[current-yearear] guide to New Zealand's best casino games
Whether you want to give new pokies a spin or throw down some chips, our experts can help you find the best casino games (and where to play them) in New Zealand.
We’ve analysed the game selection at every leading casino and compiled an in-depth guide to help you find the right online casino. We’ll go through popular game types, walk you through choosing a great game, and offer advice on getting started.
| Casino logo | Rating | Bonus | Go-to-casino button | Show more | T&Cs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
98/100 Games rating by Dasha G. 69% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$1,000 + 200FS
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
18 payment methods 
|
|
2
|
97/100 Games rating by Elena I. 84% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$1,000 + 50 loyalty-wheel spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
20 payment methods
|
|
3
|
97/100 Games rating by Dasha G. 71% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$1,000 + 200FS
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
4
|
97/100 Games rating by Elena I. 83% Playscore based on |
Up to NZ$22,500 spread across 4 deposits
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
17 payment methods
|
|
5
|
96/100 Games rating by Elena I. 76% Playscore based on |
Up to NZ$22,500 spread across 4 deposits
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
17 payment methods
|
|
6
|
96/100 Games rating by Dasha G. 73% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$1000
|
Play now players accepted |
19 payment methods
|
|
7
|
96/100 Games rating by Dasha G. 80% Playscore based on |
Up to 5,000 USDT over 3 deposits
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
8
|
96/100 Games rating by Elena I. 92% Playscore based on |
Up to NZ$2,500 + 250 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
9
|
95/100 Games rating by Jovana G. 96% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$2,000 + 200 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
10
|
95/100 Games rating by Jovana G. 87% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$2,500 + 300 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
|
|
1
|
93/100 Games rating by Jovana G. 96% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$2,000 + 200 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
2
|
91/100 Games rating by Jovana G. 87% Playscore based on |
Up to NZ$6,500 + 125 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
3
|
91/100 Games rating by Jovana G. 89% Playscore based on |
Up to NZ$2,000 + 100 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
4
|
91/100 Games rating by Jovana G. 92% Playscore based on |
100% up to $1,000
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
5
|
91/100 Games rating by Elena I. 88% Playscore based on |
10–20% Cashback + win up to NZ$10,000, 100 mBTC, or 800 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
19 payment methods
|
|
6
|
91/100 Games rating by Elena I. 90% Playscore based on |
Up to NZ$300 + 200 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
18 payment methods
|
|
|
7
|
91/100 Games rating by Elena I. 92% Playscore based on |
Up to NZ$2,500 + 250 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
8
|
91/100 Games rating by Elena I. 91% Playscore based on |
Up to NZ$1,500 + 150 free spins + 500 loyalty points
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
9
|
90/100 Games rating by Dasha G. 84% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$100 + 100 free spins on Starburst
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
12 payment methods
|
|
|
10
|
90/100 Games rating by Jovana G. 87% Playscore based on |
100% up to NZ$2,500 + 300 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
Editor's note
We review and rate online casinos that accept players from New Zealand. At the time of writing, this only covers offshore operators.
Before you play, make sure that the platform of your choice is licensed in other jurisdictions, has adequate security protocols in place, and follows industry-standard responsible gambling guidelines.
Best casino games online in New Zealand
If you’re looking for the best casino games out there — this really depends on your style of play. You might be a slow, methodical blackjack player who likes to think about strategy and style. Or, you might be a fan of theatrical live casino games from Evolution or Pragmatic Play. Pick a game that offers good winning odds, and stick to smaller jackpots if you’re a beginner.
Pokies, aka slots, if you’re not from New Zealand, are a global phenomenon in gambling games. If you include offline machines, there are millions of them worldwide. There’s a huge diversity in online pokies because of this. You’ll find games with just three reels and four symbols, all the way to Megaways games with 100,000+ ways to win!
- Online pokies — Also known as slot machines, these games can be found at every online casino. They come with varying themes, symbols, gameplay, and pay lines. This makes online slot machines more exciting and enticing to players. Above all, the developers of online slot machines offer the best online pokies for free, so newcomers can master the game at no financial risk.
- Live casino games — Notably, live casino games are the second most popular game type for casino players in New Zealand. Live casino games replicate the real-life casino floor experience perfectly. You’ll find professional dealers, real live-streamed cards and tables, and a lively, community atmosphere in the chat. Unfortunately, you can’t try these games for free.
- Online blackjack — Online Blackjack is one of the most popular games. It is easy to learn and comes with a small house edge. Playing blackjack at NZ casinos online offers players the best rewards, hefty payouts, and bonuses. Most top-rated casino sites offer a sign-up bonus to newcomers. These bonuses can be worth your money, and you can use them to boost your bankroll. The goal of players in online blackjack is to get a higher card count than the dealer without exceeding the number 21. You compete against the dealer and not against the players in this game. The bet limits and the table’s name are displayed below the table icon.
- Online roulette — The basic rule of online roulette is to predict the number on which the ball will land when the roulette wheel is spun. You can do this by placing bets on a roulette board. Depending on the version you’re playing, it will contain 37 or 38 numbers and comes with different betting options. This game is based entirely on chance, and no skill is involved in playing it. You’ll have unlimited time to place bets while playing standard online roulette, but if you’re playing live dealer roulette, you will have to make your bets within a time limit. You can spin the wheel once you’ve finished placing your bets.
- Video poker — It is the common name for a fixed-odds poker game. Video Poker is based on a five-card draw and can be played in online casinos. This game is also referred to as poker slots. But, it differs from slots. Unlike slots, you need a skill element to play video poker. This involves playing the hand optimally according to the poker hand rankings. Video poker has many variants. All these variants are based on a five-card draw, one of poker’s simplest varieties. The player is given one opportunity to keep the cards they wish to and discard the ones they don’t want to retain, receiving new cards in return.
- Baccarat — Baccarat is a guessing game. The players need to place bets before the cards are dealt. There are seven to fourteen seats for players, depending on the version of this game and a dealer’s area. Only two hands of cards are dealt with in this game: the player’s and the banker’s. Players have their own betting area and don’t get their own cards. Points calculation is also different in this game. A unique rule is that nine is the highest score, and the hand’s value can’t be higher than that. Due to its huge winning potential and easy-to-learn rules, it’s quite popular in New Zealand.
- Online craps — Craps, also known as seven-eleven, is the most popular dice game at New Zealand casinos. The game can be played in online casinos on a virtual table that’s a replica of the real craps table. You can play craps with several players. Although only one player is the “Shooter”, anyone can bet even if they are not rolling the dice. If the first roll results in the shooter losing or winning, that round is automatically over. However, if the shooter doesn’t win, you can continue playing. Even though it’s easy to learn the basics of craps, it can be hectic to play as you have many strategies and bets to choose from.
- Lottery games — If you are a casual gambler who wants to stay away from complex betting systems, lottery games can be your ideal option. You can play most online lotteries with one pool of consecutive numbers. Out of these numbers, the players must predict several of them to win. For example, while playing a 6/49 lottery game, you’ll have to accurately predict six numbers for the jackpot. Some of the largest lotteries, like Mega Millions and Powerball, have an additional pool of numbers, out of which you have to select one or two. All numbers from both pools must match the drawn numbers to win the jackpot.
- Online scratch games — These games offer instant prizes and unlimited fun. Scratch card games are becoming immensely popular because of their affordability and ease of play. The amount a player desires to get going is minimal, and there is no strategy involved, meaning you only have to scratch the card to win. It is all about chance and good luck! You should also keep a watch on the odds involved in the game you want to play because the percentages can range from one scratch card variation to another.
How to choose the best online casino games
If you want to improve your chances of winning, you need to know what to look for in the best casino games list. Before you sit down at a table, you must know which casino games have the best odds. This will help you in making smart bets and increase your chances of winning.
RTP and payouts
Not all casino games have the same variance. In fact, it can vary from one game to another. A high variance means the prize amounts will vary. Let’s take the example of a big progressive jackpot pokie. Many players will lose, or maybe only win small amounts, in order for one lucky player to hit a huge prize! Instead, you might prefer low-variance games. These, like online blackjack or a three-reel slots game, might not potentially have huge prizes on a random basis. However, low variance games tend to give out more frequent but smaller wins. With some games, like live blackjack or video poker, the player can use skill and maths to narrow down the house edge. This then increases the Return to Player potential or RTP of the game.
Software providers
One of the main reasons why casino software has drastically improved is because it’s generally developed by specialist gaming companies and not by casinos. Some online casinos still develop their own software, but the majority of them use reliable third-party providers. Here are a few widely recognized developers that are always a sign of top-quality casino gaming: Microgaming, Playtech, Evolution Gaming, and Betsoft. Over the years, Microgaming has developed a wide range of games and continues to produce innovative games to this day. Betsoft produces the most advanced online casino games. They supply a number of operators and are known for the incredible animation and 3D graphics that are featured in their games. Playtech casinos, on the other hand, are great for players who enjoy a mix of pokies and live games, as the provider is known to excel in both.
Mobile experience
Are you thinking about why people like playing mobile casino games and what makes them so good? That’s exactly what we’ll answer today. You should be able to play the best online casino games on your smartphone devices. The best thing about online mobile casino games is that they offer players exclusive bonuses. You won’t find these bonuses on desktop, regular versions of the site. That’s the way site owners are promoting their site’s mobile versions. Mobile casino games also give you the flexibility to play the game wherever you may be at any time of the day. If you have played an online casino game on your computer, you may have noticed many pop-up ads on your screen. To feel less distracted when playing online gambling games, choose mobile casinos.
Game features and variations
Whether it was the advancement in 3D technology or the advent of progressive jackpots, online casino game features have found new life throughout the years. The developers are now looking into virtual reality. You can now play 3-D games and switch between games without leaving your seat. A good online casino game should also have an excellent soundtrack. If you go to the best online casino, you’ll see hundreds of different slot games advertised. The gist of these games is the same, meaning you spin to win. But many variations keep you interested even after hundreds of spins and spice up the action. Some slot games give you the chance to unlock bonus games. For example, you can find bonus rounds where pay tables are more lucrative.
Bet limits
Understanding minimum and maximum bet limits are the keys to learning how to play your favourite casino table games. Each online casino sets its betting limits in line with its own risk profiles. Operators who want to take greater risk will accept higher maximum bets, while lesser-known sites may set conservative maximum bet limits to cover themselves from huge payouts. Unsurprisingly, if you want to indulge in high-stakes gambling, be it at the roulette tables or on your favourite online pokies or blackjack, you should choose an online casino that offers the biggest table limits. The more you can wager per spin or hand, the bigger your potential winnings will be. A modest table limit will prevent you from gambling too much in hand or a single spin. Keep in mind that not every real money casino in NZ will have the same bet limits for the same game.
Theme (visuals and audio)
One of the biggest changes that online casinos have seen is the increased use of visual effects and sounds to make the games more appealing. Online pokies, in particular, use special game effects to entice people into playing the game. In other games also, developers are increasingly incorporating visual effects and sounds into their new creations. Experts believe visual effects and sound are designed to create a fun environment where winning seems more common than losing. Impressive visuals and sounds trigger feelings of pleasure within the players, helping to spark a suspension of their judgment characteristics. By blending these elements with features such as bonus levels, game themes, and near misses, online casino owners can feed good vibes into the player’s psyche. Flashing light is also used to add to the sense of achievement,
Ease of play
Many players start playing an online casino game without knowing much about it. But you should choose your games wisely. For example, if you’re a newcomer, you can play slot games as they allow you to start spinning as soon as you sign up. You should try to find games that are easy to play and offer good payback. For example, games like roulette and craps don’t require you to instantly make decisions that affect the game’s outcome. But if you bet wisely, you can theoretically win on games that are essentially luck-based. For some people, mindlessly spinning a slot game is not their idea of fun. If you’re someone like that, you should play something that is a bit more challenging. Poker presents a lot of challenges, as it requires a strategy to get the right cards.
Evaluating an online casino’s game offer: what to consider
Before playing at any casino, we recommended assessing them based on a number of criteria. These include games on offer, customer support, mobile app, welcome bonus, software selection, payment options, security, and more. By doing so, you can avoid casinos online that offer the worst casino games and find the best ones.
Game selection
Ensure that the casino you choose offers all the games you love. Most online casinos allow you to browse through their website. This way, you can see the complete online casino games NZ list. However, consider the quality of the real money casino games on offer rather than just the number of games. The best NZ online gambling sites boast 1,000+ game collections. While average casinos have only 500+ games, the worst have less than 500. Hence, you can get bored quickly by choosing a casino that only offers fewer games. So, take your time and research online your favourite games and the online sites that offer these games. Whatever strategy the NZ online casino chooses, they provide a wide variety of online casino gambling options that suit you. So, if you are a pokie player, ensure that the casino has more than 600+ slot machines to choose from.
Good welcome bonus
The top casinos aim to provide you with the best welcome offer. For example, they may offer a 100% matched bonus up to 1,000 New Zealand dollars. Besides that, you should also get free spins offers on selected slots. Ideally, 20-25 free spins on select slot machines. Some even offer 100-150 spins. However, if the casino does not provide a matched deposit, it should offer a massive welcome package, which continues throughout the year. For example, you can collect up to NZ$3,000 in bonuses at Casino Tropez. Here, you’ll receive this bonus over a full year whenever you make your first deposit of each new month. Then, to keep you wagering, the top online casinos will provide additional incentives. It includes reload bonuses, competitions, prize draws, VIP programs, cashback offers, and other loyalty-based promotions. All in all, don’t compromise on bonuses since it allows you to increase your bankroll.
Software selection
When looking at the gaming library, check which gaming studio is offering them. The top casinos will offer games from renowned online casino software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, WMS, Playtech, BetSoft, Play N Go, Red Tiger Gaming, and NextGen. In addition to games from specialised software providers like Yggdrasil and Thunderkick. Moreover, for live dealer games, you should find that Evolution Gaming or Pragmatic Play power them. It is acceptable if your casino has live dealer games from either one. Finally, in some cases, you can find more than 100+ software providers at a casino. But, as previously mentioned, it’s about the quality of the games on offer. So, any casino that offers games from any software providers mentioned above is considered an excellent casino. Generally, avoid sites whose casino games are not powered by any of the providers mentioned above.
Mobile experience
If gambling on the go has been your ultimate desire, then choose an online casino that is compatible with your mobile phone. The best NZ casinos offer Android and iOS app. However, some casinos do not offer apps but have the best mobile site. So how do you choose? Well, if the casino offers an app, ensure it is user-friendly. It must have an excellent selection of mobile casino games that are similar to its desktop site. However, for casinos that do not offer an app, their mobile site must be user-friendly and instantly compatible with your phone. Also, if a casino offers 1000+ games on their desktop site, you should expect to find more than 600+ games on the mobile site. The worst casinos do not have any app, and their mobile site takes time to load and is incompatible with most devices. So, avoid such casinos.
Security and safety
To identify whether a casino is safe to play at, look at its licences. Ideally, the best casinos are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gambling Commission. These respected regulatory bodies safeguard the interests of online casino players. Hence, You can be confident that a licenced casino site that operates under the jurisdiction of these regulators adheres to high standards of player protection. It includes the use of cutting-edge technical security software, dedication to promoting responsible gambling and preventing underage gambling, and independently verified fair game. A lso, see if the casino has a licence from either eCOGRA, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), or iTech Labs. The worst casinos will not go through the trouble of getting a licence from any of these bodies. Furthermore, their games will be rigged and not fair. Hence, you risk placing your personal and financial information at risk by playing at such casinos.
Deposit and withdrawal options
The best online casinos in New Zealand enable you to deposit safely using various payment methods. It includes credit and debit card payments, E-wallets, prepaid cards, and bank transfers. Moreover, they should charge you no fees, and withdrawals should be fast. Sites like Casino Tropez offer their users more than 12 payment options, all of which are fee-free, and withdrawals are quick. It is excellent for players because they get more money in hand. On the other hand, the worst casinos have limited banking options for their players. For example, while Bet365 has 7 banking options, you can only use 3 of them for withdrawals. So, before signing up, check the casinos banking page to see if you can use the same payment method for deposits and withdrawals. Finally, the worst casinos charge excessive fees and take a long time (72 hours+) to finalise your transactions.
Customer support
Choose an online casino that offers excellent customer support. The top casinos online will provide 24/7 customer support with at least three contact channels where live chat is available. If a casino does not offer live chat, don’t play with them. Legitimate casinos train their agents thoroughly to handle any questions you have. The casino should not take more than 5 minutes for live chat to answer your queries. In the case of emails, the maximum time a casino should take is 24 hours. Finally, phone support should be immediate. The worst casinos will only have one way you can contact them, email or phone, and no live chat. Moreover, their response time will be more than 72 hours, and in some cases, you will have to constantly email or call them to fix your issues, which can be a hassle.
How to start playing gambling games
If you’re trying to figure out how to gamble online or how online sites work, then this guide is for you. We’ll show you the best way to take your gambling adventure to the next level, and we’ll ensure that you always stay on the winning side. Continue reading to learn how to start playing real money games in New Zealand online casinos.
- Choose your online casino
- Create your account
- Take advantage of the welcome offer
- Make your deposit
- Select your favourite online casino games
- Read the terms and conditions
- Start playing
FAQs
What are the best casino games you can play online?
You can play many casino games online depending on your style of play and experience. Blackjack is considered to have the best odds of winning as it has a house edge of just 1% in most casinos. On the other hand, playing craps can be a bit intimidating for newcomers with all the boxes on the table. Penny slots are easy to play and have better odds. Stay far away from the progressive slots with multi-million dollar jackpots, like Megabucks and Wheel of Fortune.
Can you play casino games online for real money?
Yes, you can play top online casino games for real money. You can try hundreds of table games, live games, pokies games, and other games action for real money at the best online casinos in NZ. Online gambling for real money has different features. These include promotions, bonuses, and strategies for each online game. Hundreds of online casinos are there for New Zealand casino players, and new online casinos open monthly. It is, therefore, important to find a trustworthy online casino where you can play games for real money, but don’t forget to play responsbibly.
Are casino games rigged?
No, they are not. Casino games at regulated and licensed casinos always have their games tested by regulatory bodies like Malta Gaming Authority or third-party auditors like eCOGRA. They perform tests on the casino’s Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure the outcome of the games is 100% random, so you can rest assured that they are fair. However, some rogue online casinos have a history of rigging their games, so stick to casino games New Zealand online casinos that Time2play experts recommend.
What casino games have the best odds?
Casino games such as blackjack and baccarat have the best odds or the highest return to player (RTP). Additionally, roulette, craps and video poker can offer some good odds but only on specific bets or by using additional rules in the player’s favour. On the other hand, pokies have an average RTP of 96-97%, slightly lower than most table games. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid them. There are still many pokies with high RTP that you can enjoy. Keno is considered the game with worst odds, so it’s best to be avoided.
What is the most played casino game?
Blackjack is the most played one and is considered the best casino game to play. Unlike most casino games based purely on luck, Blackjack depends on the player’s decision-making skills. This makes it more exciting for its players. Additionally, many people consider blackjack easy to learn as it has few rules. The aim of blackjack is to beat the dealer to a hand of 21. The game moves rapidly and changes after every few minutes for the players. A blackjack table is perfect for those who want to play a game full of fun and thrill.
