KIWI online casinos for Real Money
Welcome to Real.casino’s premier selection of the top New Zealand online casinos for real money! We’ve meticulously researched, tested, and compiled a list of the most reputable and secure online casinos that offer an exceptional gaming experience, lucrative bonuses, and prompt payouts. Dive in and enjoy the thrill of real money gaming at its finest!
New Zealand Casino Guide
Getting Started
New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to legalise land-based gambling. However, gambling is restricted and heavily regulated. The law becomes a lot murkier when it comes to betting on pokies and sports at offshore (remote) casinos. Naturally, this requires a bit of digging and research.
This is where we come in. We’ve been through New Zealand’s gambling laws to break them down for you. We’ve assessed the situation and can clearly explain how things work in the twin island nation. Join us as we explore New Zealand’s gambling laws right here.
New Zealand’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Gambling was first legalised in 1835, although technically, it only constituted horse racing betting. Thanks largely to the protestant population, gambling was outlawed in 1881, and it wouldn’t be until 1932 that some form of accepting gambling game would return. In 1932, New Zealand authorised its first lottery, which was state-run. A second lotto would emerge (the Golden Kiwi Lotto) in 1961 before horse and greyhound racing were finally made legal once more in 1971.
In 1977, New Zealand decided that gambling businesses were to be permitted, and a new lottery emerged in 1987. Finally, the Casino Control Act of 1990 firmly legalised land-based casino gambling. By 2002, six casinos had emerged in the country. What about online gambling, though? This is where things get tricky.
In 2003, the rapid growth of the online gambling industry saw New Zealand create the Gambling Act of 2003. This effectively outlawed gambling at remote (offshore) casinos and betting sites. Precious little legislation has been introduced since. However, we must stress that online lottery and online sports betting games are deemed legal.
Curiously, the legality of various parts of New Zealand’s Gambling Act have been tested in courts of law. It was found that while hosting gambling games for New Zealanders was illegal; this was only if any element of hosting the enterprise was conducted by New Zealanders or present in New Zealand. A proper remote, offshore, and foreign casino would easily skirt these laws by not hiring New Zealanders and not being based there – many have done just that.
Furthermore, it was determined that it is not illegal for New Zealanders to bet at any offshore casino that fits the criteria. This has seen an influx in sites catering to kiwis, while New Zealanders have been keen to bet on pokies at foreign sites. The New Zealand government doesn’t want to be seen as rocking the boat, so they haven’t made any changes to the Gambling Act. They seem to be content with the status quo.
Who Regulates and Licenses New Zealander Casino Sites?
There are four types of gambling licenses available in New Zealand. Class 1 refers to social gambling; Class 2 is reserved for charity and fundraising; Class 3 is for gambling games with prizes worth more than NZ$ 5,000, while Class 4 relates to gambling machines, known as pokies.
The Department of Internal Affairs is the national regulatory body that keeps tabs on licensees, while it is the New Zealand Gambling Commission that approves license applications and awards the gambling licenses themselves. The Lotto NZ and Lotteries Commission are exempt from this, as they have full control to run lottery and lottery-style games in the country.
Any betting site that has not obtained a license from these authorities (so, none of them) is technically illegal. However, as we have already established, it is not illegal to play at these sites as they don’t properly break New Zealand’s gambling laws. New Zealanders are, therefore, technically free to play at most worldwide online casinos and sportsbooks.
New Zealand’s Most Popular Gambling Games
New Zealanders bet on just about anything and everything, and they have ample resources to do so, as most offshore casinos accept them. Slots are known as pokies in New Zealand, and these generally tend to appear in number at NZ-friendly online casino sites. At the same time, live dealer games and RNG table games are also popular with players in New Zealand. New Zealanders have a soft spot for betting on sports such as rugby, too.
New Zealand doesn’t have any specific companies that are notable for producing online casino games. Software providers do produce sports betting software, but they seldom tend to offer their services outside of their homeland. Fortunately, most of the offshore casinos that cater to New Zealanders feature games from many of today’s leading providers, including NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Playtech and more.
Who Can Play?
New Zealand doesn’t license and regulate online casinos. Therefore, all the casinos a kiwi can join are those based offshore. These are the same casinos that, in theory, anybody can register and play at. However, there are one or two offshore casinos that specifically target New Zealanders (without breaking New Zealand’s gambling laws), and these are arguably more favourable, as they offer toll-free localised support, payment methods and the NZD currency.
Online Casino Payment Options
Payment methods for online casinos in New Zealand are diverse, allowing players to choose the most convenient option for them. Here are the exclusive payment methods for New Zealand players, categorized into different types:
Credit / Debit Cards:
- Visa: Widely accepted by online casinos in New Zealand, Visa cards offer a safe and secure method for deposits and withdrawals.
- Mastercard: Another popular choice, Mastercard is accepted by the majority of online casinos and provides quick, secure transactions.
E-wallets:
- POLi: POLi is an online payment service specifically designed for players in New Zealand and Australia. It allows users to make payments directly from their bank account without the need for a credit card.
- Skrill: Although not exclusive to New Zealand, Skrill is a widely accepted e-wallet that supports NZD and allows fast and secure deposits and withdrawals.
- Neteller: Another popular e-wallet, Neteller supports NZD and offers quick and secure transactions for online casino players in New Zealand.
Prepaid Cards:
- Paysafecard: A popular prepaid card option, Paysafecard allows users to deposit funds into their online casino account without sharing personal banking information. It can be purchased at various retail outlets in New Zealand.
Bank Transfers:
- Bank Wire Transfer: New Zealand players can use bank wire transfers to move funds directly between their bank account and the online casino. This method is known for its security but can be slower than other options.
- Internet Banking: Many New Zealand banks offer internet banking services that allow users to make payments directly to online casinos. This method is secure and convenient, but transaction times may vary depending on the bank.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin (BTC): As the most popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is accepted by a growing number of online casinos. It offers anonymity, fast transactions, and low fees.
- Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency accepted by some online casinos in New Zealand. It offers similar benefits to Bitcoin, such as fast transactions and anonymity.
- Litecoin (LTC): Litecoin is a lighter, faster alternative to Bitcoin, and some New Zealand online casinos accept it as a payment method.
New Online Casinos New Zealand 2024
Recently added casinos that accept players from NZ.
New Online Pokies KIWI
We show only games that allow real money betting from New Zealand.
F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in New Zealand?
Yes, online gambling is legal for New Zealand players, as long as the online casino is based and licensed outside the country. New Zealand’s Gambling Act 2003 prohibits online casinos based within the country, but players can legally gamble at offshore casinos. For more information on licensing and regulation, visit our Licensing and Regulation section.
2. Are my winnings from online gambling taxable in New Zealand?
Generally, winnings from online gambling are not taxable in New Zealand, as gambling is considered a recreational activity rather than a profession. However, it’s always a good idea to consult a tax professional for advice on your specific situation.
3. What payment methods are available for New Zealand players?
New Zealand players have a variety of payment methods available, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency. To learn more about the available options, visit our Payment Methods page.
4. Can I play online casino games in New Zealand dollars (NZD)?
Yes, many online casinos accept New Zealand dollars (NZD) as a currency for deposits and withdrawals. Make sure to check the currencies supported by the casino before signing up. For more information on currencies and depositing at online casinos, visit our Depositing at Online Casinos section.
5. Are online casino games fair and random in New Zealand?
Yes, as long as you choose a reputable and licensed online casino, the games will be fair and random. Licensed casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure the fairness of their games. To learn more about RNGs and the technology behind online casino games, check out our Software and Technology section.
6. How can I ensure my safety and security while gambling online in New Zealand?
Choose a licensed and reputable online casino, use secure payment methods, and protect your personal information. For more tips on staying safe while gambling online, visit our Safety and Security section.
7. Are there any resources for problem gambling in New Zealand?
Yes, there are several organizations and resources available for problem gambling in New Zealand, such as the Problem Gambling Foundation and Gambling Helpline New Zealand. For more information and help regarding problem gambling, visit our Problem Gambling section.
8. Can I play live dealer games from New Zealand?
Yes, New Zealand players can enjoy live dealer games at many offshore online casinos. Live dealer games offer an immersive and interactive gaming experience, combining the best aspects of land-based and online casinos. For more information on live dealer games, visit our Live Dealers page.
9. Are there any age restrictions for online gambling in New Zealand?
Yes, you must be at least 20 years old to gamble at land-based casinos in New Zealand and at least 18 years old to participate in online gambling. Always make sure to check the specific age requirements of the online casino before signing up.
10. How do I know if an online casino accepts New Zealand players?
Check the casino’s terms and conditions or registration page for information on accepted countries. Many online casinos that accept New Zealand players will also support New Zealand dollars (NZD) and offer region-specific payment methods. You can also look for customer support options that cater to New Zealand players, such as local phone numbers or email support. For more information on finding a suitable online casino, visit our Introduction to Online Casinos section.