Popular NZ Online Casinos in March 2024

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How We Rate

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Rank Rating Bonus Safe Link
1
8.9/10
Best For
  • Live Casino
  • Low wager
  • Easy registration
2
8.4/10
Hot
Best For
  • Fast payouts
  • Live Casino
  • Free Spins
3
8/10
Best For
  • 24/7 Support
  • Beginner friendly
  • Lots of betting options
4
9.5/10
Best For
  • Live Casino
  • Big selection in special games
  • Large selection of slots
5
8.4/10
New
Best For
  • VIP
  • Cashback
  • Live Dealer
6
8/10
Best For
  • Sportsbook
  • Fast payouts
  • VIP Club
7
9.4/10
Best For
  • Crypto Games
  • Live Casino
  • Jackpot slots
8
9.2/10
Best For
  • Easy registration
  • Player's Choice
  • Generous welcome bonus
9
9.2/10
Best For
  • Large selection of games
  • Quality Casino Games
  • Top Bonus
10
8/10
Best For
  • Fast payouts
  • Drops & Wins
  • Cashback
11
8/10
Best For
  • Fast payouts
  • New
  • Crypto Friendly
12
9.2/10
Best For
  • Classic slots
  • Crash Games
  • Fast payouts
13
8/10
Best For
  • 24/7 Support
  • Easy registration
  • New
14
8/10
Visit Casino More details
Best For
  • 24/7 Support
  • Easy registration
  • Same day payout
15
9.4/10
Hot
Best For
  • Editor's choice
  • Easy registration
  • Quick Withdrawals
Best For
  • 24/7 Support
  • Easy registration
  • Same day payout
17
9/10
Visit Casino More details
Best For
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • Large selection of games
  • Live Casino
18
9.4/10
Best For
  • Live Casino
  • Suitable for mobile
  • Special Bonus Offer
19
9.2/10
Best For
  • Outstanding VIP Program
  • Live Casino
  • Large selection of slots
20
8/10
Best For
  • No deposit bonus
  • Tax Free
  • Wide choice
21
8/10
Best For
  • 24/7 Support
  • Live Casino
  • Fast payouts
22
8/10
Best For
  • 24/7 Support
  • Fast payouts
  • club_vip
23
8/10
Best For
  • 24/7 Support
  • Easy registration
  • Jackpot slots
24
8.1/10
Best For
  • Live Casino
  • Live Chat
  • Top Bonus
25
8/10
New
Best For
  • Fast payouts
  • Jackpot slots
  • Live Casino
26
8.8/10
Best For
  • Fast Payments
  • Suitable for mobile
  • sports & live betting
27
8.2/10
Best For
  • Easy registration
  • VIP Club
  • live chat support

History of Gambling in New Zealand 

Like most countries, the first form of gambling to become legal in New Zealand was bookmaking back in 1920, and the first national lotteries became legal in 1933. The Totalisator Agency Board legalised betting on horse racing in 1961, and the first-ever casino opened up in Christchurch in 1994.

It was only in 2003 that the new Gambling Act allowed the legalisation of gambling in New Zealand. That being said, the options for online gambling in New Zealand are quite limited and the government is currently working on updating the current law to make it more appropriate for today’s digital world.

Authorised online casinos and betting sites in NZ

Legal Online Casinos in New Zealand

Currently, the list of the best New Zealand online casinos is quite small as there are only two authorised gambling websites in New Zealand

New Zealand's Best Online Lottery Site: Lotto NZ 

Lotto New Zealand is the national lottery. The lotto site is open daily between 6:30 am and 11:00 pm. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, it is open until 11:59 pm. The game selection on the site includes Lotto, Powerball, Strike, Keno, Bullseye and Instant Kiwi. There are two ways to buy tickets - either going to a Lotto NZ retail store or else downloading the MyLotto app and buying tickets online.

Lotto NZ hosts a number of seasonal promotions such as Christmas and Summer promos as well as a prize draw and social media promotions. 

Best New Zealand Sports Betting Site: TAB

TAB is the only racing and sports platform in New Zealand. To place bets, you can either visit one of the 550 retail outlets or access the sportsbook site online either through a web browser or by downloading the mobile app.

You can bet on several popular sports, including basketball, football, rugby league, rugby union, as well as horse racing. Odds on major tournaments and leagues are available at TAB. There is also the possibility of participating in jackpots where you could win a share of the prize pool. You can also take advantage of plenty of bonus offers on the TAB site. 

Keep in mind that these bonuses often come with wagering requirements that would need to be met before a withdrawal can be made

Which are the most popular casino games in NZ?

There are hundreds of casino games to play, from pokies to card games where you can play against dealers and other games like scratch cards and bingo. 

Online Pokies

Pokies, also known as slot machines, are a staple in any casino. You will find a huge range of pokies by leading game developers to play at land-based NZ casinos. At the moment, we cannot recommend any online casinos to play pokies. 

However, you can try out some popular online pokies by top online casino software developers like Microgaming, Playtech and Evolution Gaming in our free pokies area. Many casinos also offer this option of playing popular online pokies for free in demo mode, giving you the security of spinning the reels and learning the meaning of all the different symbols without depositing any cash. 

Working similarly to online jackpot pokies, the jackpot slots at brick and mortar casinos are connected through a system and a percentage of the house edge is contributed to the progressive jackpot. 

  • Beginner-friendly: Yes;

  • Odds of winning: 4%

  • Maximum winnings: 0,5X.

Blackjack Games

A popular card game, casino game collections would be incomplete without blackjack tables. Read our detailed Blackjack Guide for a better understanding of the rules and our tips page running through the strategies for winning the game.

  • Beginner-friendly: Yes;

  • Odds of winning: 48%

  • Maximum winnings: 1,5X.

Roulette Tables

Roulette is considered one of the oldest tables titles. Roulette games are quite easy to play. All you have to do is pick a table game that fits your bet range and decide whether to place a bet on a number, red or black. For more information and strategies, check out our Roulette Guide.

  • Beginner-friendly: Yes;

  • Odds of winning: 49%

  • Maximum winnings: 35X.

Baccarat Online

This card game is often overlooked by other classics. Baccarat is a casino game where you may need some skill and knowledge of the rules, betting options and table format. Read our Baccarat Guide for more information.

  • Beginner-friendly: No;

  • Odds of winning: 45%

  • Maximum winnings: 25X

Live Dealer Casino Games

Live dealer games can be found at almost all online casino sites. A live casino card game gives you a real-life casino experience from the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, due to the current legal restrictions, we cannot recommend any live dealer gambling site which accepts NZ players.

Mobile Online Casinos New Zealand

Playing online casino games on mobile devices and tablets has become a preferred way of gambling. There are two ways of playing on a mobile device, either accessing the mobile casino through a web browser or downloading a casino app. Whilst not all casino websites have created apps, the majority of online casinos are fully optimised for mobiles

There usually isn't that much of a difference between playing on a desktop computer or a mobile. One of the perks of using smartphones is that players can play on the go. As a Kiwi player, you can choose to play Lotto NZ and TAB either on a web browser on your phone or by downloading the apps.

Let's talk about the gambling law in New Zealand

The Gambling Act of 2003 replaced the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1977 and the Casino Control Act 1990, setting out guidelines to prevent and minimise gambling harm, authorising some gambling types and prohibiting others and overseeing contributions to the community from gambling benefits. The Gambling Compliance within the Department of Internal Affairs is responsible for the enforcement of gambling laws

Land-based casinos are licensed by the Gambling Commission and the New Zealand Lotteries Commission oversees and conducts New Zealand lotteries.

Online Gambling Laws for Kiwi Players

The current act is only applicable to gambling services offered in New Zealand. Presently, online gambling can only be done on two authorised platforms. Any casino sites offering gambling services from New Zealand are doing so illegally. That being said, casino players in New Zealand can access and gamble on offshore gambling sites at their own risk. 

Taxes for Casino Winnings in New Zealand

The revenue department treats gambling as a hobby and no tax is deducted from any of your winnings. This means that Kiwi natives are exempt from paying any tax on their gambling winnings and can keep all their winnings to themselves. However, the winnings of professional gamblers are taxable.

How to choose the best online casino NZ

Choosing the Best Online Casino NZ

Although many casinos seem similar, there are a few things you want to watch out for when picking the one for you. We cover as much as we can in each casino guide that we research and write. There are a few key factors to keep in mind so that you can gamble safely.

Casinos Regulation

If a casino is a legitimate one, then it will have all the necessary licenses and regulations that will allow you to put your mind at ease while you play. Typically speaking, the license details will be found on a casino’s terms and conditions. For your safety, it is very important to always play at casinos that are licensed as these would be held to high standards. For instance, casinos regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) are regarded to be highly secure.

Casino Payment Methods

When you need to place a deposit at a casino there will be several deposit methods for you to choose from, including POLi, debit and credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, Amex, prepaid cards like PaySafeCard, wire transfers and ewallets like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller

The banking methods would usually be listed on a separate banking page. The payout timeframe, ie the time it takes you to receive your withdrawal, depends on the withdrawal methods you select as well as any AML and KYC check that the casino would need to do. For these checks, you will be required to submit some documents, such as a bank account statement to verify the Source of Funds and Source of Wealth. 

We always recommend that you check whether the payout processing time, potential fees, minimum deposit amount and withdrawal limits are reasonable. Here is a list of some popular payment methods:

Native Customer Care

Customer support always comes at the forefront of any casino’s priority, which is why many offer 24/7 live chat services. Always check the FAQ page to check if the answer to your question is there before contacting a customer service representative.

The Credibility of the Casino

It is important to know what other players think about their experiences and recommendations for playing at the safe online casinos real money you’re considering. Look out for comments on customer support, payout efficiency and game tampering. If a casino has a bad reputation because of these factors, it is best to avoid it. Something else to consider is the fairness of the casino. 

For example, the casino's house edge percentages should be reasonable. 

Player safety and security should always be a priority of a casino. A serious casino would use different security tools and hold quality certificates from independent companies like eCogra and iTech Labs. 

List of the land based casinos in New Zealand

Land-based Casinos in New Zealand

New Zealand has 6 land-based casinos with varied game selections, offering over 2800 pokies and 230 table games to play. Most of the casinos are open every day, with the exception of holidays like Christmas Day. 

Grand Dunedin Casino

Opened in 1999, Dunedin Casino, now known as Grand Dunedin Casino, was handed a 25-year casino venue license. However, this was reduced to a 15-year license following the Gambling Act of 2003. The casino is currently in the process of renewing its casino license, making it the second casino to go through such a license renewal review process.

  • Address: 118 High Street, Dunedin New Zealand

  • Phone: 0800 4770 4545

  • Hours: 11 am - 3 am

Christchurch Casino

A young Christchurch Casino Players Club member won a whopping 450,000 NZD in a prize draw. The Christchurch Casino Players Club is a VIP club where members can earn and redeem points on gaming as well as food and beverages. To become a member, you can either sign up at the desk or download the iOS app from the App Store or the Android app from the Google Play Store on your smartphone or tablet.

  • Address: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch, New Zealand

  • Phone: 03 365 9999

  • Hours: Monday - Thursday and Sunday 12 pm - 12 am, Friday and Saturday 12 pm - 2 am

SkyCity Queenstown

Owned by SkyCity, the casino opened its door at the end of 2000, making it the 4th casino to open in New Zealand. At SkyCity Queenstown, you can find 86 gaming machines, 8 table games as well as another 4 table games in the VIP area.

  • Address: 16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

  • Phone: +64 3 441 0400

  • Hours: 11 am - 12 am

SkyCity Auckland

In 2019, Kiwi poker player Ken Chan won a massive $152,200 on the highly regarded World Poker Tour. Ken Chan beat Sarah Saifi with a straight at the NZ$ 2000 buy-in Main Event.

  • Address: Victoria Street &, Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

  • Phone: 0800 759 2489

  • Hours: 24 hours

SkyCity Hamilton

At SkyCity Hamilton casino, you can find over 330 slot machines and 23 table games where you can find table classics such as Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat. The casino also has two exclusive VIP programmes to reward its most loyal players.

  • Address: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand

  • Phone: +64 7 834 4900

  • Hours: 24 hours

SkyCity Wharf Casino

Due to the pandemic restrictions, SkyCity Wharf Casino closed around mid-August 2021 and has since remained closed even though other SkyCity properties were re-opened in September 2021.

  • Address: Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

  • Phone: +67 03 441 1495

  • Hours: From 4 pm onwards

Help with the responsible gambling in NZ

Gamble Responsibly in New Zealand

It is important to know your limits when it comes to gambling. If you feel that you are spending too much time gambling, take a look at our page with the necessary information to advise you on your next step in seeking help. If you feel like you need to talk to a professional, New Zealand has the following helplines available for players in need:

Gambling Helplines New Zealand

Best NZ Online Casinos by Category

With many casinos to choose from, we have ranked 10 of the best NZ online casinos according to their best features. Find below the full list:

🚀 Best for our teamNovibet
🏆 Best for table gamesVulkan Vegas Casino
🤵 Best for customer supportLuxury Casino 
🎲 Best for overall games selectionSkyCity Casino 
🎰 Best for slot game selectionSlotshammer
💎 Best live casino Ice Casino 
📋 Best for sportsbookBoomerangBet Casino
💳 Best for cryptoBitCasino.io 
✔️Best for welcome bonusIviBet
⚡ Best for payout speedSmokace 

Future for Casino Operators in New Zealand

In 2019, the department of Internal Affairs held a public consultation on online gambling as an attempt to address the current Gambling Act and how to update the laws to accommodate today’s digital trend. During the consultation, the government brought up the possibility of extending gambling products offered on Lotto and TAB and the possibility of licensing domestic and offshore operators

Factors to minimise harm from online gambling were also discussed. 

According to a PR statement issued by the government, the conclusions from the public consultations will be paving the next steps of the online gambling review. There has been little development since then, so whether online casino operators will be allowed to operate in New Zealand remains to be seen.

New Zealand Casinos FAQ

Have some more questions about casinos in New Zealand? We have answered a few below.

Is online gambling legal in New Zealand?

Whilst the current gambling act does prohibit online gambling websites based in New Zealand, local players can play at offshore online casinos.

What payment options can I use in NZ?

Payment methods popular with Kiwis include POLi, Visa, Mastercard, Amex and PayPal. The majority of online casinos offer these methods to players to make deposits and withdrawals.

Which is the best NZ online casino?

At the moment, there are only 2 local online gaming platforms that have a license to operate in the country. New Zealanders can also play at offshore casinos provided they accept players from New Zealand.

Robin Storm
Casino Games Expert Author & Casino Games Expert Robin Storm verified symbol
Always looking for the best and latest games that hit the market, Robin works hard to make gambling fun and worry-free for all players. His years of experience working in the industry allows him to research and write about all the online slots' do's and don'ts. So if you have any doubts about new slots and table games, Robin's articles will answer all your questions about RTP, Volatility, Themes, Gameplay and so much more. He is very passionate about being able to play casino games in a fun and safe environment and he is enthusiastic to share how to play the most popular games at your favourite online casinos and avoid all the hassle in his articles.
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Reviewed by Julia Attard

Senior Author & Online Casino Expert With experience in content management, Julia is passionate about creating content for the English-speaking gaming markets of CasinoTopsOnline. When she isn’t working, you’ll find Julia reading a book on the beach, watching sports or baking something in the kitchen! Read More