Real Money Blackjack Casinos – The Ultimate 2026 Guide for Card Aficionados

January's expert blackjack picks

Finding the right casino for blackjack isn't just about the size of the game library. We selected sites from the 860+ blackjack casinos in our listings. We focus on their solid game selection, generous bonuses, and a great overall player experience backed by a solid Safety Index score. These are our top three picks.

Top of the cards – Vegasino Casino

Vegasino is one of the largest blackjack casinos on the New Zealand market. Established in 2024, the casino already boasts an 8.6 Safety Index score, placing it above competitors such as Mafia Casino, Koru Casino, and Golden Crown Casino.

Across the Vegasino library, I found no fewer than 800 software-powered blackjack games, with an additional 120 or more in its live casino. I was pleased to see that some of my all-time favourites were included, such as American Blackjack, Blackjack Royale, and Thor's Blackjack.

For those unsure of which blackjack game to play, Vegasino lets you play software-driven titles in demo mode, which is great for when you want to practice before committing cash. You can even watch live blackjack streams before joining one of the live titles.

If you're interested in joining a table, the casino offers a matched welcome bonus of $1,000 with 200 extra spins. This is similar to Wyns, but more competitive than Spinlight or Cristal Poker Casino. Wagering requirements are 35x for the primary bonus and 40x for spins, which are around average for NZ casinos.

Pros:

• Impressive game selection – With over 800 blackjack games, the casino provides a broad range of options, much higher than the handful usually found at NZ casinos.
• Generous bonus package – While similar to larger casinos in the New Zealand market (such as Wyns), it still ranks among the best and is more generous than those offered by Jackpoty and LuckyWins.
• Over 50 payment methods – The average NZ casino offers around 10 payment methods, but Vegasino demolishes this, providing Visa, Mastercard, PaysafeCard, Neosurf, and crypto options.
• Great customer support – Players have a wide choice of options, including a dedicated and responsive Telegram channel, which is unique among most NZ casinos.

Cons:

• Lack of 2FA – While not entirely common, two-factor authentication (2FA) could provide that extra layer of player security. You'll find this measure at casinos such as TonyBet Casino.
• Cluttered library – Despite its impressive number of games, some players have reported finding it cluttered and frustrating to navigate.

The new kid at the table – Wyns Casino

Considering it is a new casino, a growing number of players consider Wyns to be the home of blackjack in New Zealand, thanks to its 820+ titles. For context, some NZ casinos only have 1,000 games in their entire library. What's more, the casino offers over 20 live dealer tables if you're searching for a social experience while playing.

We dove deep into Wyns' blackjack titles and took our turn on 21 Burn Blackjack, Betstacker Blackjack Live, and Blackjack Beto, with the latter being one of the casino's latest additions. We were pleased to see blackjack from trusted software providers, including Pragmatic Live and Play'n GO, two of the gaming industry's heavyweights.

If you're looking to tap in at Wyns, you can enjoy a matched welcome bonus of up to $1,000, plus 200 extra spins. The minimum deposit is $40, with 35x wagering requirements, plus a 40x wagering requirement for the spins.

Lastly, the casino enjoys a Very High 9.1 Safety Index rating, so you can rest assured that you're playing at one of New Zealand's safest blackjack casinos.

Pros:

• Great game variety – Wyns' 800+ blackjack games mean there's something for everyone, keeping even the most seasoned players entertained.
• Competitive bonus – The $1,000 sign-up bonus and 200 free spins rank among some of the best, with competitors such as Coolzino offering only $225 and 150 free spins.
• 10-day bonus expiry – For those taking a more casual approach, 10 days should be enough to get most of the welcome bonus. In contrast, Koru Casino's welcome bonus expires after only seven days.

Cons:

• High minimum deposit – The minimum deposit of $40 is higher than we'd like. Competitors, such as Koru Casino (which offers a $3,000 matched bonus), require only a $30 minimum deposit.
• Excluded payment methods – You cannot use Neteller and Skrill for the bonus deposit. This exclusion is not too unusual for NZ, but Koru Casino and Golden Crown Casino both accept them.

The international player – Supabet Casino

An international casino that requires little introduction, Supabet offers a diverse range of live and software-driven blackjack titles. What's more, an impressive quantity of its live games are available in Spanish and Portuguese, which is great for players who speak other languages.

Supabet regularly adds new blackjack titles to its collection, with some of the most recent being Blackjack Classico, Bet Stacker Blackjack Live, and Blackjack Beto. The casino also boasts several exclusives, including Gold Saloon Free Bet Blackjack and Gold Saloon Blackjack (both of which are live games). New game additions and exclusives are often a sign of a healthy, active casino, and it's great to see.

The casino's software-driven blackjack games are also available in demo mode, so you can practice and see what you enjoy before spending money. Additionally, you can join streams of live blackjack games to get a feel of the atmosphere before joining a table. I love scoping out a game before I drop a bet, so this suits me perfectly.

Like Vegasino and Wyns, the welcome bonus stands at $1,000 and 200 extra spins. The wagering requirements stand at 35x for the primary bonus and 40x for spins (played at 20 spins per day with a one-day expiration).

Pros:

• High Safety rating – The 8.4 Safety Index score lands Supabet in the High safety category, putting it ahead of some NZ blackjack casinos like Golden Crown and Koru Casino.
• Immersive library – Supabet excels at providing games for all, with some available in Spanish and Portuguese. Supabet's exclusives and consistent new titles help keep things fresh for players.
• Competitive bonus – Although similar to Vegasino and Wyns, Supabet's welcome bonus still outshines smaller casinos, such as Jackpoty ($750 + 100 extra spins).
• International support – Players can access 24/7 support through live chat in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, French, Greek, and Polish.

Cons:

• High minimum deposit – Although not unusual, the $40 minimum deposit isn't competitive, as Coolzino and Spinlight require $20 and $22.50, respectively.
• Lack of mobile app – The mobile site is highly responsive, but we'd still like to see a dedicated mobile app for ease of play. Golden Crown Casino, for example, offers an app compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

A table for your play style – types of blackjack you'll find online

Online blackjack isn't one-size-fits-all. Rule tweaks, deck counts, and extra features can change the pace and the house edge, so it pays to know the different types. When playing online, all of these are available at mobile casinos and apps for players just as much as on desktop, with modern game formats adapting to your device.

Classic blackjack

This is the base game you'll find at most casinos. Dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3:2, and you can double on any two cards. Nothing flashy, just clean strategy and a house edge of around 0.5% when played with optimal strategy.

• Pros: Universal rules, available at almost every casino, basic strategy easily accessible.
• Cons: The standard game lacks the excitement of variants with twists or side bets.
• RTP: 99.5%
• House edge: 0.5%
• Popularity: Very high

European blackjack

Uses two decks and the dealer only takes a single hole card after players finish their actions. That small change raises the edge slightly (around 0.6%), but it's easy to follow and quick to play. I like it when I'm after a slower pace.

• Pros: Easy to play for new players, but a solid gameplay option for more advanced players.
• Cons: Slightly higher house edge.
• RTP: 99.3%
• House edge: 0.6%
• Popularity: High

Single-deck blackjack

Only one deck is in play, which can lower the house edge to roughly 0.3% if the rules are friendly. I enjoy it for the added chance to track cards, but casinos often balance that with tighter rules like 6:5 payouts.

• Pros: Offers the lowest house edge of any blackjack variant.
• Cons: Hard to find. Casinos often offset the player advantage with a less favourable 6:5 payout.
• RTP: Up to 99.75%
• House edge: 0.25%
• Popularity: Medium (sought-after, but hard to find)

Blackjack switch

While considered a cheating manoeuvre in other variants, in blackjack switch, you can trade cards between two hands. It adds additional strategy and a different rhythm, though blackjacks pay even money instead of 3:2, and a dealer 22 results in a push against all hands that are not a bust (excluding blackjack).

• Pros: Players can have extra control over their gameplay, with the option to move the cards.
• Cons: A slightly higher house edge here makes for tighter wins.
• RTP: 99.42%
• House edge: 0.58%
• Popularity: High

Atlantic City blackjack

Eight decks, late surrender, and the option to double on any two cards keep the edge around 0.4%. I like the flexibility, and especially love the late surrender option, which has saved my bankroll on bad hands without slowing the game.

• Pros: Player-friendly rules, including late surrender and the option to double down on any two cards.
• Cons: With eight decks, predicting the impact of a single card on the rest of the shoe is almost impossible.
• RTP: 99.6%
• House edge: 0.4%
• Popularity: High

Double exposure blackjack

In this blackjack variation, both dealer cards are face-up, which changes everything. To offset that information, the casino pays even money on blackjack, and the dealer wins all ties except blackjacks. I like to play double exposure when I'm after a fast and tactical game with slight rule variations.

• Pros: A faster game with all the information up-front.
• Cons: Higher house edge and the dealer wins on all ties except blackjack.
• RTP: 99.3%
• House edge: 0.6%
• Popularity: High

Professional live dealer action from table to screen

When it comes to live gaming, live casino blackjack usually has a Return to Player (RTP) of around 99.5%, which means a house edge of about 0.5%. This is often lower than many RNG formats. Its interactive setup also makes it a popular choice for Kiwi players.

I often play Evolution titles like Lightning Blackjack or Free Bet Blackjack and Pragmatic Play's ONE Blackjack when I want a social, real casino feel. Multipliers or free splits make some versions more volatile, and RTP varies from about 98% to just over 99% depending on the rules and title.

Play along with a real person dealing the cards at a table in real time, as they chat to you and make the game calls every draw.

What to expect

During a live blackjack session, you can expect:

• Multi-angle video – Studios from providers such as Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Playtech use several cameras. The view switches throughout the round, helping the play feel closer to an in-person game.
• Bonus features – Some live 21 titles, for example Lightning Blackjack by Evolution, include multipliers which can affect the final score on a hand. These add an extra layer to the game, but outcomes still depend on your luck at the table.
• Real-time chat – You can chat with the dealer and other players while you play. Some players enjoy the social element, and it can also help you understand how others approach the game.

Pros and cons of live dealer blackjack

As any card player knows, where there are ups there are downs, and the same stands true for blackjack played with a live dealer.

Pros	Cons
✅ Real interaction with a human dealer and player chat.	❌ No demo mode, so you can't try for free before you play for real.
✅ Watch the cards be shuffled and dealt in front of you, with transparency.	❌ Fast rounds without the option to pause, so it can be a little hard to jump into for new players.
✅ Flexible betting limits for different gameplay budgets, both high and low.	❌ Video streaming uses more data, so it's better to play using WiFi.
✅ Extra bonuses and multipliers that you can't necessarily find in normal RNG variants.	❌ Limited seats at popular tables, so you might have to wait to join during busy times.

Who's behind the best blackjack games online?

From 18,000+ games in our library, we've picked out some of the best developers for their unique game titles, accessible gameplay, and plenty of player choices. They're standout in the blackjack world for their highly-refined gameplay, with quality baked in from the start, which for us is the secret sauce to top-tier blackjack gameplay.

Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic may be best known for its real money pokies, but its blackjack catalogue is just as polished. Mobile optimisation is excellent, and controls for their titles are intuitive. Multihand Blackjack lets you play three hands at once with a slick, minimal interface and quick animations. But I especially love their live table, One Blackjack, which adds side bets like Crazy 7 and Bust Bonus.

Evolution

Evolution sets the standard for live dealer blackjack. The company operates studios on multiple continents and streams 24/7 in HD with multi-language dealer teams. They have fun blackjack titles like Lightning Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack, and Power Blackjack. For me, Evolution tables feel the closest to a real casino floor.

Habanero

Habanero specialises in lightweight games that are quick to load and easy to play for long sessions. I've run their American Blackjack on an iPhone, tablet, and desktop, and it performed smoothly on all three devices. The maths is solid, with a 99%+ RTP on the main game, and the layouts stay uncluttered.

Play'n GO

Play'n GO has been building casino games for decades and was one of the first to fully shift to HTML5. I like how their blackjack tables, like European Blackjack MH, remain clean and simple even on smaller phone screens. Their focus is on consistency. Think fair RNG certification, smooth gameplay, and straightforward rules. They may not push bold new mechanics or flashy side bets, but for dependable blackjack across devices, Play'n GO is one I find myself returning to often.

Relax

Relax operates as both a developer and an aggregator, so their blackjack titles appear in a wide range of casinos for NZ players. What I appreciate most is their stability and consistency: no glitches and fair rulesets. Relax focuses on getting the basics right, which you can see in their classic blackjack title: Blackjack Neo. The game runs fast with minimal animations.

Small screen, big gameplay potential: Best blackjack on mobile

Close to 95% of Kiwis use the internet on their mobiles, with 53.66% of all internet traffic coming from handheld devices. There's no wonder that casinos and game developers have started building mobile casino apps and games for players.

The only catch for New Zealand mobile players is that there are no dedicated Android apps, so it's only players with iOS who can play using official casino apps. Even so, mobile sites from brands such as Wyns, Vegasino, and Supabet are quick and reliable. Their layouts are designed for smaller screens, making it easy to move between games while on the go.

Adding shortcuts for quick access

If you prefer an app-like experience, you can add a shortcut to a casino site on your home screen. This works on Safari on iOS and Chrome on Android.

Here's how to do it:

• Open your mobile browser and visit the casino site
• Tap the menu or share icon (square with an arrow on iOS, three dots on Android)
• Select "Add to Home Screen" on iOS or "Add app to Home screen" if using Android.
• Name the shortcut or keep the default name
• Check your home screen for the icon

A shortcut won't perform differently across devices and will open to the website. As long as your browser is up to date and your device is reasonably modern, blackjack sessions should run smoothly.

Tips for smoother mobile play

To improve your mobile blackjack experience, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Use a strong Wi-Fi or 5G connection, especially for live dealer tables
• Switch your phone to landscape mode for a clearer view of cards and layout
• Close unused background apps to free up memory
• Keep a second device handy, if possible, to check a basic strategy chart

Playing blackjack on apps vs mobile browsers vs desktop

Mobile apps	Mobile browsers	Desktop
✅ More optimised performance	✅ No download needed	✅ Larger screen for easy viewing
✅ Supports push notifications	✅ Works on most devices with a browser	✅ More stable performance
❌ Requires installation and uses storage space	❌ May be slower on older phones	❌ Not portable

Blackjack bonuses that are a hit for gameplay

When it comes to the best casino bonuses, they can help you try a new table or get to grips with blackjack gameplay. I use them to test casinos and extend playtime, not for guaranteed profit. Here's what I watch for.

Play with welcome bonuses up to 100%

Welcome bonuses can come in different packages. Many sites offer a standard 100% match up to a certain amount of money, or free spins to be used exclusively on pokies. However, it's important to pay attention to the game weighting for table games like blackjack.

For example, Wheelz Casino's welcome bonus is 100% up to $1,000. But, as is typical of online casinos, the contribution to your wagering requirements is reduced to 50% for blackjack and other table games. Others, like Supabet only contribute 10% toward the target, which, in my experience, is more of the norm. Always check the game weighting before you claim.

What to watch for:

• Wagering requirement (lower is better, under 40x is solid)
• Game weighting for blackjack (some count only 10–20%)
• Expiry dates, often 7–30 days
• Max bet limits while the bonus is active
• Which casino payment method you use can affect your ability to claim the bonus. Some options like Skrill often can't be used to claim these welcome bonuses.

Blackjack cashback of 10%

Cashback returns a percentage of your net losses, usually daily or weekly, and helps soften a loss. A typical offer is 10–20% back up to a certain amount. As mentioned in our Wheelz Casino review, for example, pays 10–20% on its cashback bonuses, depending on your loyalty level. On the flip side, Vegasino Casino has a specific live blackjack cashback bonus of 25% up to $400 with a 1x wagering requirement.

Tournament bonuses for extra prizes

Some casinos like Vegasino and Quickwin run blackjack tournaments with free-entry leaderboards or small buy-ins. Prizes range from free play credits to cash or extra chips. They're good for competitive players, but prize pools are often top-heavy. I've joined a few where the fun came from chasing a place on the board rather than expecting a payout.

Loyalty prizes for returning rewards

Regular play can unlock tiered rewards like VIP tables, extra cashback, or reload bonuses at the best online casinos, as they're a sign of a site that wants to keep its players happy.

I've had accounts where reaching a higher tier meant weekly 20% cashback (Wheelz Casino) and invites to private blackjack tables (Royal Panda Casino). These perks build slowly, so they suit steady players rather than bonus hunters.

How to play blackjack: Casino Guru's guide for beginners

When playing online blackjack for money, you can join a table and get going without waiting for a seat. Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Choose a trusted casino – Pick one of our recommendations based on your preferences and register. All the listed casinos are available to New Zealand players.
2. Pick your blackjack table – Browse the casino's collection and select a blackjack title you like. Pick from RNG or live dealer games or consider the staking limits.
3. Place your opening bet – Tap on a chip size that suits your budget and place it on the table. Tap 'Deal' if it's an RNG version.
4. Receive your cards and make your move – As you get your two cards, decide to hit, stand, double down, or split. Remember to pay attention to the dealer's face-up card.
5. Withdraw winnings – If you win while playing online blackjack for real money, the casino instantly adds the funds to your balance. You can choose to make a withdrawal whenever you're ready.

How to find the best online blackjack site

While a high number of blackjack games is often a good sign that a casino puts its all into blackjack, it's worth keeping an eye out for other attributes, including trust, safety, fairness, and reputation.

Give yourself gaming options

Search for casinos that have a wide number of titles across several formats. Supabet, for instance, offers over 800 blackjack games, including a variety of classic, live, single-deck, and multiplayer options.

Another top tip is to examine a casino's game providers. Respected ones include Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and ICONIC21.

You might find that lower-quality operators provide generic games, while lesser-known software providers offer more unique options, although independent software studios sometimes surprise.

Make the most of a bonus

Not all bonuses are blackjack-friendly. Many don't include live dealer games, and some have low wagering contributions of less than 5%, which means you have to play more to meet the requirement.

Search for bonuses that include blackjack contributions of at least 10% playthrough and wagering requirements of up to 40%. Any more than that and you'll end up playing for longer.

Licences to keep playing

We only recommend casinos with trusted licences. The best licences are those issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Kahnawàke Gaming Commission (Canada), or the Isle of Man (GSC).

Check for independent testing agencies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and Gaming Labs International (GLI). Casinos with these certifications have their games regularly checked and are verified to have fair games.

Keep your cards safe

Playing at a safe casino should be the number one priority for players. Many blackjack sites in New Zealand utilise Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt the connection between players and operators.

Any casino offering two-factor authentication (2FA) is worth considering, as this added security layer helps protect players from fraud. Cloudbet Casino and Wildz are two notable operators that implement 2FA.

Listen to the player grapevine

Players talk, and rightly so. Part of our Safety Index considers player reviews and complaints. A High Safety rating might indicate a casino with a high percentage of resolved issues and a good history of player payouts.

Strategy for your best blackjack game yet

Years of playing blackjack online have taught me that good strategy means nothing if you don't protect your bankroll. Here's how I keep sessions fun and controlled.

Pro blackjack strategy insights

I've logged countless hours at blackjack tables, both live and online. The rules are simple once you've played a few rounds, but knowing how to play can help you settle in fast.

Card values are as follows:

• 2-10: Face value
• J, Q, K: 10
• Ace: 1 or 11

Here's how a classic blackjack hand plays out:

1. Place your bet – Decide your stake before any cards are dealt.
2. Initial deal – You and the dealer each get two cards. Your cards are face-up; the dealer shows one card and keeps one face-down.
3. Player decisions – You can hit (take another card), stand (keep your total), double down (double your bet for one more card), or split if you have a pair. Some tables also allow surrender to forfeit half your bet and end the hand.
4. Dealer turn – After all players act, the dealer reveals the hole card and draws until reaching at least 17.
5. Payouts – If your total beats the dealer without busting, you're paid, typically 1:1 or 3:2 for a blackjack (a 21).

You can play free casino games to get started and learn your strategy, and you're good to go once you're comfortable! The objective is simple: Get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding that number (busting), with the goal of beating the dealer.

How do house edge odds work in blackjack?

House edge is the built-in advantage a casino has over the player over time. A game with a 0.5% house edge means that theoretically, the casino keeps about 50 cents for every $100 wagered. However, these figures are long-term averages, not guarantees. The actual house edge changes depending on which title and casino you're playing at.

You can flip the number to get the theoretical RTP (return to player). A blackjack table with a 0.4% edge is roughly a 99.6% RTP game. A typical RTP for a blackjack title ranges from 98–99.50%. For comparison, most online slots sit closer to 90–98% RTP, or a 2–10% house edge.

Blackjack	Baccarat	Poker (Three Card)	Roulette
0.28%	1.06%	3.37 - 7.28%	2.7%

Progressive betting systems

Some players test betting systems once they're more confident with the basics of blackjack. These systems fall into two main groups: positive and negative progressions.

It's important to note that these approaches don't change the odds in your favour, but they can add a new twist to your game strategy. Only consider them if you have a set entertainment budget and you're comfortable with potential losses, because the amount of money you will be risking in your bet will be higher.

• Positive progression (for example, Paroli system): You increase your bet after a win in the hope of making the most of a short winning streak.
• Negative progression (for example, Martingale): You increase your bet after a loss, often by doubling it, with the aim of recovering earlier bets in the next round.

As with any system, if it doesn't feel right or you notice your spending rising quickly, take a break. It's safer to step away while losses are manageable rather than trying to chase them.

Blackjack strategy top tips

Here are some of my top blackjack strategies to use:

• Use basic blackjack strategy – A simple chart that shows when to hit, stand, split, or double down cuts the house edge to around 0.5%. Memorise the key moves or keep a chart handy if the table allows it.
• Double down on 10 or 11 when the dealer shows a weak card – With totals of 10 or 11 against a dealer 4–6, the odds of drawing a winning card are high.
• Split pairs wisely – Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 10s. Splitting strong pairs gives you a chance to turn one losing hand into two winners.
• Avoid side bets if you're looking for long-term value – Perfect Pairs, Lucky Ladies, and similar wagers have a higher house edge than the main game.

Is blackjack the game for me?

As with all casino games, online blackjack has both strengths and limitations. It's worth weighing these up before you join a table or decide to play for real money.

Pros	Cons
✅ Try out any blackjack variation, available at any time	❌ Learning the rules of different variants takes time
✅ Gameplay uses both skill and chance	❌ Games may freeze without a stable internet connection
✅ RNG versions let you play at your own pace	❌ Only live blackjack offers real dealer or player interaction
✅ Low and high-stakes tables to suit different budgets	❌ Blackjack bonuses usually come with wagering requirements and lower contributions
✅ You can test strategies on free blackjack games

Alternatives to online blackjack

If you're unsure whether blackjack online is right for you, you'll find plenty of other game types to explore. Here are some common options:

• Pokies – Spin reels with a wide range of themes and features. They're chance-based games, so outcomes at online pokie games are unpredictable.
• Roulette – Place bets on where the ball might land. All results are random, whether you're playing live or another online real money roulette.
• Video poker – Video poker blends elements of slots with card-based decision-making. It still involves chance, even when strategy is used.
• Craps – Predict the outcome of dice rolls. This game is fast-paced, but results are determined by chance.
• Baccarat – Choose whether the player or banker hand will be closer to nine, or whether it will be a tie. It's a simple, chance-driven game.

Play blackjack safely every time

Most licensed casinos offer built-in safeguards, and there are ways of playing to improve your safety while playing.

• Deposit limit – A cap on how much you can load per day or week.
• Loss and wager limit – A cap on exceeding a set spend during a session.
• Time-out or reality check – A reminder to take a break after a set period.
• Self-exclusion – A tool that locks you out for months or permanently if you need a full reset.

I use deposit limits every time I play and set a reminder for longer sessions. When it comes to playing blackjack, I try and stick to tested strategies and don't exceed my bet limits, to keep my play sensible.

Use our Safety Index to pick the right blackjack site

The Safety Index combines factors like player feedback, complaint resolution history, and transparency of terms. High-rated casinos show consistent fair play and timely payouts.

• Player complaints – A site with player complaints in our Complaints Hub that haven't been resolved will experience a negative hit to their score.
• Terms transparency and fairness – If terms and conditions on the site have clauses that are unfair for players, that are misleading, or that are unscrupulous, their score is lowered.
• Ownership – If a company owns more than one casino, the score of one casino will affect the score of the others.

Low ratings might signal slow dispute handling or unclear rules, which are red flags for any blackjack player. We don't recommend any casino with a score lower than 7.0, so be sure to look for sites with higher scores as a good indicator.

Start with demos to practise your strategy

I always start with demos first. It's the easiest way to learn basic strategy and see how a variant handles rules like late surrender or side bets without risking a cent. If a game feels slow or the interface annoys me, I move on before real money is involved.

Use your bonuses at the table

Bonuses are a risk-free way to test new titles or rule sets. When possible, I'll use a welcome match or cashback credit to try something different before betting my own money. Just check the wagering terms so you know how much play is required to cash out.

Know that help is available

If gambling stops being enjoyable, reach out for help.

You can always get in touch with help lines dedicated to helping with problem gambling:

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF Services): +64 800 664 262
• Safer Gambling Aotearoa: +64 800 654 655
• Gambling helpline (New Zealand): +64 800 654 655
• Health Navigator: +64 800 611 116
• Taeamanino Trust: +64 800 345 345 or +64 423 760 62
• Capri Sanctuary: +64 800 227 741 or +64 929 888 33

Sources

• Gambling in New Zealand (Statista)