Most Popular Online Casinos in New Zealand 2023 🎖️

Do you also love gambling at NZ online casinos?

Then you are in the right place! At Zamsino New Zealand, we have collected the best top list of the most popular online casinos in New Zealand. All of our casinos are licensed and entirely secure.

All our online casinos are legal to play with from New Zealand and offer NZD bonuses (New Zealand dollars).

📌 Best Online Casinos in New Zealand 2023

📌 How to choose the right NZ Online casino

As I mentioned, finding the right casino for you is hard. But it's also very important if you are planning on enjoying your time online. I have created casino reviews so that you don't have to trawl the internet yourself. I check each provider and take a look at what each casino offers.

There are several important criteria I use to do this, and these are outlined below:

📌 Licensing

This is one of the most important aspects. Licenses are in place to ensure that the casino follows the rules and regulations of the country they operate in. New Zealand is one of the strictest jurisdictions out there so any casino that wishes to offer its services to players must hold a license.

This license can be found at the bottom of the main page and I won't recommend any casino without one. This license means that the casino has to abide by several strict security and safety measures.

📌 Security and safety

When it comes to security, an NZ online casino license means that casinos must be protected by SSL encryption protocols. These must be operating across all areas of the site as well as the different platforms the casino operates on. On top of that, the casino must be regularly audited for gaming fairness to ensure everything is running in an unbiased manner.

In terms of further safety, a licensed casino must also offer responsible gambling options. This can include ensuring the time is visible when players are playing, allowing players to set time limits, loss and win limits, and to self-exclude for various periods. To help those who feel they might be struggling, there must be addiction hotlines provided as well.

📌 Game selection

Another major criterion when it comes to choosing the best casino is game selection. And by this, I don't just mean the number of games, but the quality and variety as well. Some casinos can offer thousands of games, but if they are from small, unknown providers or are all the same type of slot game, then this isn't so great.

Great casinos will have a diverse selection of games covering everything from slots and virtual table games to live casinos. Bonus points go to casinos that have unique, specialized games that can only be found on their site.

📌 Software providers

On the theme of games, they must be provided by quality suppliers. Not all suppliers of games are created equal and this shows in the games that they offer. However, just because a provider is not one of the big, well-known ones, doesn't mean that it will offer bad games. I check out each provider and make sure that they are all fair and regularly audited.

📌 Welcome bonus

One of the perks of playing at an online casino is the welcome bonus. This is an offer that new players signing up to the casino can claim. This type of offer can be in the form of a no deposit bonus, free spins or a match deposit offer. However, these come with terms and conditions, so I make sure these are fair and transparent before recommending a casino.

📌 Additional bonuses and promotions

It's all well and good to offer newcomers a bonus, but existing or returning players also deserve to be rewarded. To that end, I make sure that recommended casino sites offer a range of different bonuses that cater to long-term players. These bonuses can include “reload offers”, more free spins and loyalty programs.

📌 Loyalty program

VIP or loyalty programs are a great way to keep players interested in continuing to play at an online casino. Loyalty programs are easy to implement and offer a range of bonuses and rewards to those who keep playing. I always look to see if casinos have a program like this before recommending them.

📌 Gamification features

Newer casinos are also trying to find fun ways to keep players entertained. Some of the best new casinos offer a range of gamification features that can include missions for rewards and various tournaments so that players can compete against one another.

📌 Wagering requirements

With any bonus, there are usually wagering requirements in place. Some of these can be steep making them all but insurmountable. To that end, I look through all the requirements in place and choose casinos and bonuses that offer players a reasonable chance at fulfilling these requirements.

📌 Payment options

Top online casinos need to have a wide range of payment options available. In this way, they can cater to players from all walks of life. Payments should include debit card options as well as a range of e-wallets, prepaid options, cryptocurrencies, and bank transfers.

📌 Withdrawal and processing times

Following on from this, it's important to look at the withdrawal and processing times. Some casinos claim to offer a quick turnaround period, but might not follow through. It's important to take a look at the time frame, especially as some casinos can offer payouts in under an hour. The faster, the better in my opinion!

📌 Usability and design

Often overlooked, usability and design are very important when it comes to enjoyment at an NZ online casino. Sites that have slow load times due to an overload of graphics, should be avoided. Similarly, so should casinos that offer bright, yet confusing designs. Sometimes simple is best, so players should look for casinos with simple colour schemes and easy navigation.

📌 Mobile compatibility

Following on from this, I always make sure that any recommended casino is also mobile-compatible. This can be either as a dedicated casino app, or simply a mobile-optimized browser version of the site. Whichever option the casino offers, the mobile site needs to offer the same function and features as the desktop site to be included here.

📌 Customer support

While I always recommend the very best casinos, and these tend to work well at all times, sometimes it's necessary to get in touch with support. Casinos recommended here have a live chat that's available around the clock — these days, a casino that doesn't have 24/7 support is missing an integral feature. Casinos should also have other methods of contact including email, phone and social media channels. An FAQ should also be included.

📌 Industry and the player reputation

Finally, it's always a good idea to look at the industry and player reputation that a casino has. Particularly when it comes to players, it's easy to see exactly what makes the casino stand out. Players will be honest too, indicating exactly where they think any potential issues lie when it comes to the casino.

📌 How do gambling commissions protect players?

A major part is to ensure that all the players at online casinos are kept safe. This is particularly about fair and responsible gaming, as well as making sure player data is kept secure. With this in mind, these are the following areas that are of particular importance:

📌 Gaming fairness

Online casinos are only allowed to offer games that come from an approved list of providers. These providers will all have been tested by third parties to ensure they are operating fairly. On top of this, casinos must have a set amount of cash within their reserve to ensure they can pay players their full winnings. This must include the value of a jackpot.

📌 Personal data protection

For complete security, casinos must pass specific tests to show that they protect player data. This must include the provision of secure payment methods and that all transactions and communications are protected from third parties. As I mentioned, this tends to be done through SSL encryption protocols active throughout the site.

📌 Responsible gambling

A major part of the licensing is to ensure that responsible gambling protocols are being employed. This means that there are regular checks at online casinos to ensure there are procedures in place to identify and protect problem gamblers, and minors and to put a stop to money laundering. This latter issue is where wagering requirements come in. Casinos must also have deposit limits and self-exclusion options easily accessible, so players can use them.

📌 Complaints and enforcement

All casinos in New Zealand, whether online or offline must, by law, provide access to an independent body for alternative dispute resolutions. These agencies are all approved by gambling commissions and will deal with any customer issues if they are not happy with the casino's customer service. Additionally, if any of these strict standards of the license are not being met, the gambling commission will quickly implement fines, and sanctions and even suspend or fully revoke the casino's license.

📌 Best online casino apps in New Zealand

Many players like to play on the go. With mobile technology increasing and improving all the time, being able to access a casino on a mobile device is a must. Whether this is through a dedicated app or a fully compatible mobile browser version, I cover it all.

📌 What casino games are available at online casinos?

Every casino will offer a different selection of games, that's what makes choosing a casino so much fun. These games will appeal to different types of players. So, depending on the game type, you will need a casino that offers more of that game.

Most casinos in New Zealand will offer a wide variety of games covering everything from slots to table games in various forms. Some will also have unique or innovative games to appeal to more players. Here are some of the main games you can find at the best online casinos:

📌 Poker

This is one of the most popular games out there and is irrevocably linked with gambling. Online poker offers a mix of strategy and luck making it a game for the high-level player. On top of that, it's a game that's regularly featured in films as a game to play in a casino.

There are many versions of poker available. Most casinos will start their collection with a range of different video poker options. They will also have virtual poker games in a range of varieties usually including Texas Holdem, 7 Card Stud and Omaha.

📌 Blackjack

Another hugely popular table game, blackjack offers something simpler, though nonetheless exciting when compared to poker. The game has been around for over a century and, during this time, has spawned several variants for players to enjoy. Most casinos will have a variety of blackjack games on offer both in the virtual and live casino sections.

They also offer a variety of higher excitement games, including Blackjack Switch or Double Blackjack as well as offering high betting limits for VIP games.

📌 Roulette

Very popular in land-based casinos, roulette has managed the transition to the online platform incredibly well. Better yet, online players can access several different roulette versions. Gone are the days when British players could only enjoy European roulette. Now, players can play French and American too. Similar to the other table games, it's also possible for players to play this in virtual or live form.

📌 Slots

Without a doubt, the most played and most varied casino game is the slot game. The bulk of most casino game libraries will be made up of slots. There are thousands of games available and each one possesses a different theme, a range of in-game bonus features and a lot of prizes. A growing number of casinos will also make sure they have some jackpot games on offer, with massive progressive jackpots paying out the biggest wins across the industry.

📌 Popular NZ Online Slots

• Book of Dead
• Starburst
• Gonzo’s Quest
• Wolf Gold
• Mega Moolah
• Fire Joker
• Book of Ra
• Sticky Diamonds
• Mega Fortune
• Reactoonz
• Ramses Book

📌 Baccarat

Somewhat less popular than the other table games, baccarat is similar game to blackjack. While the options aren't as great here, most casinos will offer a couple of versions of this game in both virtual and live forms.

📌 Live dealer games

With the increase in technology, casinos have now got the option to create a setup that feels like the real deal. Live dealer casinos combine the online world with the land-based one, offering players a realistic gaming experience from home. By streaming the live dealer and table direct to the player at home, it's now possible to get that interactive casino feel.

Live dealer games are constantly expanding too. But most online casinos in New Zealand will offer some blackjack, roulette and poker versions as a base. Top casinos will also provide more unusual options too including a selection of poker games, TV show-related games and even live slots.

📌 Lotteries

In New Zealand, the biggest lottery is operated by the government, but that doesn't stop a growing number of casinos from getting their online lotto licenses and offering tickets for big games too. Better yet, it's possible to gamble on lotteries from other countries such as the US Powerball or MegaMillions and cash in on these epic prizes too.

📌 Soft games

There's also a growing demand for so-called soft games. These include instant win options such as scratch cards. They also include the likes of keno and bingo, both of which are particularly popular in New Zealand. While there are many bingo-only sites, an increasing number of online casinos are also offering some bingo games on their site too.

📌 Casino bonuses in New Zealand

A massive incentive to play at an online casino comes in the form of a casino bonus. Casinos offer a wide variety of different bonuses to players, both newly signed up and existing. Some of the important ones that you should be aware of are:

📌 No deposit bonuses

This is a bonus that doesn't require any initial deposit or bankroll from the player. It is often a small cash bonus or can be free spins. Usually, it's part of a sign-up bonus rather than something that is offered to existing players.

📌 Match deposit bonuses

This is the most common form of bonus. Players signing up to the casino will make a deposit and the casino will match this to a pre-specified amount. This can be anywhere from 50% to 400%. The bankroll boost that's earned from this can be used on a wide variety of games.

📌 Casino free spins bonuses

These can be either no deposit or regular free spins. However, they are awarded, and free spins that are usually linked to a specific slot game. Players will need to play that slot to activate the spins and see if they can win.

📌 Reload bonuses

These are similar to match deposit bonuses except they are awarded to existing players. Usually, to be eligible for a reload bonus, players will need to have made a series of deposits at the site already. The amount that's matched is often smaller than the original welcome match deposit bonus though.

📌 Cashback

Another bonus aimed at returning or existing players is cashback. This is often awarded every week. The casino will specify the amount the player will need to lose to claim it. Similar to the match deposit bonus, this loss will then be matched to a specific percentage and paid back into the player's casino account.

📌 Rake back

Dedicated to poker players, this is the tiny percentage that's paid as a rake when players sit down for around. Some casinos will then pay back this rake as rake back. However, usually, players will need to have placed a specific amount in bets to be eligible.

📌 Tournaments

A growing number of casinos are now offering tournaments as part of their improved gamification features. These tournaments are often specific to slots, but they can be linked to other games including blackjack. Players can win prizes by playing the games, but they will also earn prizes for their position on the leaderboard. Tournaments can have pretty big prizes that are split among the top players.

📌 Loyalty bonuses

Keeping players that stick around happy, is an important part of online casino life. They will offer loyalty programs to long-term players to do just that. These programs involve players earning points when they make real money bets. The more points earned, the higher the player's levels will go. The higher levels will offer a greater variety of rewards, including exclusive offers, cashback, faster withdrawals, free spins, and more.

📌 Bonus requirements

While there are a wealth of bonuses out there, it's important to remember that these will always come with wagering requirements of some kind. For you to not be caught out, I look at, and outline, all the terms and conditions attached to any of the bonuses.

📌 Wagering requirements

These are the main part of any terms and conditions. Wagering or playthrough requirements mean that the bonus amount and any winnings from it must be played a certain number of times before a withdrawal can happen. These requirements vary wildly between casinos from as low as 2x to 70x.

The lower the requirements are, the better it is as these are more achievable in the long run.

📌 Time limits

Bonuses will also have time limits in place. Many bonuses will require you to meet the wagering requirements within a specific period. If you fail to do that, then the bonus and any winnings will be forfeited. Depending on the casino and the type of bonus, the limits can be as little as a day or as long as 90 days.

📌 Bet limits

Bonuses will also have bet limits in place. For some bonuses like free spins, these are already set as the free spins will play at the lowest wager possible for that slot. Other games don't have this in place, so you must check the maximum bet you can make with the bonus without forfeiting it.

📌 Win limits

Following that, there are also win limits. Many casinos will put a top limit on the amount that you can win when playing with a bonus. You will need to check this carefully because if you score a jackpot on a bonus, you might not be able to claim it.

📌 Contribution

When completing the wagering requirements, not all games will contribute to these requirements equally. Usually, slots will contribute 100%, so they are the best option to go for. However, not all slots are always eligible — casinos will list those games that won't contribute. Other casino games will also contribute differently. Virtual table games and video poker will often contribute 20%, whereas live games won't contribute anything.

📌 Eligible games

Some bonuses can only be played on specific games. This is particularly the case with free spins where these are eligible only for a specific slot game. Other bonuses can be played on other games, but again, it's important to check which. Unless it is a specific live casino bonus, live games are usually not included.

📌 Payment methods

Importantly, not all payment methods are eligible for claiming a bonus. Some payment methods, such as Neteller, Skrill and PayPal, are often not included in a bonus. This means that if you deposit with one of them, you won't get the bonus awarded. On the flip side, some casinos will offer payment-specific bonuses to encourage more users to deposit with that method.

📌 Withdrawal limits

Finally, even if you have managed to meet all the wagering requirements, you might not be able to withdraw your winnings even so. This is because they have a minimum withdrawal amount in place. To make a withdrawal, your winnings must be greater than this amount. If it's not, then you will need to either keep playing with your winnings and hope to earn more or make a real money deposit.

📌 Choosing the best game for your bonus

It's not just the bonus that can affect whether you get a good win at a casino, but also the game you choose. Some games are more likely than others to give you a payout. Don't forget, you can use these tips for regular play too, and not just in conjunction with a bonus offer.

📌 Volatility

Variance or volatility refers to the frequency and size of a win. High-volatility games will pay out large sums of money, but these will take a long time to trigger. It can mean going through extended dry periods. These games are better for players who have a larger bankroll to get through these no-win sessions.

Low-volatility games, on the other hand, offer regular wins, but these will be very small. However, for budget players, these can be great as they keep the bankroll ticking over.

📌 Return to player rate

This refers to a player's theoretical return when playing for an extended period in one game. The higher the return to the player or RTP, the better it is for the player. For instance, an RTP of 95% indicates that overspending of €100 players can expect to get $95 back. But, this is calculated over thousands of spins and will not always be true. As a general rule, I suggest choosing games with an RTP of 96% and above.

📌 In-game features and bonuses

Casino games, particularly slots, have a wide array of in-game bonus features designed to help players get those wins. This can include wilds, free spins, multipliers, jackpots and more. Some games, such as roulette or blackjack, have variants with extra betting rules to give players a chance too. It's advisable to always check out the complete rules of a game before getting started.

📌 Online casino payment methods

Over the years, the number of different payment options at online casinos in New Zealand has grown. Players have different preferences, so casinos must offer a wide range of convenient, fast and secure options.

If you find a casino that doesn't offer a payment method you are familiar with or comfortable with, then I recommend you simply look elsewhere. Some of the most common payment options include:

• PayPal
• Neteller
• Skrill
• Paysafecard
• Visa/Mastercard
• Boku or mobile pay options
• Bank transfer
• Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

It's important to note that while players can use these methods, and more, credit cards are banned in some places for use at online casinos. Debit cards can be used instead.

📌 Who are the top casino games providers?

As I noted earlier, one of the important factors when considering the best online casinos is the providers used to offer up the games. Casinos have to offer games from licensed providers, some of which are highly awarded, developers. Sometimes, they will go so far as to offer games only from one provider. However, most will offer games from a number of them, which makes the choice a lot better.

Here are some of the top providers to look out for when you choose your online casino:

📌 Evolution Gaming

This is one of the biggest providers in the world. Despite slots being hugely popular, Evolution Gaming is all about live games. This speciality has stood them in good stead as they are the go-to provider for all things live. They offer a quality streaming platform with a ton of exciting games. These include several common table games like roulette and blackjack, but also a growing number of unique games like Monopoly Live, Deal or No Deal or Lightning Roulette.

📌 NetEnt

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, NetEnt is undoubtedly one of the kings of the gaming world. Unlike some other providers, they don't specialize in one type of game. Instead, they offer games covering all genres. They have around 1000 slots in their library with some of the most well-known games, including Gonzo's Quest, Starburst, and Divine Fortune. The company is also very prolific, with more games always coming out.

📌 Playtech

Another top provider, Playtech, has hundreds of games in its portfolio. These are commonly found at UK casinos. One of Playtech's slots that stands out is that they often take movie or TV themes. This means that players can enjoy their favourite characters again and again. Some of their top games include The Mummy and Gladiator and the now-cancelled Marvel superhero slots.

📌 Microgaming

One of the pioneers of online gaming, the gold standard is arguably set by this company. Microgaming has been offering slots and other casino games for nigh on 30 years. They cover absolutely everything you can think of. They're also known for having some of the largest paying progressive jackpots out there — notably the African-themed Mega Moolah. Some of their other popular slots include Terminator 2 and Jurassic World.

📌 Other notable providers

The list is an extensive one and can go on almost indefinitely. Other notable providers to keep an eye on are the stunningly designed Yggdrasil slots, games from Pragmatic Play, Play'N GO, Playson, Thunderkick, Quickspin, Gamomat, Elk Studios, Red Tiger Gaming and IGT.

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Erik King

Editor in Chief - Zamsino.com

I always loved gambling and probably always will, spending my time reviewing gambling sites to help people save time.

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Last updated 26/05/23 by Erik King