Verified Expert Picks – 2025's Best New Zealand Real Money Casinos
Melody B.
Author
Melody Bamber
Content Editor
Melody is Casino Guru's New Zealand casino aficionado and content editor. She's responsible for ensuring that you get the latest and most accurate information to find your ideal casino from our 2,000+ on our site.
Our expert review team of 25+ pros has rated and ranked more than 800 top real money casinos for New Zealand players. Only the best made our list. We explain which casinos we recommend, what makes them worth it, and how to get the best value and bonuses.
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Recommended Casinos
Select one of casinos recommended by Casino Guru. This list contains a mix of casinos recommended for various reasons, including big brands, smaller casinos with great bonuses and customer care, and other carefully selected alternatives. Better options, of course, appear first.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
Casino has its website localized to English language.
English live chat
This casino claims that it operates Live chat in English language at least few hours every business day. This may be great advantage for you when solving any issues.
New Zealand's best online casinos: The complete Kiwi player's guide
We've rated more than 800 casinos available to New Zealand players using our Safety Index, a system that analyses over 200 data points to assess each casino's trustworthiness.
A higher rating is a good indicator that we've seen many green flags and few red flags. For a casino to stand out to us, it needs to offer a fair and fun player experience with transparent T&Cs and have proven itself to be positive for players.
Here are our experts' top picks for December, tested against our unique Safety Index.
Experts' top 3 casinos – why do we love them?
We've taken care to check that each casino hits the mark and scores high enough on our Safety Index by putting it through its paces with our review team.
Pick from some outstanding options to get you started with solid casinos with clear and fair conditions, and a player-first approach.
Vegasino Casino – gold-standard game selection and top tournaments
Vegasino Casino is a familiar sight to regular players looking for a solid casino experience. With an 8.6 Safety Index rating, it sits comfortably in the top 16% of all online casinos we've reviewed.
Vegasino's welcome offer of 100% up to $1,000 + 200 free spins is like what you may find at its sister site, Supabet. However, it offers solid value for players entering one of New Zealand's most exciting and popular casinos.
What really makes Vegasino the top choice is its selection of loyalty bonuses, which include accumulator boosts, weekly and weekend reload bonuses, and random cash prize drops on selected games. Every holiday also has its time at Vegasino, with themed, massive prize pools, as well as unique game tournaments like trivia with cash prizes.
Given its enormous library of 35,000+ games from player favourite providers (including Spinomenal, Play'n GO, and Yggdrasil), there's plenty of reason to stick around if you like what you find on offer. What's more, Vegasino hosts over 1,300 live games, far outnumbering close competitors, such as Sky City Casino, which provides only 60+ titles.
Why Vegasino Casino stands out
High 8.6 Safety Index score, with a full suite of responsible gambling features and transparent T&Cs.
A solid mix of weekly reload bonuses and free spin deals, including a multi-tiered loyalty scheme for players to earn points.
Wide selection of games from over 70 providers, which is more than most and provides a good mix of options for regular players.
Fast responsiveness and speed on mobile, with complete games, bonuses, and payment methods available.
What holds it back
Wagering requirements for free spins are high, sitting at 40x compared to the 35x for the bonus funds in the welcome bonus.
Some crypto withdrawals have higher minimum limits as Bitcoin users need at least $125 to cash out.
🧠 Expert opinion: Vegasino Casino is one of the most dependable NZ casino sites. It may not immediately stand out from the rest, but it wins where it matters most: trust, transparency, and a vast library of games that few can compare to.
Wyns Casino – new and rising star for players
Wyns Casino is the new kid on the block, having only opened its digital doors this year. It enters the scene with a strong 9.0 Safety Index rating and a solid range of games, bonuses, and ongoing rewards for players. Sitting firmly in the top 10% of our rated casinos, Wyns stands out as a casino to keep an eye on.
Its welcome bonus of 100% up to $1,000 (plus 200 extra spins), is similar to other sites like Mafia Casino, but Wyns excels when it comes to ongoing promotions. These include multiple weekly rewards, including reload spins, a weekend reload bonus, and 15% weekly cashback up to $6,000.
Its generous library of 11,000+ pokies (including 190+ exclusives), makes it a great choice for players who value a wide selection of games. This far outstretches competitor offerings such as Wheels (4,000+) and Christchurch Casino (2,000+). Top software providers include player favourites, such as Hacksaw Gaming, Play'n GO, and Relax Gaming.
Although other sites like Oscar Spins offer a more generous welcome bonus (such as $2,250 + 150 free spins), Wyns offers players near-unmatched safety and reliability, providing a full casino experience with ongoing rewards and bonuses.
Why Wyns Casino stands out
Our "Very High" 9.0 Safety Index rating provides players with the safety of knowing their winnings are in good hands.
Great crypto options, including Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Litecoin for deposits and withdrawals.
Free demo games are available throughout the games lobby, including new slots and table games for players to test out before spending.
Customer support is offered through Telegram, giving players instant access to agents.
What holds it back
Responsible gaming tools are limited and not as robust as other sites, such as Supabet, which features a full FAQ section for quick queries.
Wyns' withdrawal limit is pretty standard at $1,000 per day, but casinos like Golden Crown quickly overshadow it at $15,000.
🧠 Expert opinion: Although Wyns Casino may be new, it shows immense promise. Players can expect everything that they need from established brands, such as great games, a variety of payment options (25+), good bonuses for returning players, and a sleek, feel-good gaming experience.
Supabet Casino – live casino gem in an all-round casino crown
Supabet's strength lies in its live casino, with over 1,400 titles, offering a great opportunity for players who want that in-person casino experience distilled into their browser. What's more, their 8.0 Safety Index rating puts it above the vast majority of all the casinos we've reviewed, a good sign from the get-go.
The casino's 100% welcome bonus up to $1,000 + 200 FS doesn't stand out on its own. Still, its dedicated live cashback bonus of 25% up to $400, weekly cashback of 15% up to $6,000, and exciting tournaments for both casino players and sports bets do stand out. Top it all off with a 5-level VIP program, and you've got a casino package well worth checking out.
Amassing no less than 35,000 games in its library, Supabet soars above most casinos available in New Zealand and provides more than Wildz, Allyspin, and Christchurch Casino combined. Top game developers include Spinomenal and Play'n GO, which contribute 880 titles alone.
For those wanting quick access to their winnings, Supabet also supports a range of popular crypto payments, allowing the casino to get your cash to you as quickly as one hour.
Why Supabet stands out
Dedicated live casino game lobby with 1,400+ titles created by eminent live developers, including Pragmatic Play (670+ games) and Evolution (200+ games).
Over 30 payment options, including Mastercard, Visa, Skrill, Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Ethereum.
Smart mobile design and performance with responsive controls that feature all slots, instant-win, and live lobby games.
What holds it back
Free spins bonuses expire in seven days, which is shorter than some players prefer, though it's still longer than Wildz, where they expire within 24 hours.
Supabet doesn't offer support through social channels and reserves them for promotions and gaming menu changes.
Although not entirely common, Apple and Google Pay aren't supported yet, which puts Supabet behind sites like Jackpot City.
🧠 Expert opinion: Despite not standing out too much from the crowd for its welcome bonus, Supabet has a superb live casino selection and does have a decent range of bonuses for returning players. We really like it for its solid reputation, varied game selection, and great player experience.
New casinos to check out in December
There's always somewhere new to try. What are the best new online casinos that have caught our eye at Casino Guru?
Spinbara Casino – 100% up to $1,000 + 200 FS
This casino is part of a wider collection of sites, so if you've enjoyed playing at Vegasino or AllySpin, it will look familiar. This new site offers a huge 12,000+ games, a series of generous bonuses, including its welcome offer, reload bonuses, and cashback. Titles from the best-known providers, such as Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and Yggdrasil are ready for players to take for a spin, and payments are available within 24 hours if withdrawing using their handy crypto options.
WishWin Casino – 250% up to $6,000 + 400 FS
Launched in June of 2025, the casino may have only been around for a few months, but it offers an eye-wateringly large welcome bonus and over 12,400+ games, including pokies from providers like Novomatic, Pragmatic Play, and Nolimit City. Combine that with tournaments with exciting prize pools, deposit bonuses, and weekly reload bonuses, and then top it off with a High Safety Index of 8.0, and it's one to watch.
Review process – what makes a good casino great?
At Casino Guru, we hold casinos to high standards before we recommend them to our readers. Here's what we think you should keep an eye out for when picking the right casino.
Bonuses that are fair and worth it
Bonuses are great when you grab a good one, but the terms and conditions should be clear so it's easy to tell if they're among the best casino bonus offers. A big bonus might look great, but a smaller one with lower wagering is often better for players who want to withdraw their potential winnings sooner.
For example, two of our top-rated casinos for New Zealand, Pistolo and Retrobet, have very similar welcome bonuses. Pistolo offers $1,000 + 200 extra spins to new players, while Retrobet offers $1,500 + 100 free spins.
More money might seem like a no-brainer when you look at Retrobet, but their wagering requirements are a sky-high 50x, while Pistolo's 40x requirement is closer to the average.
On top of that, the expiry period for your bonus funds is seven days at Retrobet, while you have a little more wiggle room of 10 days at Pistolo. If I were to pick between the two just on their bonus options, I'd pick Pistolo.
Not all bonuses are made equal, and the devil's in the details. Always be sure to read the T&Cs before you sign up and claim. It can make a huge difference to your overall gameplay experience. Keep a lookout for:
Lower wagering requirements (under 40x is great for a welcome bonus)
T&Cs such as win limits, expiry periods, or other conditions that affect your ability to withdraw.
Frequency and type of bonuses, as a casino that offers more than just a welcome bonus would give you better chances of claiming a sweet deal.
Quality games and trustworthy software
No two online casino games are exactly alike. From our experience rating hundreds of games from 21,000+ free titles, we know that trustworthy games from licensed and experienced game providers are key. Providers should be well-established, have third-party testing, and have a license to operate in the country where their services are available.
Some solid game providers include Pragmatic Play, which offers a vast selection of over 500 solidly designed games, both for slot and live casino players. Microgaming is known for its huge library of independently verified games from both its main studio and smaller studios that it manages, and has been in the industry from the beginning. If you're a fan of live casino games, then Evolution titles are some of the best.
When you're checking out a well-rated casino's game library, it's not unusual to find 5,000 titles on average. Some exceptional casinos like Spinbara have an enormous library of 10,000+ games. The bulk of these games are pokies, with a smaller collection of live games (RioAce features 114 Evolution live play titles, for instance).
Secure and fast payments
To play at the casino, you need to be able to add money to your account as well as to withdraw your winnings. Trusted casino payment methods that work for Kiwi players, offering both fast payouts and security, are essential.
If a casino has a history of delaying payouts or doesn't offer secure methods, then it's not going to be an excellent recommendation, and we'd advise steering clear.
Any casino should offer standard everyday payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, or Bank transfer. Having more casino payout options is always a plus, especially the ability to pay from an e-wallet, with prepaid vouchers, or with crypto, although this isn't always available.
Notable examples include BitStarz, which supports over 500 cryptocurrency payment methods. For traditional currencies, Mafia Casino stands out with 46 options. Most casinos offer between 25 and 30, so anything above that is a bonus.
Payment Method
Deposit Speed (average)
Withdrawal Speed (average)
Cards (Such as Visa, Mastercard)
Instant
24 – 72 hours
E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, and more)
Instant
0 – 48 hours
Bank transfer
Instant
24 – 72 hours
Prepaid vouchers (Such as Paysafe)
Instant
Cannot withdraw
Crypto (Such as BTC, ETH)
Instant
0 – 48 hours
On the go mobile play that works for players
Around 70% of players prefer mobile, so every good casino has to work well for that. A poorly optimised mobile site often signals outdated design, while a well-designed one is a strong green flag. Even better is a dedicated casino app, though these are still fairly rare, even among the best mobile casinos.
One site bringing their A-game with their app offering is Wild.io, which built a dedicated app for both iOS and Android devices, as well as a local client for computer use. It focuses on giving players exclusive app-only promotions while cutting out all of the lag, leading to a lightning-fast gameplay experience.
Customer support that really helps
Customer support is the first line for a player to have questions answered, problems solved, and issues addressed. If customer support can resolve issues quickly, fairly, and with the player as their priority, then these are all pluses for us.
24/7 live chat is our preferred option for customer support, and being able to get instant assistance can make or break the casino experience. Mafia Casino or Supabet Casino's live chats let a player get an instant reply to any query.
Email support is also useful, but there can be a delay of 24–48 hours for assistance, depending on how busy the casino's support centre is, and FAQs can offer quick answers if the player's query is covered.
Support
Response time
Better for
Prevalence
Email
24–48 hours
Complex queries or verification of documents
All casinos
Live chat
1–5 minutes
Quick queries and general questions
Almost all casinos
Phone
1–10 minutes
Account queries and further information
Some casinos
FAQ
Instant
General questions about the casino
Almost all casinos
Will I enjoy playing at this casino?
As a quick roundup, ask yourself these quick questions before you register and deposit:
Are the bonuses on offer a good deal with fair terms and conditions?
Does this casino offer high-quality games that I actually want to play?
Can I play easily on my mobile?
If I have any problems, will I be able to get in touch with customer support easily?
Do I like the way the site runs – is it slow, or hard to use, or is it fast and easy to play?
If you get the answers you want to those questions, and the casino is rated High according to our Safety Index, then we'd say to check it out. Of course, we've taken care of the technical reviews on our side, so you don't have to.
Why we're different – under the bonnet of our Safety Index
At Casino Guru, we use a rating and review system designed to help you find the best casino. This is our Safety Index score, which serves as a quick indicator of how much confidence we have in a casino. The higher the score a casino has, the more it reflects a safe casino overall.
We prioritise hard data and statistical analysis over sales pitches. You don't want to waste your time at a casino that falls short, and we don't want to recommend one that's not up to scratch. Here are the major factors that form part of our Safety Index score.
T&Cs – are they fair and transparent?
We rate based on how clear their terms and conditions are, as misleading or unfair conditions of play could lead to a negative experience for players. Some negative points could be:
Casino reserves the right to take your account balance for any reason
An operator reserves the right to confiscate winnings from players using unspecified betting patterns or strategies
Very strict dormant account rules, such as when a player is inactive for a period but still has a balance left in their account
On the other hand, we consider it a green flag if a casino
Reviews their terms and conditions when players raise an issue
Has clear, easy-to-read conditions
Has fair rules for players
Size and ownership – who is running the casino?
Large and small casinos often operate differently. We consider each casino's revenue, operating size, and whether it belongs to a network. These factors can affect its Safety Index score.
A smaller casino needs time to grow and improve its score, and as a result, it might not score as high as a larger casino until it's had time to expand.
Complaints – what do players think?
Player feedback is also key to our rating system – negative complaints from players that aren't resolved change the score. We handle these in our Complaints Hub, and if a casino does not address and resolve a complaint, this can potentially lower its Safety Index score. Fresh complaints will have a bigger hit on the casino's score, so it's in their interest to resolve them quickly and fairly.
As a direct result of our 16,500+ resolutions and our reviews, we've encouraged 700+ casinos to review their T&Cs to practise more player-focused operations. In addition to our Complaints Hub, players can also have their say in our forums, but this doesn't impact the Safety Index score.
Dedicated expert reviewers
Our dedicated team of full-time reviewers are veterans at evaluating casinos and only recommends those we believe are worth it – the best ones are sites that we would be happy to play at.
Casinos to avoid – red flags for our Safety Index
Our complaints resolution hub hub tackles bad actors in the industry. We've resolved over 16,500 cases, but if a casino consistently causes problems for players, we suggest that players avoid it. Common red flags in online casinos could be:
Delayed payments
Unfairly confiscating winnings
Unprofessional service, such as not verifying documents
Closing accounts with no notice or reason
Failing to uphold player safety
Expert tip: Multiple complaints will have a negative impact on our rating system. We suggest only playing at casinos that have scored well on our Safety Index, and to avoid any casinos that don't feel right. You should be able to trust them to handle your data, your money, and your gameplay securely.
How do I make a complaint if I've had a bad casino experience?
Although most casinos will operate fairly, it is still possible that something could go wrong. In this case, we would suggest you do these three things:
Review the T&Cs of the casino – Double-check that there is nothing in the terms and conditions of the casino that would explain the current situation, such as not meeting wagering requirements, game limits, or expiry dates on bonuses.
Get in touch with casino customer support – Contact them by live chat or email and provide them with the details of your complaint if there is no explanation for this in the terms and conditions.
Use our Complaints Hub – If nothing has been resolved, then leave a complaint on our Hub. Our support staff and the casino will speak with the casino and try to find an answer or solution.
What bonuses can Kiwi players expect to find?
Like any player, you'll want to weigh up the perks of only the best casino bonuses in New Zealand. Sites offer them to both new and returning players, and we review thousands of them every month.
The two main types of bonuses you'll find are deposit bonuses (which offer credits or spins after making a deposit) and no-deposit bonuses (which provide free credits or spins directly after signing up).
Welcome bonuses – perfect for new players
This is where it all begins at most online casinos. The process is simple – you sign up, make your first deposit, and they sweeten the deal by giving you something extra to get started. If the brand offers a no-deposit bonus, you'll get it just for registering.
You can usually expect a deposit match bonus, which offers a percentage in bonus funds on top of your deposit amount as standard, often combined with free spin offers – though not all welcome offers are the same.
Vegasino Casino offers a solid 100% up to $1,000 with 200 extra spins bonus, for instance, which is close to what players can expect from most combo welcome offers, with many averaging around the same amount or a couple of hundred dollars above or below.
On the flipside, although RioBet is a pretty well-rated casino from our perspective and is well-established, it has a very low max bet limit of $3 with no free spins on its welcome bonus of 100% up to $1,000.
This means you're locked into playing with your bonus funds for the next 30 days with a 35x wagering requirement. Although this means less risk for you if you're playing with bonus money, it can be annoying not being able to withdraw your winnings.
Expert tip: Welcome bonuses can only be claimed once at a casino when you sign up – be sure you like the look of it and read the terms and conditions before you register.
No deposit bonuses – all the fun, no cash required
These are the best-in-class casino bonuses you'll receive from just for signing up or being a member. Although no deposit bonuses can come in a few different forms, none require you to add money to your account.
No deposit bonuses tend to be smaller than deposit bonuses, averaging at around 25 to 100 free spins or around $10-$25 in bonus funds or free play. Some casinos may offer higher or lower amounts.
For example, Ice Casino offers a $25 no deposit bonus, which seems low, but it also has relatively low wagering requirements of 5x. What this means is that it's far easier to meet these requirements and be able to withdraw your winnings than with other bonuses, which may have a wagering requirement as high as 35x or 50x.
Free spins to make games more exciting
No deposit free spins are often awarded as part of a promotion. They'll often be usable on one title, such as Cactus Casino's 100 free spins to be used on Mummyland Treasures.
They're generally a great way to try out new games for free before you're ready to deposit. Of course, the downside is that you can't play them on any title you like, but that's where bonus money can be used if you want to try a variety of games.
Expert tip: Free spins are one of the most common no deposit bonuses. They're a great way to try out a new title without needing to make real bets – just remember that free play means wagering requirements on those winnings.
Free bonus cash to play where you like
Rarer than free spins, some casinos will give you cash in your casino wallet to play with, totally free. This is more common when the casino also offers sportsbook options, but it isn't unheard of on casino-only gambling sites to give you real money online bonuses for your choice of game. The wagering requirement is what you should pay attention to here.
Compare Casino Extreme's 40x wagering requirement on their $100 no deposit bonus with BonusBlitz's 35x wagering requirement for the same amount. You can get the same value bonus at both casinos, but other factors might help you pick one over the other.
Expert tip: Not all bonus cash is made equal – always read the terms and conditions before accepting one of these offers. If you are fine with the wagering requirements and other conditions, you can claim it; otherwise, it's perfectly fine to walk away.
Live dealer game bonus for professional-grade fun
These bonuses give you extra to play with exclusively on live casino games. They could be free game hands, bonus cash, or cashback bonuses. Guts Casino offers 100% up to $3,500 for live casinos, for example.
Bonuses that don't require a deposit typically come from promotions and tournaments, such as cashback, free play, or higher antes. Your best bet for finding one of these is to join an ongoing tournament that advertises these bonuses, such as the Guts ongoing poker loyalty cashback program.
Note: Many live dealer bonuses are contained within one operator lobby. For example, an Evolution bonus might not be usable on a Pragmatic Play game.
Loyalty rewards for players who stick around
These are perks given to you for playing at a casino for a long time. You'll level up and receive freebies as you progress through the loyalty program.
These might take the form of level-up mechanics, which give you a bonus each time you fill a meter, like at Wheelz Casino or Boomerang-Bet. Other sites like RocketPlay offer perks when you complete "missions" as part of your regular play.
Loyalty rewards could also involve a VIP manager offering you exclusive bonuses like free spins, improved cashback percentages, or higher deposit match bonuses as you play. Each site will have its own tailored program.
Expert tip: Some casinos, like 10Bet, will even offer special no deposit bonuses for special occasions, such as your birthday.
What to play? Picking the right game for you
There are thousands of games to play for NZ players – whether you're keen to give a new pokie a spin or to try your hand at classic table games.
Each type of game has its advantages and disadvantages – so we've prepared a quick roundup of each kind to help you choose. If you're still unsure, we also have a host of free casino games you can try out in demo mode.
Online pokies – reel-y exciting game action
Top-tier game titles are the name of the game when it comes to the best online pokies in NZ. Video slots are the most frequent titles you'll find in any casino, as they allow providers to utilise cutting-edge technology while being easy to play.
Some of the best-known series include the Gates of Olympus from Pragmatic Play and the Moon Princess series from Play'n GO. For a touch of exciting and edgy gameplay, any of the imaginative titles from Nolimit City, such as the Fire in the Hole series, are well worth a spin.
These titles and more are loaded with bonus rounds, game features like cluster wins, cascading symbols, or bonus free spin rounds when you line up the right combos.
Suppose you're after a classic casino experience with fruit machines and straightforward gameplay. In that case, you can't go wrong with a classic fruit-themed pokie like Pragmatic Play's Triple Joker, or Playtech's Diamond Match Deluxe.
Top sites for pokies: Spinbara Casino stands out as one of the best options for pokie players. It boasts not only a library of 10,000+ games but also robust customer support, generous bonuses, and exclusive slot titles that have only been released for Spinbara and its sister sites. These include exciting titles like Cash Crab, Power Pack, and Shoot Happens.
Melody Bamber
Content Editor
"This is where it's at for most casino players. They might be the most well-known game format, but they're definitely not boring. You'll have your own favourite, but I'm a personal fan of the Charlie Chance series from Play'n GO for its totally unique art style and gameplay throughout the series."
About Melody Bamber
Progressive jackpot pokies
These are worth a mention by themselves - progressive jackpot games have a large prize pool that's split between all the casinos that host that game. Players taking Buffalo King Megaways for a spin at Supabet can win the same prize pool as players playing the same game at Jackpoty, as it's linked.
Each bet adds to the jackpot. If you win, you could take home a much bigger prize than a regular slot jackpot because it has built up over time. Of course, being a massive pot of real money, it's not possible to play these games in demo mode. While a regular jackpot might hit a few thousand, progressive jackpots can go as high as over a million dollars – all going to whichever lucky player has fortune on their side.
Being a larger prize pot with many more players means, unfortunately, that your odds of winning are reduced compared to a regular non-jackpot slot. The RTP of these games tends to be lower overall, with a percentage of each bet going towards the jackpot with a lower RTP.
For example, Mega Moolah from studio veterans Microgaming is famous for its huge jackpots, with the biggest jackpot recorded on this slot totalling €19,430,723.60 going to a player in Belgium. However, when you break down the numbers, its RTP is 88.12%, well below the average of around 96% for online slots. Although the wins can be big, they're definitely nowhere near guaranteed.
That being said, if you want to give them a try, then Pistolo Casino is one of our best-recommended casinos for progressive jackpots. It features over 130 exciting jackpot titles as well as thousands of other pokies.
Online live dealer casino games – real-time action
Live dealer games cover your classics – think online blackjack, roulette, and live poker games. The production quality of live casino games is consistently high, with custom-built studios and professional hosts.
One of the fastest risers in the world of live casino games is Pragmatic Play, which is quickly shaping up to be a strong contender against live gaming giants Evolution.
Each has constructed dedicated studios in multiple countries to meet the demand of players seeking high-quality games. Evolution has even created full-game conversions of board games, such as Monopoly, or new game-show-style titles like Crazy Time and Dream Catcher.
Guts Casino, as we've mentioned above, is one of the standout options for live casino games. With a dedicated live casino welcome offer, fans of live casino games can get more out of them from the very start of play. To boot, this welcome bonus has a relatively low 15x wagering requirement.
Expert tip: The combination of professional dealers and hosts, along with the studio setting of live casino games, creates a truly unique experience. You wouldn't think that you could make an entire game show-style recreation of Deal or No Deal in the form of an online casino game that anyone can play, but Evolution managed it.
Table games – casino classics in your pocket
Online casinos offer a diverse selection of games, including roulette games, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, and more.
They're low-key and more straightforward to get into than live casino games, so they're worth it for many players who want the gameplay without the extra frills.
Mafia Casino is the top dog in our table game providers. They offer 500+ live roulette and blackjack tables combined. There's also a dedicated high-quality table games lobby with 200+ titles for non-live dealer games, giving card aficionados plenty of choice. Play online blackjack, poker, and even unique card games like Tens or Better. Or try low-stakes games like 10p Roulette.
Instant wins – no delays, hop in and play
Instant win games include games such as scratchcards, spin-the-wheel games, and even crash games in which you bet on where the game will end. These are less numerous than pokies or table games, but tend to have fun new twists or game mechanics compared to their offline equivalents.
The drawbacks for fans of these games are that the wins tend to be smaller, and they're not available in every online casino.
Spinoloco Casino has a dedicated section for instant win games right on the homepage, making it easy to track down your favourites. Give Golden Plinko a play, try your hand at exciting scratch cards, and instant win titles from premier developer Hacksaw.
This casino has plenty more to offer, such as welcome, weekend, and dedicated crypto bonuses. We think it's going to be a firm favourite of instant win enjoyers, no matter what you claim.
Expert tip: These are perfect if you like games that are quick, easy, and don't bother with all the flashy extras you see in live studios or the latest slot gimmicks. In, out, plenty of fun, and you can still hit a nice win if luck's with you.
Casino software - a ‘who's who' behind the games
Who's making all these games, anyway? Some of the biggest game providers have been knocking out top-tier games for NZ players to enjoy for years. Here are a few of the creators you'll most likely find on the scene.
Pragmatic Play – You'll find Pragmatic Play at almost any good casino. From slots to live casino games to bingo: if you can think of it, they've got it.
Some standout titles you might have played are Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, Big Bass Bonanza, or the exciting live casino title Mega Wheel.
Nolimit City - Not afraid to touch some spicier or controversial themes in their slots, they're a big favourite at most online casinos.
Nobody does retro or kooky quite like them, and you might have even taken some of their slots, such as Brick Snake 2000 or Deadwood RIP for a spin.
Habanero - Their slots and table games cover every conceivable theme, boasting exciting new game features in every new release.
They nabbed a Game Innovation Award in 2022 for their slot Orbs of Atlantis, and they've only continued to improve their lineup since then.
PGSoft - With a lineup of colourful and exciting slot and table game titles, they take the time to craft a little background to each slot to give you a fun story to play along with.
They're wildly popular in many online casinos for this combo approach, whether you're enjoying a sweet adventure with Candy Burst or facing ancient myths in Medusa: The Curse of Athena.
NetEnt - Creators of possibly the best-known slots of all time, such as Gonzo's Quest and its innumerable spinoffs, and Starburst, NetEnt have been hammering out quality titles for years now.
It'll be no surprise to you to find their best work on most of the casinos we suggest – it's for good reason.
RubyPlay – With a focus on unique gameplay purpose-built into masterful games, they're one to watch.
Whether that's their cascading Giga Match feature (such as in Gummy Giga Match), their Rush Fever symbol, or the Diamond Explosion series (such as Diamond Explosion Candy), they're developing cutting-edge gameplay that all players enjoy.
Quick start guide – deposits and withdrawals made easy
You can't withdraw any winnings if you haven't made any deposits, so here's a handy guide to get you started:
Register and verify – You'll need to confirm your identity with the casino after registration. I usually do this while I register.
Bonuses – Check if you qualify for any bonuses. If it's your first deposit, you might be able to claim a welcome bonus. I usually check the terms and conditions thoroughly here to make sure I'm happy with any limitations.
Deposit – Head to the cashier section of the casino and select your preferred payment method to ensure that you can deposit using NZD. Top up your wallet balance with an amount you're comfortable with. I like to see if I can set up deposit limits at this stage, to save time later on.
Play – Once your account has money deposited, you can play. If you're not sure where to start, you can try casino games for free before you commit. If I claimed a bonus with free spins when I registered, I like to use them on the selected game now.
Withdraw – If luck is on your side and you have winnings, go to the cashier section and select the amount you want to withdraw. There may be rollover requirements for bonus funds, and you will typically need to withdraw the funds to the same account from which you deposited, so be sure to check this first.
Expert tip: It may seem like an annoyance to take extra steps to verify your details, but it's important to help you play and withdraw safely. Any casino that doesn't ask for this should be avoided.
Best ways to pay – New Zealand's preferred payment methods
All payments have their pros and cons, but many casinos offer a wide range of variety for players. If anything isn't transparent on the site, you should be able to get in touch with customer support to find an answer.
Method
Deposits
Withdrawals
Average Withdrawal Time
Average Withdrawal Limits
Cards
✅
✅
24 – 72 hours
$5,000
Instant Bank Transfers
✅
✅
1 – 24 Hours
$10,000
E-Wallets
✅
✅
0 – 48 Hours
$10,000
Vouchers and Prepaid cards
✅
❌
0 – 24 Hours
Not available for withdrawals.
Cryptocurrencies
✅
✅
0 – 24 Hours
$10,000
If you're still unsure as to which you want to use, here's more information on each payment method and what you should keep in mind with it.
Cards (like Visa and Mastercard) and bank transfers are the most widely-accepted ways for players to make deposits and withdrawals. They're secure as well as widely accepted, with their only drawbacks being slightly slower to withdraw than to deposit, which will process almost instantly.
E-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and Zimpler are widely accepted at online casinos to cater to players searching for fast withdrawals and deposits. They're speedy payment options but lack the same financial protections and global security systems as banks. Still, they're secure and can help you manage your casino spending, since they aren't linked directly to your main account.
Vouchers like Neosurf and CashtoCode work well for deposits up to their limits (e.g., $250 for Neosurf), but they can't be used for withdrawals. You'll need a verified account to cash out your winnings.
Crypto is fast, simple, and widely accepted, especially Bitcoin at sites like BitStarz. Some altcoins are also supported, but niche ones can be harder to use if no exchange is available. Just note that crypto lacks the protections of traditional payment methods and isn't accepted everywhere.
Real money casinos vs free play – what's the difference?
The point of making a deposit is to be able to play for real money. Of course, playing for free has plenty of perks, including being risk-free, not needing to spend anything, and being a great way to try out new titles. For players wanting to withdraw their wins, though, you'll need to play for real.
Although many casinos have a minimum deposit, usually of around $10 to $20, most will still let you play with very small amounts. You can play with as little as $0.10 at casinos like Rolling Slots, for instance.
When it comes to free play offers that require a deposit, such as free spins, these are usually for a specific title, and you can't withdraw the bonus winnings until you've met what are called "rollover" or "wagering" requirements. These differ from free play (or demo play) because, although you can play for free, you still need to make an initial deposit.
👍Pros
👎 Cons
Real Money
Winnings can be withdrawn with no wagering requirements.
All games are available in real mode, no matter which kind.
Bonuses can be played in real mode.
If you lose a bet, your losses are final and can't be taken back.
Limited amount of gameplay depending on wallet funds.
Free Play
Can play an unlimited number of times to decide if you like a title.
Games are played with "credit", which isn't real money or connected to your casino wallet.
Some titles can't be played in demo mode, like live casino or jackpot games.
Withdrawing winnings in free play isn't possible.
What's new? Gambling in New Zealand roundup: December 2025 updates
New Zealand's online gambling laws: upcoming and current (Updated December 2025)
Currently, the New Zealand government is finalising legislation to legalise online gambling in NZ from local operators. The Online Casino Gambling Bill (178-1) will issue licenses to 15 online casino operators.
The aim is to minimise harm from online gambling, ensuring that casinos block anyone under 18 from playing, as well as taking other security measures. They must also be in a public register with the government. The casino must also allow players to make complaints directly to the Secretary of Internal Affairs where needed.
Legislation is expected to come into effect in early 2026. Offshore and unlicensed platforms may apply for licenses by 1 July and full probation on unlicensed casinos will take place on 31 December 2026.
Casinos based abroad: How Kiwis can play online
Under the 2003 Gambling Act, domestic operators cannot run online NZ casinos. However, the Act doesn't stop operators outside the country from offering games to New Zealand residents of legal gambling age.
Common sense and solid online casino reviews help here – you don't want to play at any casino just because you can make an account. Stick to well-rated casinos that we've highly rated in our Safety Index, and you'll have more assurance that it's a trustworthy site.
Note: For unlicensed operators caught violating the law, the penalties can be severe, including substantial fines and prison sentences.
What's the story of the local gambling scene in New Zealand?
Land-based casinos in New Zealand have been around for a while, but how did we go from these to online casinos?
1890s - Art Unions: a form of lottery
1908 - Gambling Act: Limited gambling to racetracks
1987 - Introduction of Pokies
2003 - Gambling Act: prevents local NZ operators from operating an online casino
2025 - Regularisation: The New Zealand government has made plans to legalise online gambling, with only a few select operators allowed to provide gambling services to Kiwi players.
Current gambling legislation is based on the Gambling Act of 2003 and is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. With its strong emphasis on public funds and responsible gambling, the focus is on a good experience for players.
Did you know? There are only six land-based casinos that have a license to operate in New Zealand: Christchurch Casino, Grand Casino Dunedin, SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Hamilton, SkyCity Queenstown, and SkyCity Wharf Casino.
Melody brings a wealth of knowledge to every review and helps players find safe operators, great bonuses, and quality games. With years of experience behind her, she signs up, deposits, and plays at every casino she reviews. Melody lets you know what to expect so you can get the most out of your gaming.
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Andy leads Casino Guru's English-language content team and draws on over 14 years' experience in online gaming. He reviews every guide and review to ensure it's clear, accurate, and fair. Andy champions content that helps players make safe, informed choices and holds casinos to high standards.
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