Gambling has existed for centuries in New Zealand. People would bet on horse racing, but with the ban from 1920, gambling came to a halt. The situation started to slowly change when the government started reviewing its legislation. The Gaming Act from 2003 officially declared all gambling illegal, unless approved by the Government.
The Act divided gambling into 4 classes, each of which operates within certain limitations. Class 1 covers any gambling activity, organized by either an individual or a society with a рrize that must not exceed $500. Class 2 refers to any gambling activity organized by a society with a prize that must not exceed $5000. The organizer of the event must not receive any remuneration or commission for conducting the gambling activity. Both Class 1 and Class 2 gambling do not require a license.

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Class 3 on the other hand requires a license, as it covers large-scale lotteries, bingo, scratch cards, games of chance, and prize competitions. These activities or events can only be organized by societies. The prizes participants can win exceed $5,000. Class 4 is any activity that involves the use of a gaming machine outside a casino.
The Act also prohibits “remote interactive gambling” – “gambling by a person at a distance by interaction through a communication device”. So technically, playing in online casinos should be illegal. But it isn’t, as long as these casinos are based outside of New Zealand. If an online casino is based in Cyprus, for example, players from New Zealand will not be subject to criminal prosecution.
One might think that gambling laws in New Zealand are very restrictive, but that’s not the case. Gambling is still available to people, but must only be conducted by societies who have obtained a license from the Gambling Commission. The Government’s aim is to assure that casinos work according to all laws and regulations and there are not any unlawful activities taking place to the detriment of the country, or the people playing to the casino.
Regulation and Licensing
The three main regulatory authorities in New Zealand are The Department of Internal Affairs, The Ministry of Health, and the Gambling Commission.
The Department of Internal Affairs
The Department of Internal Affairs is the one responsible for administering laws. It regulates, audits, and investigates all casino and non-casino gambling. DIA issues certificates of approval for casino employees and licenses for Class 1 and Class 2 non-casino gambling activities.
On the department’s website, casino operators can find information about what requirements they need to meet, the equipment standards for casinos, as well as the rules of all casino games. There is also news and information about gaming machine societies, venue operators, newly administered laws and regulations, and everything else regarding the industry.
The Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is the one whose main goal is to assist and help problem gamblers. It funds and coordinates problem gambling services. The Gambling Act of 2003 requires the development of a strategy focused on public health. According to the Act, the strategy must be focused on proposing measures and services to prevent and treat problem gambling.
It also conducts independent researches associated with gambling. Currently, The Ministry of Health is working on its Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2019/20–2021/22. The strategy is divided into sections and each one focuses on a different problem.
The Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission is an independent authority established under the Gambling Act of 2003. The Commission has various duties. It considers applications for casino operator’s licenses and the renewal of casino venue licenses. It approves agreements, determines appeals against regulatory and licensing decisions, and hears complaints against the Department.
It also advises the Minister of Internal Affairs on matters regarding gambling and the administration of the Gambling Act of 2003. The Gambling Commission has the right to revoke the licenses of casinos, operating in violation of the law.
Players Security
First of all, it is very important to make sure that the casino has got a valid license, issued by a respected and reliable authority. Such authorities include the Malta Gaming Authority, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, The Isle of Man Gaming Commission, and Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
These regulators are very strict and have an extensive list of requirements that casinos have to meet in order to operate legally. Having a valid license means that these casinos have gone through all the necessary tests and audits in order to be able to offer their services.
Secondly, casinos must employ modern security systems, such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) systems. This technology encrypts players’ data and thus prevents any malicious attacks or theft of sensitive information.
This is a key factor, as players provide quite a lot of personal data, and casinos must do everything within their power to secure it and keep it in a safe and reliable place. Big casinos use secure servers where they store users’ data. Their employees go through several authentication procedures in order to get access to the information.
Speaking of employees, it is important to also read the Privacy Policy. It is crucial for players to know how, when, and where the casino and its employees will use their information.
Usually, they state that your data will be used for marketing purposes and may also be disclosed to third-parties like banks or other financial institutions when you request a withdrawal and they need to verify your identity. This is a standard procedure used to prevent any fraudulent attempts.
Another very important aspect of online casinos is the use of RNG technology. RNG or Random Number Generator ensures that the outcomes of all games, especially slots, are random and unbiased. Otherwise, some people could benefit a lot, while others would lose thousands of dollars and blame it on bad luck.
What players should also check, is the RTP or Return To Player rate. Licensed and well-regulated casinos should have no problem stating their RTP rates on their websites after monthly audits. There have been problems with certain slot games that have been proven to have a lower percentage and that is not fair with players as it will lead to bigger losses and fewer chances to win.
Popular Software Providers
Software companies are the ones that players should be thankful for. They work day and night in order to produce new, more interesting and exciting games for casino players to enjoy. Some of these companies have laid the foundation of game making, and others are fairly fresh and new in the business. Some of the most famous game developers include Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolutio Gaming, Betsoft, Yggdrasil, Amatic Gaming, and many more.




Microgaming
Microgaming is one of the very first gaming companies, which launched back in 1994. It has produced thousands of gaming masterpieces and still keeps on making enticing games that avid gamblers love and enjoy.
NetEnt
NetEnt is another notable company that has made some of the best-known games in the casino industry. Its games all have amazing graphics and sound quality, intriguing storylines, and offer multiple chances to win.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is mostly known for its amazing live dealer games, that provide a real brick-and-mortar experience for everyone who enjoys interactive gameplay. The majority of well-known casinos choose Evolution Gaming particularly to power their live casinos.
Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil was established in 2013 and has since become a respected and notable game developer. Games from this provider can be found in all top-notch casinos. It has produced numerous exciting games and is a preferred provider for many online players.
Popular Payment Methods
Payments are a big part of online gaming, as players have to deposit and withdraw funds frequently. Most New-Zealand friendly casinos support NZD so Kiwis can comfortably make transactions in their national currency. These are some of the most popular payment options for players from New Zealand to use:






Credit and debit cards
Credit and debit card transactions are the first thing that comes to mind when online payments are concerned. These might take a little more time to process but are still a preferred way for many players around the world. The most popular processors that casinos support include VISA, MasterCard and Maestro.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard is another preferred online payment method. This one is based on a prepaid voucher with a 16-digit PIN code, which offers 100% security as it is not linked to any credit or debit card and offers you a sense of anonymity. These can be used when making deposits by simply typing in the PIN code of your voucher.
Skrill
Skrill is one of the most popular payment methods when it comes to online casinos. This e-wallet service is used by millions of gamers around the world, as it offers safe transactions and low fees.
Neteller
Neteller is another very popular e-wallet service, which enables users to safely deposit money to their accounts and withdraw their winnings. It is instant and reliable and has very low transaction fees.
Neosurf
Neosurf is another prepaid service preferred by many international players. It offers safe and simple transactions, and the great news is that Neosurf vouchers don’t require you to register or provide any personal data in order to use the service.
POLi
POLi is a great online payment method used by players from Australia and New Zealand. It enables users to pay for good and services by directly connecting to the user’s internet banking.
New Zealand Casino Bonuses
The bonus system in online casinos is more or less similar. Players can enjoy several types of bonuses which are tied to different wagering requirements and terms and conditions. All users must carefully read those in order to not lose their winnings due to a breach of the bonus rules.
No-Deposit Bonus
The first bonus Kiwis can expect is a no-deposit bonus. This is a very common type of sign-up gift, which usually consists of free spins that users can play on a particular slot machine. This is a great way to let new players try the games, without having to bet with real money. No-deposit bonuses usually come with a wagering requirement, and a max bet per spin amount, which usually ranges between $2 and $5. The maximum amount one can cash out from these is usually around $100.
Welcome Bonus
The second type of bonus, which all casinos offer, is a welcome bonus. This is typically a match bonus of 100% or more, which entitles the player to receive the same amount of money they deposit in the form of extra bonus funds. As we said, this percentage might be higher, according to the bonus system of your chosen casino. These bonuses come with a playthrough requirement and a max bet per spin amount, so be very careful not to go over that amount, as this would lead you to lose all your winnings.
Free Spins
The next type of bonus is free spins. These are a great gift for both new, and already registered users. Free spins can be granted when a new slot game is released, so all players can try it and see if they would like to bet some real money on it.
Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses are intended for returning users only. As the name suggests, those players who decide they would like to deposit and play in that casino again will be granted bonus funds or free spins (or both) as a thank-you from the casino. These are usually tied to weekly or monthly promotions featuring certain popular games, where players can use their free spins.
Cashback Bonuses
Cashback bonuses are a mild way to soothe the pain of players who have lost a big amount of money. These usually come in the form of a certain percentage (usually 10% or 20%) that would be refunded to you if you manage to lose everything you have deposited.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty is highly respected in the casino industry. Loyalty programs are very popular with avid players, as they offer great riches and rewards to those who play on a regular basis. Kiwis who love gambling will be able to take part in programs that encourage players to climb the VIP ladder and obtain a higher player status. The higher your status or level, the more rewards you will receive.
Top 10 New Zealand Casinos
With the endless choice of online casinos, players from New Zealand may have some difficulties choosing the right one for them. All of the casinos we have listed below are well-known and reliable operators that have been on the gambling stage for several years and service millions of players from all around the world. All of them accept payments made in NZD, so we believe that would be a great convenience for all Kiwis.










Yako Casino
Yako Casino is a great gambling operator that was launched in 2015. It boasts a vast collection of games, including various slot machines, table classics, and progressive jackpots. In addition, it offers a live section for those players who love to interact with dealers and other participants. Some of the live games are supplied by NetEnt, so you can expect very high quality of graphics and sound. Other software providers that power this casino include Microgaming, Amatic Industries, Evolution Gaming, and Play’n GO.
Furthermore, Yako Casino offers a great range of bonuses, including a plentiful welcome pack. With a minimum deposit of $10, newcomers can enjoy a plentiful match bonus and free spins. It is always great to have some extra funds to play with and the casino makes sure to help you enjoy your time and have even more chances to win.
To top it off, the operator is licensed by two of the most reliable regulators – the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. This can only assure players that the casino works in accordance with all regulations and provides reliable and safe services.
BitStarz Casino
BitStarz Casino is one of the most loved casinos by players all around the world. It has been in the industry for quite some time now and offers a vast gaming catalog, consisting of more than 1800 games, and a generous bonus system to hook you up from the very beginning.
All new members can make use of a no-deposit bonus in the form of free spins, so they can try the games first, without having to deposit their own money. But if they decide to do so, the casino will surely thank them in the proper way. All players are granted a generous match bonus and free spins upon their first deposit of at least $20. What is more, newcomers will receive some extra cash with their second, third, fourth deposits, too.
And if you have some extra funds to play with, you might try your luck with their extensive slots collection that goes beyond 1500 in number. If slots are not your thing, then you can try the various table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, sic bo, and poker. Additionally, there is a live casino section, if you would like to get a more realistic brick-and-mortar experience.
The casino’s vast gaming catalog is supplied by 17 top-notch software providers like iSoftBet, Pragmatic Play, Amatic, Play’n GO, and Yggdrasil.
King Billy Casino
King Billy Casino is, as the name suggests, the place where you will feel like a real royalty. Here you will enjoy lavish bonuses and riches, and the excellent customer services will certainly make you feel like everyone in this casino is trying to please you in any way possible.
Upon making your first deposit, you will be greeted with a hefty match bonus and a generous amount of free spins. Additionally, you will receive bonuses for your second, third, and fourth deposits, as well. Loyal users will also have the opportunity to elevate their status through the impressive loyalty program, which will give you the opportunity to start as a mere citizen and become a mighty king or queen.
While making your way to the desired throne, you will be able to enjoy an exceptional collection of games, consisting of more the 1,500 slot games and hundreds of table and card games to choose from. Lovers of slots will be more than glad to know that this casino sports various classic and modern machines, which will not leave you disappointed.
Lovers of table games, on the other hand, will be able to choose from numerous blackjack, roulette, and baccarat variations. In the table games section, you will also find a handful of poker variations like Joker Poker, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker, but you can also try your skills with the more challenging Pyramid Deuces Wild, Pyramid Bonus Poker, and Pyramid Joker Poker.
All of the games are supplied by the best gaming providers, such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Betsoft, Quickspin, Evolution Gaming, Endorphina, and many more. The casino also supports a live casino section for everyone who prefers live dealers and interactive gameplay.
Fun Casino
Fun Casino is a sister site of Yako Casino, which we previously mentioned above. It provides the same high-quality services and exciting games that can make any player come back for more fun and pleasure.
With more than 700 games at their disposal, users will be left with only one difficulty – choosing a game to start with. The vast gaming library provides various slots and table games, including a hefty live casino section, offering more than 100 live tables, all waiting for eager gamblers to join.
The games are provided by the best game developers in the industry, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Amatic Industries, Evolution Gaming, Novomatic, Big Time Gaming, and many others. Games released by these companies all have amazing graphics and backstories, as well as a custom soundtrack to top up the supreme gaming experience.
New users can also enjoy a great welcome bonus that grants them more chances to snatch some great winnings. On top of that, all Fun Casino players can receive cashbacks on every losing deposit. Additionally, the casino rewards player with Fun Points which they can collect and exchange for nice rewards.
Casino Joy
Casino Joy is a great gambling operator, boasting a vast gaming library and a plentiful welcome pack for all newcomers to enjoy. It has a user-friendly interface, that makes gaming as easy as ABC. Its colorful and fun design complete the pleasurable atmosphere and guarantee a great time for everyone who decides to join.
The welcome pack we are talking about consists of a bountiful match bonus and free spins with your first deposit of at least $10. The first free spins will be credited to your account upon your deposit, and the rest will be given in sets for the next few days. On top of that, the casino offers a special Live Casino welcome bonus, so if you prefer real-life gambling, be sure to redeem this bonus when you’re making your first deposit.
The games you can play your extra funds on include more than 700 slot machines, various table and card games, bingo, scratch cards, and baccarat. The live casino section provides plenty of options suitable for all kinds of players.
Here you can find various games like Tri Card Poker, 2 Hand Casino Hold’em, Infinite Blackjack, Power Blackjack, Lightning Roulette, European, American, and French Roulette, and many others. And if you get tired of the classic casino games, you can try something a little different like Deal or no Deal, Monopoly, Dream Catcher, or Mega Ball.
888casino
888casino is one of the online gambling providers that has been in the industry since its very beginning. It was established in 1997 and has been operating for over 20 years now. It boasts a great reputation for its amazing services, hefty bonuses, and endless gaming collection.
If you decide to join the casino, you will be greeted with a generous welcome pack waiting for you to claim it. This is a really nice set of five bonuses that you can snatch with your first five deposits.
888casino provides players with a diverse gaming library, offering both classics, and the newest and hottest releases on the market. Here players will find an exciting collection of slot games featuring various titles and themes, such as 88 Fortunes, Starburst, Vikings, and many others. Additionally, you will be able to try some exclusive games like Voyage of the Vikings, The French Revolution, and many more.
For lovers of table and card games, the casino has selected various blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variations to suit each player’s taste and to provide fun for everyone. There is also a live section, so those who prefer real-life interactions can have the chance to feel the real brick-and-mortar atmosphere.
All of the games are provided by notable game developers, such as NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Ash Gaming, Playtech, NextGen, and many more. The casino works under valid licenses by some of the most respected regulatory authorities – the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, the AAMS Italy, and the Swedish Gambling Authority. All players can be safe in the knowledge that this operator is fair and reliable and works according to all laws and regulations.
Omni Slots Casino
Omni Slots Casino was established in 2015 and boast a reputation as being one of the best online casinos on the market. Its excellent services and vast gaming catalog was what made it so successful and popular with players all around the world. It also offers great bonuses and promotions so be sure to give this casino a try.
The welcome package you will be greeted with consists of a bountiful match bonus and a handful of free spins. And that’s not all. Once you’ve wagered your first bonus, you will be able to claim a second one, guaranteeing you an even more pleasurable experience. In addition, the casino offers various daily and weekly promotions that all players can enjoy.
The gaming library provides an excellent choice of games fit to satisfy every player’s needs and interests. Here you will be able to find more than 650 unique slot titles ranging from all-time classics like Hot Fruits 100 and Diamond Strike, but also modern games inspired by music stars, TV shows, and mythology. Some of these titles include the Jimi Hendrix slot, Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, Valkyries of Odin, and many more.
If slots are not your cup of tea, then you will be able to enjoy plenty of other casino classics like various blackjack games (Vegas Strip Blackjack, Classic Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, etc.), roulette variations (European, French, and American Roulette), and poker staples like Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Poker, Pai Gow Poker, and many more.
LeoVegas Casino
LeoVegas Casino is one of the largest gambling operators in the industry. It was established in 2015 and operates under several licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Danish Gambling Authority, the Swedish Gambling Authority, and others. This makes LeoVegas a reliable and safe operator, that gamblers can trust.
Upon registering, you will be given some free spins to get to know the casino’s platform and try their gaming selection. If you decide to make a deposit, you will be able to enjoy a great welcome package with your first four deposits.
The games in this casino are provided by some of the best software developers in the industry, such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Evolution Gaming, Betsoft, and many others.
The games collection consists of more than 600 slots, and various table games like blackjack, roulette, punto banco, 3 Card Hold’em, and Texas Hold Em Bonus. There are also many progressive jackpots, so all players can try their luck by placing a bet or two. Additionally, the casino offers a live section for lovers of real-time gaming.
Videoslots Casino
Videoslots Casino is a great gambling operator that was created by players for players. It comprises everything that one might look for – it boasts an enormous collection of slots going over 3000 in number, and more than 100 table and card games.
The slots catalog offers various classic titles, as well as modern games with exciting backstories and multiple paylines. The games are provided by top-notch companies like Microgaming, NetEnt, Betsoft, Playtech, and many more.
And if table games are your type of thing, stay assured that their selection of casino classics will not disappoint you. You will be able to choose from various blackjack, roulette, baccarat, punto banco, and craps titles, as well as a diversity of video poker games like Jacks or Better, Joker Poker, Deuces Wild, and many more.
In order to make your gaming more enjoyable, Videoslots offers an array of bonuses and promotions. All new players will be granted an awesome welcome bonus to play with. In addition, they will be able to claim a handful of free spins upon signing up, as well. Returning players can enjoy a weekly cash-back promo. If you enjoy playing in the casino and are a loyal user, you will be glad to know that you can participate in the casino’s loyalty program and collect experience points. For every $1 you bet, you get 1 experience point. These points can bring you various bonuses and rewards, like free spins of cash.
Royal Panda Casino
Royal Panda Casino is the casino for anyone who seeks wonderful gaming experience, a vast collection of games, and great customer service. Here players will find bountiful bonuses and great customer support. On top of that, users can play at peace, knowing that the operator boasts licenses from two very respected authorities – the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission.
New users will be more than happy to find out that there is a generous welcome bonus waiting for them to claim it. What is more Royal Panda offers plenty of other bonuses and promotions, for new and returning players to enjoy. One such is the Bamboo Bonus that players can redeem every week.
The games the casino provides include more than 1000 slot games and a diversity of table and specialty games. Here players can find all kinds of slot machines, including the classic fruit-themed ones, as well as vibrant modern ones like Starburst, Megaways, and Extra Chilli. Players can also find casino staples like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and various poker titles like Texas Hold’Em, Joker Poker, Jacks or Better, and others.