Best Online Casinos in NZ for April 2024
New Zealand online casino players want gambling sites that offer the biggest bonuses, a huge range of games, and the safest payment methods — but filtering through countless operators can be intimidating.
Luckily, Covers has almost 30 years of experience reviewing real money casinos, and our expert team knows exactly what to look for. Check out our best NZ online casino site recommendations in 2024.
Top New Zealand online casinos
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- JackpotCity Casino Benefits
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- User-friendly site powered by Microgaming
- Responsive customer service agents
- JackpotCity Casino Review
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- Spin Casino Benefits
- iOS and Android mobile apps
- Supports Interac deposits
- 24/7 live chat and email support
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- TonyBet Casino Benefits
- Great range of games
- Lots of banking options
- Fast payouts
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- Wildz Casino Benefits
- Excellent selection of video slots
- Impressive live dealer lobby
- Multiple 0% fee deposit methods
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- Betway Casino Benefits
- Welcome pack of up to $1,000
- Great sportsbook on the same platform
- More than 75 live dealer games
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- QuickWin Casino Benefits
- Fantastic collection of slot games
- Online sportsbook available
- Extensive live casino section
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- Casinoly Benefits
- 4,300+ games library
- Multiple loyalty bonuses
- Crypto friendly
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- MyEmpire Casino Benefits
- Live dealer available
- Bonus funds on four deposits
- Top game providers
Quick facts: Online casinos in NZ
Online casinos: | Yes ✅ |
Retail casinos: | Yes ✅ |
Taxable winnings: | No ❌ |
Gambling licences: | Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gambling Commission, Government of Curacao, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, + more |
Legal age for gambling: | 18+ |
Online casino games: | Pokies, Blackjack, Poker, + more |
Top pokies: | Mega Moolah, Starburst, Bonanza |
Best online casino: | JackpotCity Casino ⭐ |
Best Real Money New Zealand Casinos
There are some excellent online casinos available to players in New Zealand, and they each have pros and cons. While some online casinos are best for game selection, others have faster withdrawals or a superior mobile experience.
Here’s our pick for the top five online casinos available in NZ:
Online casino | Bonus offer | Best for | Gambling licence |
---|---|---|---|
1. JackpotCity Casino |
100% match up to NZ$1,600 + 10 spins to win $1 million | Overall | Alderney Gambling Control Commission, 155 C1 |
2. Spin Casino |
100% match up to NZ$1,000 | Mobile experience | Alderney Gambling Control Commission, 155 C1 |
3. TonyBet Casino |
100% match up to NZ$1,500 + 120 free spins | Promotions | Malta Gambling Authority, MGA/CRP/171/2009/01 |
4. Wildz Casino |
NZ$1,000 match + 200 free spins | Game selection | Malta Gambling Authority, MGA/B2C/599/2018 |
5. Betway Casino |
100% match up to $1,000 | Live dealer | Government of Curacao, No. 8048/JAZ |
1. JackpotCity Casino – Best overall casino
As a new player at JackpotCity Casino, you can look forward to a mega welcome offer spread over your first four deposits, totalling NZ$1,600 (if you claim the maximum available). You will also be rewarded with 10 free spins where you could win as much as NZ$1 million.
Existing players can look forward to special Daily Deals in the form of a matched deposit bonus every day. While playing, you’ll also work your way up the loyalty ladder, and you can redeem your points for bonus wagers and casino credits.
JackpotCity Casino has over 400 games, including progressive jackpots, classic pokies, video poker, blackjack, roulette, and keno. At JackpotCity, you’ll enjoy a mobile-first design and user experience ideal for playing on the go.
Get the full details in our JackpotCity Casino review.
- App Store rating: 2.2/5 (iOS — 42 reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: 100% match up to NZ$1,600 + 10 spins to win NZ$1 million
- Payout speed: 2-6 days
2. Spin Casino – Best mobile experience
New Spin Casino players will get a solid welcome bonus on the first three deposits, which is the perfect way to start enjoying the range of 550 games like pokies, progressive jackpots, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and video bingo.
The mobile casino app for iOS and Android means you can play Spin Casino anywhere with a streamlined experience optimised for your device. Just like on the desktop website and mobile browser, you can enjoy the full range of games, plus claim offers, deposit and withdrawals, and contact support.
Visit our Spin Casino review to learn more.
- App Store rating: 2.3/5 (iOS — 141 reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: 100% match up to NZ$1,000
- Payout speed: 2-6 days
3. TonyBet Casino – Best promotions
TonyBet Casino has a great range of games, lots of banking options and consistently delivers fast payouts. The casino's live dealer options and solid mobile functionality are also among the best in class for New Zealand players, while the welcome bonus is competitive,
However, TonyBet Casino really stands out when it comes to ongoing promotions. The operator advertises a number of exciting offers for existing customers, and regularly updates these to keep the gaming experience fresh.
Visit our TonyBet Casino review to learn more.
- App Store rating: 5/5 (iOS — 567 reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: 100% match up to NZ$1,500 + 120 Free Spins
- Payout speed: 1-3 days
4. Wildz Casino – Best game selection
New Wildz Casino players in New Zealand can secure a matched bonus of up to $1,000 across their first two deposits, plus 200 free pokie spins, when they sign up. It’s a super quick registration process, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to go off and play the selection of over 1,000 games. We were impressed by the availability of 24/7 customer support and how quickly deposits and withdrawals are processed at this online casino.
Amongst the selection of games at Wildz, you can expect to find all of the most popular pokies in the world, plus extras. There are new titles added all the time, Megaways games, eye-watering jackpots where the top prize can reach up to eight figures, plus blackjack, roulette, and more live dealer games.
Visit our Wildz Casino review to learn more.
- App Store rating: N/A
- Sign-up bonus: NZ$1,000 match + 200 free spins
- Payout speed: 1-3 days
5. Betway Casino – Best live dealer options
New Betway Casino players in New Zealand can secure a matched bonus of up to $1,000 when they sign up, and will immediately enjoy access to a user-friendly, game-focused site. The operator is an established name in the iGaming industry, and it's easy to see why with hundreds of pokies from top providers and several ongoing promotional campaigns. Players should be sure to check out Betway's live dealer section, with more than 75 live tables designed to replicate an authentic brick-and-mortar casino experience.
Visit our Betway Casino review to learn more.
- App Store rating: 4.7/5 (iOS — 3.9k reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: 100% match up to $1,000
- Payout speed: 2-5 days
How we rate NZ online casinos
There are hundreds of different online casino websites, so it’s important you make an informed decision when choosing one to play at. Here at Covers, we have a team of experts who know everything there is to know about online casinos, and they put NZ gambling sites to the test.
Our Covers BetSmart Rating evaluates online casinos across several different categories, including bonuses and promotions, banking and payout speed, and security and trust. We weigh each of these factors differently, allowing us to rate every online casino in a fair and thoroughly considered manner. We also provide comprehensive reviews of online casinos so that you can get a complete overview from a player’s perspective.
We encourage all players to pay attention to the following categories when trying out a casino online:
Bonuses and promotions
Bonuses, promotions, and VIP/loyalty rewards are all signs of a casino that appreciates its customers. We study the terms and conditions of all offers to highlight whether they are good value, and to ensure players don’t get duped.
The best online casinos available to New Zealand players will display welcome offers as well as promotions for returning customers. The leading operators should also provide loyalty programs which reward frequent players.
Banking and payout speed
A number of fast and secure payment methods should be available at all trustworthy casinos. We test out the banking options, check that Return to Player (RTP) rates are fair, and confirm payout speeds.
Software and games
We look for and test a wide variety of games, from table games and real money slots by top software providers to live dealer options and sweepstakes titles. Other games criteria on our checklist include free games, progressive jackpots, and downloadable casino software.
Security and trust
Security is crucial when you’re choosing an online casino. Always choose one with a recognised gambling licence from a body like the Malta Gaming Authority so you’re protected. Licences are similar in authority to those issued to land-based casinos in New Zealand, like the Dunedin Casino, Christchurch Casino and SkyCity Hamilton Casino.
Top online casinos also ensure that your data is always safe and use technology like SSL and firewalls to safeguard a protected website experience. A strong focus on responsible gambling shows that an online casino is serious about looking after its players, providing tools like deposit limits, time outs, and self-exclusion.
Mobile experience
Mobile compatibility is vital for an online casino to be rated highly by us. We look for seamless mobile optimisation when playing via a browser, while iOS and Android apps are also desired.
Customer support
Chances are, you might need to contact the support team at some time during your online casino experience. Top NZ online casinos offer multiple ways to get in touch — for example, via email or live chat.
We’re always impressed to see when online casinos offer 24/7 customer support because casinos are often based in Europe, so office hours can be tricky, considering the time difference. It should always be easy to make your way between different areas of the website and find games in the lobby, for example, via comprehensive filtering options.
How to choose the best NZ online casino
Every online casino player is different, so you might not look for the same features as the next person. Nevertheless, some elements of an online casino can immediately tell you whether or not it’s worth your time.
Rating
It’s probably the most obvious factor, but user experience is hugely important if you use an online casino regularly. The best casinos are optimised for desktop and mobile, either via an app or mobile browser, and are widely reviewed by players across multiple platforms. Take note of these scores and reviews, including our very own Covers BetSmart Rating.
Game variety
It’s not unusual for NZ online casinos to offer a selection of several hundred games, but it’s also important to check on the quality of games, not just the quantity. Top online casinos have a range of games, including jackpots, Megaways pokies, and in some cases, even exclusive titles.
You should ensure that these games come from reputable providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Games Global and Evolution Gaming, amongst others. The leading NZ online casinos also carry table games, live dealer games, and the ever-popular pokies.
Bonuses
The best NZ online casinos offer a hefty welcome bonus to help new players get started. This may be a matched deposit bonus, free spins, or a cashback offer. You should consider how big the offer is, but also look out for promotions with a low minimum deposit amount, low or no wagering requirements, and no win limits. Some online casinos will even give you free spins or a small casino bonus just to sign up before you need to use any of your money.
Banking
Multiple deposit and withdrawal methods are a good indicator of a top online casino, while quick payouts are also key to ensuring you can access your winnings easily. Players should look for operators that support debit cards, credit card, e-wallets, bank transfers and other options such as cryptocurrency payments.
VIP/Loyalty program
We recommend researching an online casino’s loyalty program to discover whether you will be rewarded for playing regularly. Most loyalty programs let you earn points which can then be redeemed for exclusive rewards.
Blacklisted online casinos in NZ
When you play at an online casino, you’ll trust it with your personal details and your funds when you play for real money. That’s why it’s crucial always to choose a reputable online casino.
Blacklisted real money online casinos and online sweepstakes casinos don’t conform to our standards; for example, they might breach data protection regulations, use shady payment methods, or not pay out when they should. These are the online casinos that you should always avoid:
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
How to start playing at an NZ online casino
Whether you’re new to the thrilling world of online casinos or have been around a while, NZ online gambling websites make it easy to sign up and get started. Read on for a step-by-step guide to registering for your online casino account:
Choose your online casino
You can do this by checking out our list of top NZ online casinos and selecting the one that suits your preferences. Don’t forget that you can sign up for multiple online casino accounts if you prefer.
Register an account
Players in NZ can sign up in just a few simple steps, and it usually only takes a minute or two to create your account. Enter basic details like your name, address, phone number, date of birth (you’ll need to be 18 or over to gamble online), and email address.
Verify your account
NZ players might be asked to verify their account when registering or withdrawing. You can verify your account by submitting ID documents like your passport, driving license, and proof of address (perhaps a utility bill). For this reason, you must sign up with the correct name and address.
Deposit funds
Visit the cashier section once you’ve logged in, select your preferred payment method, enter the amount you’d like to deposit, and complete your transaction. Funds will usually reflect in your account immediately.
Browse games
Head to the games lobby, browse, or search for your favourite pokie. All that’s left to do is choose your bet amount and start spinning the reels to see if you land a win.
Online casino bonuses in NZ
New Zealand online casino bonuses come in many different forms, but whether it’s a matched deposit bonus or free spins on your favourite pokie, these offers can be a fantastic way to boost your bankroll and get started at a real money NZ site.
Bonus warning: Read the terms and conditions of each bonus carefully before creating a new account and making a deposit at an online casino. Playthrough requirements are often attached to bonuses, meaning you must bet the full amount a specified number of times before withdrawing any winnings.
Here are some notable bonus terms to look out for when registering with a new online casino for real money:
A welcome bonus is only available to new customers signing up with an operator, and can only be claimed once. Real money online casinos offer deposit bonuses and no deposit bonuses, as well as free spins.
Deposit bonuses are the most common form of online casino bonuses offered by most online casinos in NZ, including Spin Casino and JackpotCity. New players are usually awarded a certain per cent of their deposit as a match. For example, you might be eligible for a 100% match bonus up to $100, which means that if you deposit $100, you’ll have a total of $200 to play with.
A no-deposit bonus is very valuable to online casino players, as no real money is needed to trigger these promotions. No-deposit bonuses tend to only be available for new customers, and a code is often required to activate them.
A reload bonus rewards existing customers who make another deposit in addition to their original deposit. Sometimes these bonuses are available as cash amounts, or alternatively as a percentage of the deposit amount..
Free spins are sometimes awarded just for signing up and logging in (called no-deposit free spins) or as part of the welcome offer when you make a qualifying deposit. In most cases, the free spins are restricted to specific pokies. Wildz is an example of a top NZ casino that hands out free spins for new players. It’s important always to check the T&Cs, as you might be limited to a certain maximum win or wagering limits may be attached to winnings from the free spins.
Many casinos run loyalty programs where regular players can claim free spins or matched deposit bonuses. Some online casinos give out loyalty points when you deposit and wager, and you can cash them in for freebies like spins and bonuses.
Some casinos reward players for placing particularly high bets, often in excess of $100 per hand. These players are high rollers and enrolled in the casino’s VIP program. As part of the VIP club, online casinos provide high rollers with lots of free bets, spins, and a range of other exclusive promotions.
Cashback offers give players a percentage of losses back, after a certain amount of time, like a day or a week. You’ll usually be able to claim either 10% or 15% back on losses from certain games when you’re given one of these promos, and your cashback will be awarded in the form of a bonus, so you can use it to go off and keep playing on top games.
Best online casino games in NZ - real money pokies
There are thousands of different pokies you can choose from at top NZ online casinos, and they’re jammed with exciting features like free spins rounds, jackpots, and more.
Each pokie comes with its own theme, payout percentage, number of paylines and minimum and maximum stake, so there’s a lot to consider when choosing one to play. These are some fantastic NZ online casino pokies to get you started:
1. Mega Moolah (Games Global)
Mega Moolah is one of the biggest progressive jackpot slots in the world. The pokie holds four different jackpots and any of them can trigger on any spin, so you have a chance at a truly life-changing win.
Mega Moolah is a fun, animal-themed game with special features, including wilds and free spins, in addition to the progressive jackpots. Not only can you enjoy the original Mega Moolah pokie at top NZ online casinos, but there’s also a whole host of spin-off pokies in the Mega Moolah series, featuring everything from leprechauns to vampires.
⭐ Mega Moolah at a glance:
Payout %: 94%
Volatility: Low
Maximum payout: Up to seven figures (progressive jackpot)
Paylines: 25
2. Starburst (NetEnt)
Starburst is arguably one of the world’s most popular pokies. When you play, you aim to match the same glittery gem symbols on adjacent reels on an active payline to trigger a win.
Aside from special features like expanding wilds, Starburst is a simple pokie where you can appreciate the great visuals and smooth gameplay. As it’s such an easy game to play and understand, Starburst is an excellent choice for players new to online casino gambling.
⭐ Starburst at a glance:
Payout %: 96.1%
Volatility: Low
Maximum payout: 50,000x bet
Paylines: 10
3. Bonanza (BigTime Gaming)
Bonanza is the original Megaways pokie. Unlike other pokies that usually have a fixed number of paylines on every spin, the number of symbols on the reels changes all the time when you play a Megaways game, meaning that there can be thousands of ways to win.
Bonanza is set in a jewel mine — the perfect place to search for a dazzling win — and has some fascinating features like unlimited win multipliers, a free spins round, and cascading symbols.
⭐ Bonanza at a glance:
Payout %: 96%
Volatility: High
Maximum payout: 26,500x bet
Paylines: 117,649
Popular online gambling NZ payment methods
The best NZ online casinos usually offer a range of payment methods. These options are highly secure and trustworthy, facilitating quick transactions wherever possible. Some of the most popular payment methods at NZ online casinos include bank cards, bank transfers, e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Covers tip: Funding your online casino account is required before any wagers are placed. In most cases, players are expected to use the same method for withdrawals and deposits.
Here are some of the most popular deposit and withdrawal options available to New Zealand online casino players:
Credit and debit cards
Bank cards, both debit cards and credit cards, are the option most players in New Zealand choose for deposits and withdrawals. Using your bank card is convenient because almost everyone in NZ has a bank account — you don’t need to sign up for any additional accounts, and the money will go directly into and out of your bank account.
One drawback of using a bank card is that transactions take a little longer than using an e-wallet or crypto option. Depending on your bank, the withdrawal processing times might be up to three working days. Some banks may also charge a small transaction fee for online casino deposits and withdrawals.
E-wallets
E-wallets are getting increasingly popular for online casino deposits and withdrawals, and in some cases, they can be even more convenient than using your bank card. You don’t need to link up your bank account to the online casino or provide your banking details, and many e-wallets authenticate through your mobile phone, which is ideal if you’re playing on a mobile device.
E-wallet transactions tend to have fewer fees attached, and the withdrawal timelines can be as short as just a few minutes, depending on the casino.
Cryptocurrency
The final major payment option for players in NZ is cryptocurrency. While crypto isn’t accepted at all online casinos yet, it’s an option at the more modern casinos, and some will even give you a special bonus if you make a first deposit using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency like Litecoin or Ethereum.
Some online casino players prefer crypto payments because they allow a certain level of anonymity — you don’t need to connect your bank account or give any personal financial details. However, you must have money in your chosen cryptocurrency account before depositing.
More online casino resources
Is online casino gambling legal in NZ?
Under the Gambling Act of 2003, online casinos based in New Zealand are prohibited. However, there are no laws restricting New Zealand players from signing up and wagering at offshore gambling sites as long as the operator is based outside of NZ.
Horse racing and sports betting are allowed in NZ, but only with the country's sole sports and racing bets provider TAB New Zealand — or with foreign operators based outside the country.
The New Zealand Lottery Commission has been permitted to perform online lottery sales since 2008 and scratch cards are also allowed.
The minimum legal age for all online gambling activity in New Zealand is 18, while land-based casinos require players to be at least 20 to enter their establishments.
Meanwhile, Canadian players can keep up to date with all their real money online casino options via our Online Gambling Canada guide while we've also got a page dedicated to Ontario online casinos.
Playing from the United States? Our guide to the best online casinos in the U.S. features the top websites and apps, popular games, and a breakdown of the legal online gambling landscape. We've also got a dedicated page on the best real money online casinos, highlighting some of our favourite operators.
Land-based casinos in New Zealand
Online casino players in New Zealand may be restricted to off-shore operators, but there are currently five land-based establishments in 'The Land of the Long White Cloud' that offer a top class gaming experience. There is still plenty of demand for real casinos and traditional brick-and-mortar establishments, with some players preferring the excitement of attending a land-based casino compared to an online casino.
Casino name | Casino address | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Christchurch Casino | 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand | +64 3 365 9999 |
Grand Casino Dunedin | 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand | +64 3 477 4545 |
SkyCity Auckland | Corner Victoria and Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand | +64 9 363 6000 |
SkyCity Hamilton | 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand | +64 7 834 4900 |
SkyCity Queenstown | Stratton House Level 2/16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand | +64 3 441 0400 |
Responsible gambling in NZ
At Covers, we take responsible gambling seriously. Counselling and helplines are available to anyone negatively impacted by gambling in New Zealand, with nationwide resources accessible 24 hours a day.
Visit Gambling Helpline Aotearoa for information and support if you're worried that gambling may be affecting yourself or a loved one. There is also a forum where you can connect with other people in a similar situation.
The New Zealand Ministry of Health and the Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ provide similar resources aimed at helping those suffering from gambling issues. Meanwhile, Casino Alpha have collated hundreds of websites and institutes from New Zealand that tackle gambling addiction, making it easy to find the most suitable form of assistance.
As for the online casinos themselves, many operators allow players to set account restrictions or limits. Often, players can set deposit limits or join the self-exclusion list.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers boasts more than 25 years of sports betting experience. Our long-standing relationship with regulated, licensed, and legal gaming sites allows our active community of 20-million users to access expert analysis and recommendations. Covers may receive an advertising commission if you visit a sportsbook or casino betting site via select affiliate links across our site, create an account, and make a deposit. However, no amount of money ensures that an operator will get listed.
International casinos
NZ Online casinos FAQ
The best NZ online casino for you will depend precisely on what you want. Some online casinos have a fantastic welcome offer, others concentrate more on the mobile experience, while others are all about the game selection. Some of our top online casinos for players in NZ include JackpotCity Casino, Spin Casino, TonyBet Casino, Wildz Casino, and Betway Casino.
Gambling laws in New Zealand can seem a little complex. There are several licensed land-based casinos in the country, but in general, you can’t bet online at New Zealand-based casinos — aside from in certain cases like the lottery and certain sports betting. However, New Zealand players aren’t prohibited from playing at offshore casinos with licenses from other regulatory bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority or Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
If you choose a legit online casino like the ones you’ll find listed here at Covers, they’ll pay out in real money if you win. The payout percentage varies depending on the slot you choose, but casinos with good payouts include JackpotCity Casino, Spin Casino, and TonyBet Casino.
You don’t need to use a VPN to gamble in New Zealand, as you won’t be restricted from accessing online gambling websites. In some cases, if an online casino doesn’t accept players from NZ, you might be unable to access the website or be rejected at the point of sign-up.
New Zealand gambling laws generally don’t allow online casinos to be licensed domestically. This means you won’t find any specific NZ-based online casinos made just for NZ players. But you can play at offshore online gambling websites.
There are currently six land-based casinos spread across New Zealand. You can enjoy the Dunedin Casino's luxury and the Christchurch Casino's modern vibes or take advantage of the dining options at the SkyCity Hamilton Casino. There are also hundreds of online casinos licensed offshore where NZ players can gamble.
Slots are called pokies in New Zealand. No one is 100 percent sure where this unique term came from, but it’s been suggested that it originated from the retro poker machines popular at land-based casinos. Over the years, the term “pokies” has evolved to refer to any kind of online or in-person slot machines.
Ben started his career in sports journalism and motorsport PR before switching to the online casino arena in 2021. The UK native is committed to giving Covers' players the edge through iGaming tips and reviews, while he's still waiting to land that big Cheltenham Festival parlay which dreams are made of.