Online Gambling 

Perfectly suited to busy, active Kiwi lifestyles, online gambling sites are more popular than ever. Our expert team of New Zealand reviewers have pooled their experience to deliver Kiwis like you the best online gambling sites for a flutter on the pokies, a punt on a table game, or a Vegas experience anywhere, anytime. Brace yourselves, Aotearoa – gambling online has kicked casino gaming to the next level! 

Our Ratings – How We Choose The Best Online Gambling Sites In New Zealand  

Online Casino Bonuses & Offers 

It all starts with assessing the bonus deals offered by the best online gambling sites in New Zealand. Each site dedicated to gambling online offers a range of different bonus offers and exclusive member deals. While one casino may have a wildly generous welcome bonus, their regular member’s deals may offer a comparatively low number of NZD. Naturally, this makes assessing online gambling New Zealand a job for professionals. Thankfully, our expert gambling site reviewing team is up for the challenge. At Casinowatch, the best bonus offers, and exclusive gambling NZ deals have been reviewed and compared to competing online gambling NZ sites. This means that gamble-happy Kiwis like you can easily compare the bonus deals and offers available to you. Rest easy New Zealand, we have your back when it comes to online gambling! 

Speedy Deposits and Pay-outs 

Understanding the deposit speed and pay-out turnaround time is important for New Zealand players interested in online gambling for money. Not every gambling site has the same terms and conditions when it comes to payment deposits and withdrawal payouts. Although an online gambling site may have the same reputable payment partners as another gambling site NZ, that does not mean that the site adheres to the same payment turnaround times. Some sites require additional verification during the identification process for Kiwi online gambling players before their deposit is accepted. Meanwhile, other online gambling sites hold each withdrawal pay-out for several days. The varying approaches have pros and cons that relate to the preferences of each individual casino game player.  

High Security 

The best sites for gambling online in New Zealand put their online gambling players safety and security above all else. We rate gambling site security across several criteria, but legitimacy is a primary focus. Gambling site NZ players deserve to know that they are playing with a verified, honest online gambling site. To confirm the legitimacy, we check whether the site is licensed by a reputable online gambling authority. There are only a few in the world, and the Malta Gaming Authority is chief among them. Following that, we check that the gambling site is audited by an independent body that can guarantee a fair and unbiased audit. Additional accreditation and industry awards are also taken into account. If an online gambling site NZ does not meet the high standards set by our reviewing team, it does not make our recommended lists. 

Top Software & Games 

When online gambling for real money, Kiwi players want to know that they are getting the most bang for their buck. Top shelf games that have been designed by internationally renowned gaming software providers guarantee this. The best online gambling software providers produce a range of popular games and regularly release new editions and fresh themes. This is ideal for Kiwi players who love trying new games and pokies themes! Our reviewing team consider the range of games on offer as well as the audio and visual graphic quality of each game. A good gambling site has a wide range of pokies games (Kiwi favourites) as well as table games like baccarat and blackjack. On top of this, the best gambling sites NZ have live casino games for a taste of Vegas in your living room. 

Support 

The best online gambling sites in New Zealand offer the ‘big three’ when it comes to customer support. The ‘big three’ are email, for general enquiries that are not urgent, telephone, for NZ players who would like to talk through a problem, and live chat, for Kiwis who require immediate assistance. Not every online gambling site offers all three, some offer two of the options, and others offer only one. Access to support is important, but that is not enough for Casinowatch. We review the consistency and quality of the support provided as well. Is support available 24/7? Is the customer support representative friendly? Are they prompt? Do they actively help and answer the question accurately? Reliable online casino support is critically important for players, especially when they encounter issues relating to gameplay, deposits, withdrawal pay-outs, and technical assistance. 

Online Gambling in New Zealand  

online gambling nz

The gambling industry is regulated in New Zealand by the Department of Internal Affairs. As has historically been the case, all public gambling is expected to return some of its profit back to the New Zealand community. Because the largest percentage of the NZ gambling industry is operated by government-owned institutions, this makes sense. In 2008, losses by Kiwis were reported to be $2.034 billion which is $480 per capita. 

New Zealanders love to gamble. It is widely considered an exciting social occasion with groups of people visiting physical casinos for a night out. Online gambling sites can be solo endeavours or operate as a social activity, much like physical casinos. A group of Kiwi mates will often trade tips and advice as they gamble on their mobile phones. As a nation that loves competition, online gambling with mates has been known to get intense! 

Benefits for Kiwi Gamblers 

New Zealanders report that the largest benefit of online gambling sites is the flexibility they provide. A flutter or a punt can take place anytime, anywhere. This is important for a busy nation like NZ. Often, there is no time in the week to visit the local pub to play the pokies or pop down to the casino for a poker game. Thankfully, online gambling sites deliver the casino to Kiwis to be played whenever they want. Unsurprisingly, this fuss-free, no string attached approach to gambling has been welcome to Aotearoa with open arms and a ‘Sweet as!’. 

Types of Online Gambling Sites  

Live Casino NZ  

Play Vegas in your jandals and stubbies NZ and spin the pokies while manning the BBQ. No tux is required to play at these casinos, but you are guaranteed an exclusive feeling VIP treatment from the live casinos. Are you ready to be treated like a King or Queen?  

Live casinos are live-streamed to you from famous casinos (think Vegas and Monaco) and live casino film studios from around the world. Kiwi players can watch real-life dealers deal their cards, spin, and shuffle, while trading banter with fellow gamblers. This live casino type of NZ online gambling is ideal for players that enjoy getting involved in table games and want to feel as if they are part of the action. If you dream of Vegas, then live casino online gambling sites are the solution for you!  

Real Money Casinos   

Kiwi players are fans of real money online gambling NZ destinations. At this type of gambling site, New Zealand players can deposit NZD to gamble with real money. When they win big, NZ gamblers can withdraw their winning in NZD as well or choose to continue playing with their winnings on real money NZ online gambling sites.  

Real money means that the stakes are higher. This type of gambling induces high levels of adrenaline, the type that thrill-seeking Kiwi gamblers enjoy. Play spins on the pokies for real money or have a flutter at an online casino’s table games. Or, perhaps you prefer a Kiwi classic like Keno. Whatever you choose to gamble on with real money, you have the chance to win NZD in return.  

Free Play Casinos 

This type of online gambling NZ site is designed for Kiwi players who enjoy casino games but do not want to play with real money. Free play casinos tend to offer free play 100% of the time on certain games, but others will offer it for a limited period of time before they require a real money deposit from NZ players.  

Free play gambling sites are ideal for Kiwi gamblers that are trying out new NZ casinos but are not ready to commit to any yet. Playing at a New Zealand free play online gambling site NZ gives Kiwis the opportunity to test-drive the casino and its games. Once a player finds a casino with games and bonus deals and rules that suit their preferred style of gambling, they can choose to make a deposit and move on from the free play mode. Levelling up from free play also means that players can begin accumulating VIP points and begin their journey toward elite-level VIP status at their preferred gambling site.  

Fastest Payout Casino   

Our expert gambling reviewers have identified the fastest pay-out casinos to save you the time and trouble. Some online gambling NZ casinos payout quickly while others are slower. This pace can be set at different stages.  

When requesting a withdrawal, some NZ casinos require more information than other NZ online casino sites. This can take up precious playing time for Kiwis and distract them from the gambling that they would rather be doing. Other NZ casinos are slower after the withdrawal has been requested. This is due to factors impacting the payment processing time. Tied up in this are currency conversion and bank timeframes as well. Our reviewers have covered it all and rated the best NZ gambling sites so that you do not have to worry about it.  

Mobile Casinos 

Mobile gambling sites come in two forms. The first is a mobile responsive casino and the second is an online gambling site app. The benefit of each is that they are a way for your favourite online NZ casinos to fit in your pocket. Whether you are sitting on the Saturday side-line, grilling at the BBQ, or bored on your weekday commute, mobile casinos are right there with you, ready to go. Simply open your phone and start gambling.  

This type of NZ casino often has as many features as their desktop counterparts. The difference is that mobile casinos are tailored to viewing, playing, and banking on your preferred mobile device. This is exciting for Kiwis who like to gamble when the are on the go. No longer do you have to wait until you are near your desktop computer. Instead, you can play anywhere at any time it suits you. Ka pai NZ mobile online gambling casinos!   

New Casinos NZ   

We feature top NZ new casinos so that Kiwi gamblers can play the latest and greatest gambling NZ has to offer. Get ready for the latest games, Aotearoa, the best gambling software partnerships, NZD payment options, and much more.  

Whether you enjoy playing the pokies, online table games, live casino, classics like Keno, or any other type of online gambling site NZ, new casinos are for you. New casinos are designed with the latest casino technology to keep Kiwi players on their toes. Not only do new gambling sites stock the latest and greatest casino games, they often have a unique built-in tournament system that allows NZ players to accumulate loyalty points and other perks in a fun, gamified way.  

Now that you know what type of NZ online gambling site is best for you, pick a casino and start playing! Whether you are a Kiwi player seeking new casinos, the top live casinos, the fastest pay-out casinos, or the best free play casinos, you are in luck. Our expert online gambling reviewers have scoured NZ online gambling sites for the best and most exciting online casinos for Kiwi players.  

Gambling on Mobile  

online gambling mobile

Online gambling has reached a new level in the last few years. Mobile gambling has taken hold and Kiwi casino game players are stepping up to make the most of its convenience. Mobile casinos use your normal cell data or wifi connection to operate. Players can still gamble with real money NZD or play in free play mode. The top online gambling NZ mobile providers are iOS for Apple, Andriod, Windows, and Blackberry. Not every gambling site is compatible with each mobile device software provider, so check the site you want to play on first. 

Casino Apps and Responsive Sites 

Some gambling sites have casino apps. This requires a player to download an app that sits on their phone and is ready to be played anytime, anywhere. The game interface is designed specifically for mobile device size and the user experience follows suit. If a gambling site does not offer a mobile app, it is likely that it is mobile responsive. When a gambling site is mobile responsive an app does not need to be downloaded. The site itself re-sizes to be viewed on any screen. Kiwi players can use a desktop, tablet, or mobile device and the original desktop features will still be available. Only the viewing format changes so that gameplay and the user experience optimised on smaller and smaller sized screens. 

New Zealand players choose to play online gambling casino games via an app or mobile optimised site for convenience. Mobile devices are in Kiwi pockets every day. Wherever a Kiwi gambler is they can pull out their phone and have a flutter or take a punt. This is what makes mobile gambling perfect for NZ players. It is available anywhere, anytime, on the go. You might be in your jammies having brekkie or relaxing at the beach. Wherever you are, mobile online gambling is only a click away. 

Online Gambling Laws in New Zealand  

While ancient civilisations around the world were avid gamblers, casino gambling came to our little slice of paradise, New Zealand, with the British. A spotty history ensued with fluctuations in the legality of various types of gambling. 

Bookmaking was outlawed in NZ in 1920 until 1961 when the TAB (Totalizator Agency Board) was formed. In 1987, pokies machines were legally operated by charities and were placed in hotels and bars. To help control the industry, maximum jackpots were regulated. 

The Nitty Gritty 

Fast forward to recent history, the New Zealand pokies industry turned over $10.096 billion in 2008. $9.158 billion was paid out in winnings which left Kiwis losses totalling $938 million. Since 2009 all pokies machines have been required to display Player Information Displays which inform the gambler of the length of time that they have been playing and how much money they have lost to date. This display is designed to encourage players to take breaks. 

Today, there are 6 physical casinos operating in New Zealand: Dunedin Casino, Christchurch Casino, SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Hamilton, SkyCity Queenstown, and SkyCity Wharf Casino. The first physical casino opened its doors in 1994. Playing casino games online (remote interactive gambling) is legal provided that the online gambling site is operated from a location outside of New Zealand or if no payment is required to participate. All gambling in New Zealand must adhere to the Gambling Act 2003. If you are unsure of whether your gambling activities adhere or not, check the act to be sure. 

Problem Gambling Foundation New Zealand 

This is a national not for profit organization in NZ designed to treat gambling addiction in New Zealand. The Problem Gambling Foundation is primarily funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Health and those funds are received from the NZ gambling levy. 

The foundation is the largest treatment provider in Australasia and has over 60 locations and 70 staff throughout New Zealand. The foundation provides qualified counsellors for gambling addicts who require free, professional, and confidential counselling services. The foundation works to treat as well as prevent problem gambling in New Zealand.  

Perks of Online Gambling in NZ 

The benefits of online gambling go on and on for Kiwis. So, we will highlight the most raved about advantages of online gambling sites for New Zealanders. First up, the biggest perk must be its flexibility. The ability to play on the go, anywhere at any time is hands down the best part about online gambling sites. This level of convenience suits the Kiwi lifestyle and our randomly timed desires for a flutter! 

Next up is the ability to play real money casino games in any attire. There is no need to dress up in a suit and tie to play blackjack if you play on an online gambling site. Jandals and shorts are welcome. Whether you are on your daily commute in a work shirt, pouring coffee in your dressing gown, or chilling at home on the couch wearing not much, you can play at an online gambling site judgement-free and no questions asked. 

Finally, one of the biggest perks of online gambling is that you can play real money NZD casino games in the comfort of your own home. There are plenty of free games available on the internet but verified gambling sites have your favourite casino games that adhere to fair-play casino rules and will let you play with real money for the chance to win serious NZD pay-outs. 

FAQ 

Are online gambling sites safe? 

You can tell that a gambling site is safe if it is licensed and accredited by a reputable online gambling authority. Additionally, a secure online casino will be regularly audited by an independent auditor of repute. The best gambling sites will proudly display links to their certification.

 

Are online gambling sites safe?

Once you have chosen a safe site that is licensed and regulated by reputable gambling authorities, check that the online casino gambling site has partnered with internationally renowned online payment providers. Look for names like Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, and paysafecard.

Is online gambling a popular hobby in New Zealand?

Kiwis love playing casino games on online gambling sites. The gambling industry is worth billions worldwide and hundreds of millions in New Zealand.

What games do people play at online casinos in NZ? 

Kiwis particularly enjoy playing pokies games, as well as table games like blackjack, baccarat, and poker. When New Zealand gamblers want a taste of Vegas or Monaco they will play live casino at an online gambling site where a live-streamed dealer will deal their cards, spin the wheel, and trade classic Kiwi chat.

Can I use my phone to play casino games online?

Absolutely. Most online gambling sites offer a mobile responsive site or a mobile gambling app. Either of these methods will help you gamble on your phone. Check that the gambling site NZ you have chosen is compatible with your mobile device’s operating software like Android, iOS, Blackberry, or Microsoft

What is the best online gambling site?

Enjoy our list of the best online gambling sites as recommended by our expert team of gambling site reviewers. Game quality, software providers, security, safety, support, deposit and withdrawal pay-out times, and bonuses and offers have been painstakingly compared and contrasted to provide a reliable ranking system designed to help every Kiwi pair with the best online gambling site for them

Is online gambling taxable in New Zealand? 

Professional poker players will find that their winnings are taxable. If you are not a professional gambler, but instead a gambler playing for fun and entertainment then it is unlikely that your gambling winnings will be taxable income.  

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