and thrilling live show games. Played in an authentic environment, live casino games offer players the most immersive online gambling experience there is.
Video poker
Video poker has been played in New Zealand for a long time – the word “pokies” actually comes from the classic video poker terminals that could be found in every casino around the country. Video poker is basically a combination of a slot machine and poker. Players must use their poker knowledge to draw new cards and try to create the best hand possible to maximize the payout. There are many versions of video poker, including Joker Poker and Jacks or Better.
Best online casino tips and tricks
If you feel ready to start playing at an online casino today, all you need to do is to choose one of the casinos on this page. But before you register and make your first deposit, make sure to check out these excellent casino tips and tricks.
Learn the games before you play
It is always a good idea to understand how the games work before you wager real money. While you don’t need a lot of knowledge to play slot games, you should definitely check the RTP percentage to make sure that you’re not playing a low RTP game.
If you want to try out video poker and similar games, you also need to know how to play to win.
Play with bonuses and free spins
Free spins and bonuses are almost always worth taking, especially if the wagering requirements are fair. Free spins can help boost your balance without the risk. For example, a casino may offer you 150 free spins when you make your first deposit.
You don’t risk any money when playing with these free spins, but the winnings are added to your balance.
Learn about RTP and volatility
RTP and volatility are two key terms that every casino player should know about. The RTP is the game’s payout percentage, and the volatility is its payout structure – also known as the variance. High volatility slots can reward you with bigger wins but are riskier than low and medium volatility games.
In the end, however, the RTP is the most important factor of a slot – the higher, the better.
Stick to your plan
Whether you are winning or losing, you should make sure to take many breaks and not play for more than you had planned. The best casinos in New Zealand offer several tools that can help you keep track of your gambling activity.
For example, you can see a list of all your deposits and withdrawals from your user account. Furthermore, it is often possible to set a session limit, session reminders, and loss limits.
Free spins and casino bonuses
The best online casino operators will offer you free spins and bonuses from time to time, and these types of offers can give you more for your money.
In the following sections, we will explain some of the bonus types you may encounter when you register an account at a casino.
Casino welcome bonuses
The gaming industry is incredibly competitive, and the operators do everything in their power to attract new customers.
One of the most common ways to get new players is to offer them a juicy welcome bonus. Welcome bonuses can be activated on your first (and sometimes the second and third) deposit, and they simply give you more to play with. Many welcome offers include free spins as well.
Reload deposit bonuses
A reload bonus is simply a deposit bonus that is available to existing customers. Casinos may send you these types of offers by email or text from time to time.
While they can be less valuable than your average welcome bonus, reload bonuses can be worth your time if you were planning to play anyway.
Free spins
Free spins are a favorite among players in New Zealand, and it’s easy to understand why: they allow you to spin a slot machine without having to risk your own cash.
And even if they’re not worth all that much, you can win some nice prizes if luck is on your side. Some casinos offer 150 free spins or even more when you make your first deposit.
Free bonuses
Some of the best things in life are free, and the same is true in the gambling world. With a free bonus, you can play without having to risk your own money.
Some online casinos give a small free bonus to new players, which means you can check out the site for free before you make your first deposit. Keep in mind that these types of bonus offers tend to have high wagering requirements and other restrictions.
Loyalty points u0026 rewards
It can be very beneficial to choose a casino that offers a good loyalty program. At many sites, you earn points, XP, or other rewards just by playing slots and other games.
Every time you get to a new level or unlock a new achievement, you are rewarded with free spins, bonus money, or another type of casino reward.
About responsible gambling
No matter which type of gambler you are, it is essential to learn how to gamble responsibly. While gambling can be a fun and rewarding activity, it doesn’t come without risk – and you should always be prepared to lose. The rule of thumb is to have a budget and not risk money that you can’t afford to lose. This means not trying to chase your losses after a bad day.
Many of the best casino operators in New Zealand offer useful responsible gambling tools. You can log into your account and activate various gambling limits, including loss limits and deposit limits. If you want to learn more, we recommend visiting BeGambleAware, where you can find free information and resources.
