Best Real Money Online Casinos in New Zealand – Top 10 Gambling Sites in 2024

In this guide, I will compile information about the gambling industry in New Zealand, legal platforms, and details about the current gambling laws and any developments. I will also list the best casinos based on their game variety, security, customer service, etc.

Top 10 Best Online Casinos NZ to Gamble in April 2024

The best casinos have steadily been gaining traction, owing to the several changes having occurred throughout recent years. Below are the best online casinos for New Zealand players your trustworthy Gamble Sensei has ever come across. Please note that I had a great time in New Zealand and all of my selections are based on first-hand experience.

Review of Kiwi Online Casinos

You may be wondering how I rate all these online casinos. It is not simple as you may think. I check every casino’s welcome bonuses, security, opinion of players, and of course my own. I write online casino reviews, so it would be more convenient for you to see which casino to trust.

Check them here in detail!

How to Register and Make a deposit – in 5 Steps!

After picking one casino out of our 10 best casino reviews in NZ, you can register to start having some fun!

To sign up on the casino, just follow these easy steps:

Click on “Get Bonus” to be redirected to the main page of the casino.

Click on “Sign Up” and enter your personal details.

Once done, verify your account by clicking on the email you received in your personal inbox.

Once verified, click on the “Deposit” button.

Follow the instructions on screen, confirm your payment.

Here you’re all set! Congratulations on joining the family and good luck to you!

New Zealand’s Gambling History

Gambling has always been a prevalent part of New Zealand’s history; however, it was not until the early European settlers came that it began to take shape. Horse racing betting was the first form of gambling introduced in the country – the first horse betting race was held in 1835 at the Bay of Islands.

Wagering on horse races became quite common for many years; however, the first gambling legislation was established with the Gambling Act in 1908. To deter gambling, the protestant community pushed the Gambling Act forward, and the act deemed it illegal to gamble unless a certified racetrack was involved. Later in 1950, the “Foundation of TAB” started horse race betting again.

In the 80s, the lottery was introduced to the gambling scene; therefore, the “Lottery Commission of New Zealand” founded a new lottery system in 1987. That same year, online pokies were also introduced into the country, courtesy of its neighbour, Australia.

Few years later, the first land-based casino established in New Zealand was Christchurch Casino in 1994.

New Zealand Gambling Laws and Regulations

In New Zealand, players who are over 18 years old can gamble online in an offshore casino. It is our responsibility to ensure that the casino we are interested in falls under the gambling authority and jurisdiction of a country that allows players from New Zealand. 

One thing to keep in mind is that while gamblers from New Zealand can play at offshore online casinos, such casinos cannot legally advertise their services in the country. 

The country’s Gambling Laws came into operation in 2004. The Gambling Act of 2003, replacing the Casino Control Act of 1990 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1977. 

The Gambling Commission and the Department of Internal Affairs oversee everything related to land-based casinos. The New Zealand Lotteries Commission oversees and runs lotteries in the country.

However, if you are gambling online with an offshore casino, you must practice responsible gambling and only bet if you are of legal age.

This will help you safeguard yourself from any fraudulent activity since New Zealand law won’t be there to support you. 

The Ministry of Health also oversees gambling operations if there are addiction cases and any other problems of the sort noticed among gamblers. I am very big on this issue and would stress that anyone who feels like their gambling is getting out of hand seeks help.

One interesting fact about gambling in New Zealand is that if it is done to pass the time, it is not taxable. In contrast, if the gambling activity generates revenue professionally, it is considered taxable by the country’s Inland Revenue.

Facts About Gambling in New Zealand

How to Choose the Best Online Casinos in NZ – in 5 Steps!

Even though many legit online casinos appear to be similar, you must consider numerous factors when picking the right one for you. Below are some of the elements you will need to consider if you wish to pick the best casino for you.:

Casino Regulation

If an online casino is legitimate, it will have all the essential licences and regulations, allowing gamblers to put their minds at ease while playing. Typically, you will find the licencing details on a casino’s terms and conditions page. For your protection, it is imperative to choose licenced casinos as they are held to the highest possible standard. For example, casinos licenced and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission are considered highly secure.

Payment Methods

When you need to deposit money at an online casino, you will come across numerous deposit methods that you can choose from. For example, credit/debit cards like Mastercard, Amex, Visa, prepaid cards such as paysafecard, e-wallets and WireTransfer such as Skrill, PayPal, and Neteller.

You can find the payment options of a casino on a separate banking options page. The time it takes to receive your cash out is based on the withdrawal methods you choose and any KYC (Know Your Customer) check and AML the online casino would need to carry out. For such assessments, you will be asked to submit personal documents such as your bank account and date of birth to verify your Proof of Income and Source of Income.

Customer Care

Customer service should always be at the forefront of any online casino’s focus, which is why many reputable platforms offer round-the-clock chat services. If you have any non-complicated questions, always check your casino’s FAQ page to check if the answer is before contacting its customer service.

You can contact a casino’s customer service via email, live chat, or phone numbers (toll-free).

An unresponsive customer support casino at any online casino should be considered a red flag, which is why I ensure that every casino I deem worthy of listing has responsive customer service.

Casino Reputation

When you’re doing background checks on a casino, it helps greatly to know how other gamblers feel about its services.

Keep your eyes peeled for reviews and comments on pay-out efficiency, customer support, and fair gaming, among other things. If a casino has a bad reputation due to these factors, consider avoiding it. 

Another essential factor to consider is the casino’s fairness. Of course, you may not easily find the lowest house edge online casinos in New Zealand, but your chosen casino’s edge house edge percentage should still be reasonable.

Player security and safety should be a casino’s top priority. A reputable casino would use various security tools and hold quality-check certificates from third-party companies such as iTech Labs and eCogra.

Supported Languages and Game Software

I ensure that the casinos I choose have games supplied by software providers with intuitive, safe, and secure software. Other than that, it’s even better if your chosen casino offers all kinds of games, i.e., from the classics to popular ones.

The provided games should work seamlessly with widespread devices such as iOS, Android, and Windows. A mobile-optimized game version makes it easier for players to pass the time anywhere they are. Providers such as Playtech, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, etc., are considered some of the best.

I also take care that the casinos I feature offer support in multiple languages like English, Spanish, French, and German.

Responsible Gambling

Even though I’m a firm believer in having fun while gambling, it is just as crucial for me to be in total control; some individuals start gambling online to make passive income or escape everyday problems.

There’s no harm in doing that, but obsessive behaviour, strong emotions, and recklessness can cause gamblers to spend money they cannot afford to lose or develop a gambling problem, in a worst-case scenario.

If you cannot quit playing casino games when you should, consider getting help. Many New Zealand-based organizations, such as the Problem Gambling Foundation, and Choice Not Chance, offer support and guidance for gambling problems.

Below are some tell-tale signs of gambling addiction. If you’re experiencing one or more symptoms, it’s not too late to tell a loved one or seek help:

Ignoring Bet Regret

The guilt of losing a bet makes most gamblers turn off their screens. If you constantly make larger, riskier bets to cover your losses, this will only turn into irrecoverable debt and long-term financial problems.

Being Absent Most of the Time

Putting your career, passions, and close relationships at risk to spend more time betting is self-destructive behaviour, a common addiction symptom.

Social Isolation

If your family and friends have distanced themselves from you because you keep side-lining them for your gambling habits, consider opening up and seeking help.

Hiding Your Gambling

Your gambling is most likely out of control if you hide it from your friends and loved ones, fearing that you will be reprimanded.

Constant Irritability

If you constantly feel stressed, upset, or angry for long periods after gambling or make your loved ones feel emotionally neglected, it’s time to try to make changes for the better.

If these symptoms seem familiar, consider contacting a responsible gambling organization to avoid further damage. Such organizations will get you in contact with local support groups and counsellors.

Land-Based Casinos in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to six land-based casinos. The first one built was the Christchurch Casinowhich opened its doors to the public in 1994. Soon after, others followed suit, and more of the country slowly became acquainted with the glamour of playing at a casino with all its table games.

The SKYCITY group owns three of the six casinos. The SKYCITY Auckland is the most popular out of them. Aside from being one of the leading casinos, it is among the country’s most extensive entertainment and event venues.

The complex building is a part of Auckland’s famed Sky Tower attraction, a 700-seat theatre, a conference centre, two hotels, and several restaurants and bars.

Moreover, there are the SKYCITY Queenstown & Wharf and the SKYCITY Hamilton Casinos. The former is the name sponsor of the local ice hockey team, i.e., the SKYCITY Southern Stampede, whereas the latter also houses a virtual reality golf experience.

The country also houses other major land-based establishments, such as the Dunedin Casino – known for having a tremendous long-term loyalty points program. That automatically makes every player a member of the Club Casino. Benefits include food and beverage discounts and gaming bonuses.

Gambling Taxation Laws in New Zealand

Some countries establish laws stating that gamblers owe taxes after winning a certain amount of money from betting. Countries like the UK, and Canada for example do not have such laws and aren’t required to pay taxes for gambling online. However, the tax situation is different in countries like the US, Australia, and New Zealand. 

The main point is that each jurisdiction imposes regulations related to gambling taxation. If you are based in New Zealand and hit the jackpot worth NZ$1200 or more, you can ask to fill out a W8BEN form. Filling that form should reduce or even eliminate the withholding tax involved. You will not incur withholding taxes if you win over NZ$1200 in small wins. As I stated earlier, you will also not incur taxes if you gamble as a hobby.

Popular Games in New Zealand

Players in New Zealand mostly enjoy these online casino games such as:

• Online Pokies
• Online Roulette
• Online Blackjack
• Craps
• Baccarat
• Video Poker

Bingo, scratch cards, and sports betting (especially betting on horse races) are also quite popular, besides Powerball and Lotto.

The Future of Online Gambling in New Zealand

In 2019, the Internal Affairs department hosted a public consultation on online casinos to speak about the present Gambling Act and how they could update the laws to comply with today’s digital trends. During the conference, the administration discussed the possibility of expanding the gambling products provided on TAB and Lotto. They also discussed the possibility of licencing domestic and offshore operators. Finally, they considered factors to minimise harm from online gambling. 

There hasn’t been much development since then; hence, whether casino platform operators will be permitted to offer services in New Zealand is yet to be seen.

Conclusion

From my own experience, travels and research, I can confirm that gambling is one of the most common pastime activities among Kiwis. Indeed, online gambling has become one of the country’s primary sources of income. 

The most important thing to remember when looking for an online casino is to find one that’s safe and trustworthy. If finding a casino on your own seems like a chore, you can also choose from my list of top 10 online casinos. I always make sure to put safety first and I genuinely believe these are the best online casinos available to people residing in New Zealand. 

Thanks for reading! 

FAQ

Not From NZ? Check Our Other Country Reviews!

Online gambling is a wide market that appeals to millions of people around the world. Each country has its laws and regulations on this particular subject. Due to certain country restrictions, it is sometimes difficult to understand the veracity of the Information you find online.

Passionate about online gambling for decades, I share with you all my experiences and knowledge. Aren’t you from NZ? Not a problem. Find the Top 10 online casinos to play in your country:

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