Best Online Casinos in New Zealand: Our Top 10 for December 2024

We understand that every player has their own preferences and questions. As experts, we focus on providing tailored recommendations. Whether you’re searching for the best bonuses, the most popular live dealer games, or a casino that accepts paysafecard, we’ve got you covered.

Using our experience, we evaluate casinos based on the factors that matter most to you.

Check out the categories below and find the casino that meets your needs!

How We Test and Review Online Casinos

At O-C.com our number one aim is to provide good options for our readers. It’s not enough to simply have set criteria, instead we tailor this based on both gambling regulations and player preferences, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Whenever we test the best online casinos for players in New Zealand, we always give you our honest and unbiased opinions, using the following criteria for every site:

While these are part of our fixed test criteria, there are other additional factors that we like to see in a casino site. An element that can really enhance or detract from the online gambling experience is the design and usability of the site or app.

We prioritize recommending safe casino sites with intuitive and visually appealing designs that make navigation a breeze. A good filtering and search function in the games’ library is also a nice extra.

While top-notch customer service in Kiwis is standard across all the sites we recommend, we also favor those offering multilingual support, ensuring players can access help without any language barriers.

Why You Can Trust Online-Casinos.com

We are an eclectic bunch with one thing in common, we live and breathe online casinos! Our experts are truly immersed in this industry, reviewing and testing casinos and sharing this knowledge with our readers.

In an industry that evolves as quickly as this one, staying current is key. We’re dedicated to keeping our pages up to date, ensuring you always have the latest information at your fingertips.

Gambling Regulations & Player Safety in New Zealand

When the 2003 Gambling Act was published in New Zealand, all online gambling was declared illegal within the borders of the country itself. Although it currently remains illegal for operators to launch or promote online casinos in New Zealand, there are no laws to prevent you from playing at online casinos located overseas.

Nevertheless, the online gambling landscape is set for a major change. The New Zealand government has announced that the Gambling Commission will be licensing and regulating online casinos by 2026, overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The number of licenses issued will be limited at first, offered via auction. Bidding casino operators will be required to comply with strict regulatory measures and licenses must be renewed every three years. The new licensing will also be exclusive to online casino activities, and will not include sports betting or lotteries, which cannot be combined.

While no specific regulatory criteria is published, we expect the main compliance measures for NZ online casino licensing to include the following elements:

As and when these regulatory measures come into effect, we will keep you updated with all the latest information. In our opinion, licensing and regulating online casinos is a step in the right direction for New Zealand.

Aside from generating increased tax revenues, players in New Zealand will benefit from the new regulatory framework, providing much better consumer protection and enhanced responsible gambling platforms. At present, some of the top international gambling regulators include the following:

Until the Gambling Commission in New Zealand has this new regulatory framework in place, you are still free to play at online casinos located elsewhere, although we only recommend putting your trust in sites that are verifiably regulated by reputable international licensing bodies.

What Kind of Casino Games Will You Find?

Given there are no laws against players from New Zealand accessing online casinos, the world is quite literally your oyster when it comes to the choice of games available. That’s great news for anyone who wants to try the latest online pokies or exciting table games, including roulette or baccarat, blackjack or poker.

To help you make the best and most informed choices, we have pages covering the top casino sites for each category of games available.

List of Payment Methods

As part of our testing and review process for the best online casinos, we always check the payment methods available for deposits and withdrawals. Thankfully, there are plenty to choose from if you’re located in New Zealand.

Be aware: PayPal does not support online casino payments from players in New Zealand. Given that online gambling is currently unregulated in New Zealand, such payments are against PayPal’s terms of use and can lead to your account being suspended.

We have pages covering the most popular payment methods used by New Zealand casino players, helping you to make better decisions, whenever you’re choosing where to play. These pages explain how to use each payment method, alongside listing the top online casinos for each option.

What You Need to Know about Bonuses & Promotions

Welcome bonuses are designed to entice you. But remember: they’re not free gifts!

We understand that the lengthy terms and conditions can feel overwhelming and be a source of frustration. That’s why we’ve done the hard work of deciphering the bonus terms for you.

With decades of combined experience, we know exactly what to look for when evaluating a promotion to ensure it offers real value.

How to Choose the Best Casino Bonus

Before you sign up for any casino bonus, always read through the terms and conditions. Make sure you understand them and that they suit your own preferences. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Wagering Requirements: How many times do I need to playthrough the bonus?
• Contribution of Games: Which games contribute to fulfilling the wagering requirements?
• Time Limits: When does the bonus expire?
• Betting Limits: What is the minimum amount I can deposit before claiming the offer?
• Choice of Games: Which games can I use the bonus funds or spins to play?

It is essential that you read the terms and conditions of any bonus you wish to claim, and be sure that you fully understand how they work. If you’re unsure, or you think they do not match your playing style, then do not accept.

Responsible Gambling

While the thrills of playing at online casinos can be alluring, problem gambling is a genuine issue. No matter how much fun this activity can seem, we urge players to think carefully about their wagering and its potential consequences. Make sure you stay in control and gamble responsibly.

Thankfully, the government of New Zealand takes a proactive stance. Rather than stigmatise the issue of problem gambling, they actively support charitable groups and initiatives, encouraging people to seek help and advice whenever needed via the following organisations:

Our Conclusion

By now, you should have a much better idea of important factors to consider when seeking the best online casinos for players in New Zealand, and how to avoid anything dodgy. Our dedicated team of experts continually strive to provide unbiased reviews and valuable information, aimed at helping you to compare the best options.

Gambling laws and regulations are still evolving in New Zealand. While you do have the legal freedom to gamble wherever you wish, including at online casinos located outside the country, companies are not yet allowed to establish or promote online casinos in New Zealand itself. That situation is gradually changing, now the government has plans to license and regulate online casinos by 2026.

We believe that licensing and regulation are vital for safe and sustainable gambling. You should never risk playing at unlicensed casino sites. Instead, look out for operators that hold valid licenses with reputable international regulators, where your safety and entertainment is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still got questions? Then check out this FAQ section for the most common queries about online casinos in New Zealand. Ask and you shall receive!

Which is the best online casino in New Zealand?

Based on our in-depth reviews and comparisons, LeoVegas is the top online casino for New Zealanders in December 2024. This established international casino gaming brand consistently ranks highly among our top 10 online casinos, thanks to high-quality games, mobile optimisation, and excellent customer support

What is the most trusted online casino in NZ?

First, it’s important to clarify that there are currently no regulated or licensed online casinos located in New Zealand itself. Secondly, of all the offshore options available to Kiwi players, our review team rates 888casino as the most trusted in December 2024 for safety and security, and the responsiveness of customer support.

Can you gamble online in New Zealand?

Yes, there are no laws to prevent Kiwi players from gambling at online casinos located overseas. However, online casinos themselves are not allowed to operate or advertise in New Zealand at present. We only recommend overseas remote casinos that hold valid and reputable licenses, such as those issued by Malta Gaming Authority or UK Gambling Commission, and Curaçao eGaming, for example.

What are the most popular online pokies?

The choice of online pokies available these days has never been greater! There are spinning reels of every variety and theme to keep players entertained. Among the most popular at online casino sites are Starburst by NetEnt, Big Bass Bonanza by Pragmatic Play, and Book of Dead by Play’n Go. For progressive jackpots, the Mega Moolah series of pokies by Games Global (formerly Microgaming) are hugely popular.

Can I play live dealer games from New Zealand?

Yes, players from New Zealand can access live dealer games at the best online casinos, typically through the main casino website. These feature real human dealers and croupiers for a fully interactive experience, covering popular table games like roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and even game shows.

Are fast Visa withdrawals available at New Zealand casinos?

Yes, although the speed of withdrawal processing times can also depend on the card issuer. On average, Visa withdrawals can take between 1 and 3 days to clear on your card. Check our page covering the best Visa casinos for more information.

When will online casinos be regulated in New Zealand?

The government has already begun the process to license and regulate online casinos in New Zealand, introducing a new regulatory framework that is expected to be ready for launch by 2026. The aims of this regulatory system will be to support tax collection, minimise problem gambling, and provide increased consumer protection for New Zealanders.