But hey, no need to get knackered as we’ve already narrowed down a list of the best gambling sites for New Zealanders. We’ve covered everything from game variety, banking flexibility, mobile compatibility, bonus terms and wagering, down to their VIP programs.
Read our review the best NZ casinos and see what they have in store for you.
Best NZ online casinos for real money games - First look:
Best online casino in New Zealand overall — PlayOjo
Best for progressive pokies — Royal Panda
Best mobile experience — Jackpot City
Best online casino bonuses — Leo Vegas
Best minimum deposit casino — Spin Casino
Runners-up:
Top Online Casinos in NZ
1. PlayOjo — Best NZ Casino Overall
Pros
50 no-wager free spins
2,000+ casino games
Unlimited withdrawals
Android & iPhone mobile apps
Impeccable website design
Cons
Live chat not available 24/7
Deposit fees
PlayOjo has thought of it all and that’s why it’s the #1 casino for players from New Zealand based on our ranking criteria. Licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority with heaps of online casino games and unique features, PlayOjo is an online gambling site to behold.
Game Selection: 5/5
The game library is just one area that PlayOjo entirely nailed. There are over 2,100 games to enjoy in this online casino. By registering with PlayOjo, you can treat yourself with over 1,800 pokies powered by world-renowned developers like NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Microgaming, etc.
When you need a change of scenery, you can access PlayOjo’s live section powered by Evolution and PragmaticPlay for a hand of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, TV shows, and other specialty games. Progressive jackpots and Slingo are also part of the picture.
Bonuses for NZ Players: 4.8/5
PlayOjo’s 50 no-wager free spins on Book of Dead for players from New Zealand who sign up and deposit a minimum of NZ$10 is another reason why it topped our list.
You’ll be stoked to hear that the free spins come without any limits, so you’re not limited on how much money you can win or withdraw using them.
This bonus may be underwhelming compared to other casino sites but the fact that PlayOjo has entirely removed wagering requirements from their casino bonuses is something that gives this casino an edge over the rest.
Mobile compatibility: 5/5
At PlayOjo, you can play pokies or live dealer games via your mobile browser or by downloading an Android or iOS app. The gameplay on the app is way better than its web-based platform, so don’t expect the same top-notch graphics if you’re not willing to install the app. Nonetheless, the browser still gets the job done, with only a few pokies missing.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
Besides offering traditional methods like MasterCard and VISA, PlayOjo allows NZ players to deposit and withdraw through multiple alternative methods, including Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz and Jeton. Note that PlayOjo levies a small fee on deposits, up to 5% with Skrill; however, Jeton is entirely fee-free.
Overall Score: 4.9/5
PlayOjo is a cracker of a casino, there’s no doubt about it. You’ll rarely come across an online casino site that provides bonuses without any wagering restrictions, allowing you to literally withdraw the extra money you get immediately.
The ‘Fair Casino’ – as it calls itself – is a perfect online casino for both rookies and high-rollers alike. New NZ players will love the colourful website design and neatly-organized categories for straightforward navigation, whereas seasoned gamblers can benefit from the unlimited withdrawals.
For any questions or concerns, you can contact PlayOjo’s team during their working hours, but note that you must create an account to start using the live chat.
2. Royal Panda — Best Progressive Pokies Selection
Pros
Wide selection of progressive jackpots
Up to NZ$1,000 welcome bonus
High daily withdrawal limits
Sportsbook available
Quick withdrawals
Cons
No free-play option
Limited video poker games
Limited table games
Royal Panda is an all-around online gambling website with a well-put casino section and a decent sportsbook that is fully licensed by MGA. It has been online since 2014 and has since created a reputation for being one of the best online casinos in New Zealand.
Game Selection: 4.7/5
Royal Panda’s game selection includes 1,100+ pokies and just north of a hundred table games. The pokies selection is fantastic, with its focal point on progressive jackpots that constantly reach the six-figure mark. Keep an eye out for Juicy Joker Mega Moolah, Sisters of Oz WowPot, and Imperial Riches – the jackpots they have in store are stunning.
While the live dealer section is wide with 80+ games to choose from, the table games variety is limited to only a few games. So, if you fancy playing blackjack against a machine rather than a real croupier like in the live section, the variety of software-powered table games at Royal Panda won’t cut it.
Bonuses for NZ Players: 4.8/5
New players from New Zealand who create an account at Royal Panda can claim a welcome bonus that’s good for deposits up to NZ$1,000. It’s an excellent promotion with fair wagering requirements of 35x.
On every subsequent deposit, Kiwis will get 5% extra to boost their bankroll. This casino bonus comes with pigmy playthrough requirements of 3x, which are by no means hard to meet.
Royal Panda’s website is just as good on smartphones as on desktop computers. All you need is a stable internet connection to experience Royal Panda’s games on the go – simply access the site through your browser.
However, a dedicated app’s gameplay can’t be compared to web-based, so we have to take a few points away from Royal Panda for lacking an app.
Payment Options: 4.6/5
New customers from New Zealand can choose from a decent range of banking options, including VISA, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Paysafecard and Neosurf. The slight drawback, though, is the absence of crypto payments, which might discourage certain players from New Zealand from signing up.
Overall Score: 4.7/5
Royal Panda is one of the best online casino sites in New Zealand, with tons of positives and only a few negatives that complement a truly outstanding operator. The welcome bonus paired with the excellent progressive pokies selection distinguish this casino. The availability of sports betting is something that we take in high regard as well.
3. Jackpot City — Best Mobile Casino in New Zealand
Pros
Best mobile gameplay overall
NZ$1,600 welcome package
Games tested by eCogra
Popular progressive jackpot pokies
Low minimum deposit
Cons
High wagering requirements
Limited table games selection
Not enough info regarding bonuses
JackpotCity is an NZ online casino focusing on famous progressive jackpot pokies. This online gambling site has operated since 1998, with all mandatory security measures taken care of – licensed by MGA with its games tested and approved by eCogra.
Game Selection: 4.4/5
Players from New Zealand looking to play some of the best online pokies will find a decent choice at JackpotCity, with 300+ games on tap, including old-school 3-reelers, 5-reel games, and the most popular progressive jackpot slots.
Even though it does not offer thousands of games like most online casinos, JackpotCity’s selection is wide enough for most players to enjoy their favorite casino classics. Roulette, poker and blackjack selections are limited, though. So if you’re a fan of these games, you’re better off registering with our higher-ranked online casinos.
Bonuses for NZ Players: 4.6/5
JackpotCity provides a rock-solid welcome package up to NZ$1,600 that you can claim over four deposits. Each deposit you make will be doubled up to NZ$400, up until your 4th one.
But while the package seems generous, we must address the higher than average wagering requirements of 70x, which is pretty steep to meet unless you go on a lucky winning streak.
Besides the welcome bonus, active NZ players can benefit from the Daily Deal, which is a guaranteed matching bonus each day that’s unique to each player. Additionally, active customers can spin the Bonus Wheel to win prizes. However, these last two promotions lack concrete information about prizes and WR.
Mobile-friendly: 5/5
JackpotCity’s key attribute is its mobile gameplay. If you don’t want to clog up your phone’s memory with another app, you can access all games through your mobile browser – most games are available, load fast and have no delay or lag whatsoever.
And if you want the real deal – you can download Jackpot City’s Android or iOS app and enjoy hassle-free gaming sessions filled with stunning graphics and visuals.
Payment Options: 4.6/5
JackpotCity offers the same standard payment solutions most of our featured NZ casinos do – VISA, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Neosurf, Paysafecard. Cryptocurrency is not yet supported, which may throw some player off.
This gambling site will not levy any fees on your deposits and withdrawals, but make sure to double-check that information with your payment provider as well.
Overall Score: 4.7/5
JackpotCity is a stellar gambling website for newbies looking for a low minimum deposit casino. For as low as NZ$5, you can start playing some of the most sought-after progressive slots in the gambling industry, but note that you must deposit NZ$10 to claim the welcome bonus.
Overall, it’s a fantastic casino with a rock-solid reputation and a delightful website design – a top destination if you’re a mobile pokies player.
4. LeoVegas — Best Free Spins Bonus
Pros
NZ$1,000 + 150 free spins welcome bonus
Amazing live casino promotion
Comprehensive sportsbook
Flawless mobile gameplay
Cons
Basic website design
Not suitable for desktop players
Limited payment options for NZ
Since 2011, LeoVegas has enjoyed spotless customer satisfaction and is one of the few go-to places for Kiwis to spin some reels or enjoy live dealer games. It’s an award-winning platform, with multiple acknowledgments for providing a superb gambling experience.
Game Selection: 4.9/5
With around 3,000 online casino games, among which the most popular 3-reel, 5-reel, 3D and progressive jackpot pokies, bingo, and a great live casino section, it’s no surprise that LeoVegas achieved a near-perfect score with us.
When spinning the reels becomes boring, you can access the wide live casino section with 300+ games, all of which are powered by top-notch developers like Evolution Gaming.
What you won’t find at LeoVegas, however, is the ever-popular keno.
Bonuses for NZ Players: 4.7/5
New customers from New Zealand who register and deposit a minimum of NZ$10 at Leo Vegas can participate in the 100% up to NZ$1,000 + 150 free spins promotion. The extra cash and spins come with a low 20x wagering requirements. We didn’t call Leo Vegas the best NZ free spins casino for nothing.
If you prefer live dealer games more, you can choose a 100% up to NZ$1,000 live casino bonus.
Mobile-friendly: 5/5
If there’s one thing we can’t take away from Leo Vegas, it’s the spotless gambling experience for all mobile players. This online casino NZ provides perfect results regardless of whether you decide to use the web-based version through your browser or download an app.
Payment Options: 3.8/5
You’re probably wondering why Leo Vegas isn’t ranked first with so many fantastic features. Well, it’s because Leo Vegas lacks when it comes to banking options. Deposit and withdrawal methods are limited to VISA, MasterCard, Paysafecard, ecoPayz, and Skrill. Cryptocurrencies are not yet supported.
Overall Score: 4.6/5
Leo Vegas is as good as gold, that’s for sure. Besides the colossal number of games on tap and deposit bonuses with fair terms, players from New Zealand will get to enjoy one of the best sportsbooks worldwide, stacked with competitive odds and excellent market depth.
Related reading: Best sportsbooks PA has to offer
Leo Vegas is one of few online casinos in New Zealand that especially tailors to mobile users through its near-perfect web-based platform and stellar Android and iOS apps. However, the site’s desktop design is a bit outdated, so we’d advise all bigger-screen players to stick with other online gambling sites.
5. Spin Casino — Best for Players on a Budget
Pros
Generous welcome bonus
Pokies tournaments
Decent live casino
Free pokies
Cons
Only a few game developers
Low monthly withdrawal limits
Stringent casino bonus T&C
Spin Casino is a decent online casino for gamblers of all shapes and sizes. Sports bettors, slots enthusiasts, and old-school card game fans will all find a solid option to pass the time.
Game Selection: 4.5/5
Spin Casino doesn’t feature games from a hundred software developers but only a few top-dogs like Microgaming and NetEnt. The casino’s game library has just over 400 games, but it’s a selection still decent enough to suit most NZ gamblers.
The good news is that all of Spin Casino’s pokies are free-to-play, which means you can test each game before spending money. And if you’re chasing big winnings, you’ll be stoked to know that 15 out of 21 progressive pokies feature six-figure prizes, sometimes even reaching the seven-figure mark.
Vintage gamblers looking for an exciting card-game action can visit Spin Casino’s live section, which unlike the limited number of pokies compared to our better-ranked casinos – has just enough game variety.
Bonuses for NZ Players: 4.4/5
Spin Casino has an excellent bonus for all new NZ players who decide to give this online casino a shot – a welcome package good for deposits up to NZ$1,000. But although valuable in terms of cash amount, it’s a bonus tricky on rules, with 70x wagering requirements that must be met before withdrawing any of it.
But hey, if you fail to meet the higher than average WR, you can always opt-in for some exciting pokie races where decent rewards await. Simply check the ‘Tournament’ bar to discover the next pokie race.
Mobile-friendly: 4.7/5
Spin Casino is just another operator paying the utmost attention to mobile optimisation, with a fully-responsive mobile website and dedicated iOS and Android apps. The site’s apps are the way to go if you’re looking for next-level mobile gaming, even though most games are available and load fast without any delays on browsers as well.
Payment Options: 4.2/5
The payment methods range is nothing out of the ordinary, with MasterCard, VISA, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Neosurf and Paysafecard available for New Zealand players. However, the low monthly withdrawal limit is a bit annoying and will discourage high-stakes players from joining the platform.
Overall Score: 4.4/5
Based on its features, Spin Casino is best for new, low-stakes online casino players not comfortable spending too much. The minimum deposit of NZ$5 is rare in 2022, and if you’re searching for a good minimum deposit casino – you’ve found it.
The overall platform design is decent and easy to navigate, with transparent T&C and a decent number of casino games to pass the time.
Other Top Online Casinos in New Zealand
9. Casino Lab
10. Genesis Casino
Our Ranking Criteria of Selecting the Best Online Casinos NZ
Licensing & RNG
Online gambling is fun but also dangerous if you deposit with shady online casino sites. Therefore, we only examined online casinos legal in New Zealand, holding an active license with their games tested by an independent 3rd party RNG tester.
Pokies Selection & Live Casino
Imagine walking into a pub that sells only one beer. Quite disappointing, isn’t it? It’s the same with online casino sites – the more games, the merrier.
We understand that players need a good variety of games to have the best gaming experience and that’s why we only considered the best casino sites with heaps of online pokies and live casino games powered by industry-leading software developers.
Transparent T&Cs
Some New Zealand casinos like to offer great bonuses and conditions, but somewhere in their T&Cs lies a shady requirement or two. We went through the terms and conditions of each online casino we selected, ensuring the bonuses they offer are indeed fair and without any hidden requirements.
Mobile Compatiblity
Mobile compatibility is extremely important especially as more and more players opt to play on the go. With that said, each of our New Zealand casinos either has an app or a fully-responsive website optimised for spotless mobile gameplay.
New Zealand Online Casinos FAQ
Which Is the Best Online Casino for New Zealand Players?
It depends on your own needs as a gambler – there isn’t one universal answer. If you’re looking for the best mobile casinos, Jackpot City Casino and Leo Vegas are the top choices. If you want the best overall gambling experience, you should give PlayOjo a shot.
Regardless of your personal preferences, some important things you must always consider are a casino’s proper licensing, game variety, bonuses with fair terms, banking flexibility, and reliable customer support.
Are NZ Online Casinos Legit?
If we’re talking about licensed and RNG-tested New Zealand online casinos with the latest SSL encryption and security measures like the KYC process, the answer is yes. However, there are hundreds of shady and unregulated Kiwi casinos that might lure you in if you’re not careful. So, it’s best to stick with top online casinos featured by reputable websites and casino experts.
Can I Play Online Casino Games for Free?
Yes, you can play at real money online casinos for free either by claiming a no deposit bonus or trying the pokies in demo mode. With the former, you have a slight chance of actually winning real money; the latter is only available for fun – you can’t win real money.
Are Online Pokies Rigged?
Not really. Each pokie developed by an industry-leading software provider and tested by 3rd party companies like eCogra and iTechLabs will have a fair RNG. So, stick only with names you know to be legit and avoid games from developers you’ve never heard of. Some popular and secure developers are Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Yggdrasil, Pragmatic Play, etc.
How Fast Are Payouts at Online Casinos?
It mostly depends on your payment method. Cryptocurrencies are the quickest options, with withdrawals ranging from instant up to 24 hours. E-wallets fall second with 24-72 hours withdrawal time, followed by VISA and MasterCard with 3-5-day withdrawals.
The last method, mostly reserved for more significant money transactions, is the bank transfer, with 3 to 10 days average processing time.
Can I Claim Bonuses at NZ Online Casinos?
Yes, many gambling websites allow New Zealand casino players to claim bonuses; some even create promotions tailored explicitly to NZ players. To get a bonus, you will usually need to create an online casino account and deposit the eligible amount per the casino’s T&C.
Which Casinos Offer the Best Free Spins Casino Bonuses?
Online casino bonuses constantly change, so if there’s one casino offering 100 free spins today – there might be a new one providing 150 tomorrow; hence, it’s hard to answer. Currently, Leo Vegas is a solid spot for free-spins hunters, with a 150 FS welcome bonus with only 20x wagering requirements.
How to Get Started at NZ Online Casino Sites
1. Create an account.
Open PlayOjo’s official website and locate the yellow ‘SignUp’ button in the middle of the front page – it’s the same for both desktop and mobile users. In the window that pops up, enter all required information, including your phone number and street address.
Make sure to input correct information, as you will need to verify your account with your ID later if you want to withdraw cash.
2. Select a payment option and deposit.
Once you are automatically logged in, you will see a yellow ‘Deposit’ button at the right uppermost corner. Click on it and select your preferred banking option in the next window. Here, you will see the deposit fees for each method. Now, enter your card details or connect your e-wallet account, enter the amount of cash you want to deposit and hit ‘Submit.’
3. Start playing.
Regardless of the deposit method, your funds, along with the 50 free spins bonus, should be immediately available. If you don’t get PlayOjo’s welcome bonus for whatever reason, contact customer support – they will guide you.
All that’s left now is to browse the categories, choose your suitable casino game and start playing.
Our Verdict on the Best Online Casinos New Zealand Players Must Join
Following our rigorous testing methods, we’ve managed to narrow down only top online casinos for New Zealand players, leaving no aspect untouched to ensure the fairness and security are up to standards.
PlayOjo is the best overall online casino NZ, having ticked all of our boxes with splendid scores. The follow-ups include Royal Panda and Jackpot City Casino – out of which the former offers sports betting, with the latter providing flawless mobile gameplay.
If any of our online casinos suit you – go for it, but make sure to play only for fun – gambling to make profits is unhealthy and typically ends with a disastrous outcome.
DISCLAIMER: Gambling is extremely risky. Bet at your own risk. Don’t spend funds you can’t afford to lose. Gambling for underage players is illegal. This guide is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only, we take no responsibility for loss of funds made on any of these sites. Some casino sites may not be accessible where you’re located. Always check local rules and policies in your region before signing up in any online casino.
If you believe you may have a gambling problem, reach out to https://gamblinghelpline.co.nz/ or call 0800 654 655.
This content is distributed by PlayTogga.com. TheNewsMinute is not involved in the creation of this content.
DISCLAIMER: The article is for information purposes only and not in any way recommendatory or reflective of the views of TNM. Further, do note that the sites set out in the article are rated 18+ only.