PAYMENT METHODS AND ONLINE CASINOS IN NEW ZEALAND
Top Casinos and Best Banking Options for New Zealand Players
People living in New Zealand have been enjoying gambling as one of their favourite pastimes for decades. Various gambling games are played throughout the country, but slots – pokies – are particularly popular. For all of you looking to have fun with online pokies for real money, we offer a comprehensive guide to the best online casinos for New Zealanders.
The CBM team has been informed that there are a lot of Kiwis looking to gamble online at trusted websites with high-quality software, convenient banking options and rewarding bonuses. We post our finds right here!
New Zealand punters with deep pockets, as well as those with modest budgets, can simply boot their preferred casino site and play without having to do any extensive research and trial testing. Not after reading our New Zealand market article! If you are looking for the most exciting online pokies, check out some of the best NZ online casinos featured below.
When you decide to play for real money, we have you covered as well. Demo mode can keep you entertained for an hour or two, but once you see how easy it is to win, you will feel the urge to place a real money bet. Easy – just select one of the recommended New Zealand casino banking methods and make your deposit.
We assure you that you will be playing within a safe and fair gaming environment, as CBM fact-checks all its recommendations. And remember, gamble responsibly! Don’t be one of the Kiwis who have spoiled their good casino time by acting impulsively. We wish you to enjoy every second at trustworthy casinos for New Zealand players.
Best New Zealand Online Casinos
There are barely a handful of land-based casinos in New Zealand, which can’t satisfy a huge number of players with the need for thrilling gambling sessions. Luckily, a myriad of reliable online casinos accepting players from NZ is an excellent compensation. CasinoBankingMethods.com brings you exclusively the top-rated casinos with a focus on New Zealand players, which have lots of fun pokies and allow you to deposit in NZD while being transparent and fair.
Wild Tokyo
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply- Live chat available 24/7
- Home to top software providers
- Mobile-friendly casino games
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply
Rolling Slots
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply- PayID payments
- Impressive live casino
- Great selection of games
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply
PartySpins
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply- Sports-betting page
- Daily cashback
- 3-in-1 welcome bonus
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply
Need for Spin
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply- 2 types of welcome bonuses
- 15,000+ casino games
- No-deposit bonus
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C ApplyTop Casino Banking Methods in New Zealand
Without reliable, secure and fast banking services, online gambling becomes problematic. It’s not fun. We want to keep it fun for you by suggesting good banking options particularly suitable for online casino players from New Zealand. Each player is entitled to pick out the most suitable way to upload funds and also to cash out, but we hope to contribute with our elaborate suggestions, tried-and-tested options that give the best results overall.
Review & Best Casinos
- Supported by most AU/NZ banks
- Good credit card alternative
- No registration required
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- Fast casino payments
- Available around the globe
- Designed with iGaming focus
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- Iconic US brand
- In business since 1850
- Highly secure cards
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- 200+ payment services included
- Near-instant deposits and withdrawals
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- Fast casino transactions
- Available around the globe
- 165 supported currencies
Review & Best Casinos
- A leading payment solution
- Maximum security
- Fast & easy casino transactions
Review & Best Casinos
- Convert crypto funds to fiat currencies
- Payment gateway and wallet solution
- 75+ supported currencies
Review & Best Casinos
- Accept bank payments in seconds
- Easy payment reports anytime
- Deposits with no chargebacks
Review & Best Casinos
- eCards with high-security standards
- Accepts crypto payments
- Available as a mobile app
Review & Best Casinos
- Buy, Sell, and Swap cryptocurrencies
- Available on iOS and Android devices
- Non-custodial wallet at checkout
Review & Best Casinos
- Free mobile app
- Fast and safe transactions
- Send funds to select Federal prisons.
Laws and Regulations on Online Gambling in New Zealand?
Compared to many other countries around the globe, New Zealand has a rather straightforward approach to gambling in terms of legislation. Looking back, the first gambling activity legalised in the country was horse racing and slot machines, popularly known as pokies, were mostly available outside land-based casinos and served as means to raise money for charitable foundations.
There were various legislative acts passed in the past, but they were all dropped in favour of the Gambling Act of 2003. It remains the most significant piece of legislation affecting online gambling in New Zealand. The document allows Kiwis to take part in sports betting, pokies, national lottery, as well as land-based gambling. All these activities are regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. The act authorises the New Zealand Lottery Commission and the New Zealand Racing Board to regulate gambling games in the country.
Another thing that is explicitly stated in the act is that operators licensed in New Zealand can’t offer online casino games to local players. Offshore casinos and remote gambling operators are not mentioned, which means they fall outside the jurisdiction of the law and can’t suffer any consequences from the authority of the Department of Internal Affairs.
The loophole allows a plethora of online casino operators based in foreign countries to attract New Zealand players and allow them to bet real money on their platforms. As long as players opt for licensed casino sites that operate under the jurisdictions of trusted regulators, they can remain confident that no additional risks are taken, as these operations adhere to high standards of player protection, even remotely based players from New Zealand.
In 2019, the New Zealand government expressed an interest in keeping the laws and regulations up to date. The Department of Internal Affairs released a survey regarding an expansion of the current laws covering online gambling activities. Since there haven’t been any major changes to the Gambling Act of 2003, New Zealand’s gambling laws can be considered out of date. Having locally-operated online casinos would benefit the country financially and would give the DIA better overview of the citizens’ gambling habits. It will be interesting to see what is in store for NZ in the future on this matter.
Are You Required to Pay Taxes on Winnings?
Gamers from New Zealand are lucky as they don’t need to pay taxes on their gambling winnings. According to the Income Tax Act from 2007, winnings from gaming-machine gambling and TAB NZ are exempt income. Whatever you win at online casinos or sportsbooks is not subject to taxation. Gambling and casino gaming in New Zealand is considered recreational activity or hobby. Therefore, you don’t need to disclose gambling-related profits.
Although the Gambling Act 2003 prohibits offshore operators from advertising their services in NZ, offshore gambling sites are not explicitly banned. It means that New Zealanders can access these sites, sign up and play without any legal consequences. Hence, if you find a suitable gambling site registered outside NZ, you won’t pay taxes if you win.
However, there is an exception. The NZ tax law applies to professional poker players who make a living from gambling. Therefore, if gambling is your only source of income, you are required to report the winnings. To conclude – if gambling is your favorite pastime, you can keep the money without paying any income tax.
Can Casinos That Accept New Zealand Players Be Trusted?
No online casinos allowed within New Zealand borders – that’s fine. Seek out casino websites with the Malta Gaming Authority license, for example. The majority of all the online casinos you will find on our list sports a license from the Maltese regulator. Alternatively, a trustworthy casino will have a license from Gibraltar, Alderney, the Isle of Man or the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
The Malta Gaming Authority specializes in remote gambling supervision, thus regulates most of the internet sites out there, including all the best online casinos in New Zealand. Apart from holding a valid license, casinos can be trusted only if they are implementing cutting-edge technical security, house independently verified fair games and express commitment to promoting responsible gambling, as well as the prevention of under-age gambling.
We’ve already checked all this for every NZ online casino we’ve reviewed, but in case you want to do it yourself, most of the licensing credentials are displayed in the footer of the casino site. Responsible online casino players should protect themselves from scams and rogue operators and CBM is prepared to take part in promoting trusted casinos for NZ players. The most deserving of them are listed on this page.
Best Casino Bonuses for New Zealand Players
Not all casinos treat their customer equally well. While their offer of games may be exquisite, their offer of bonuses should at least match it. Great bonuses for New Zealand players don’t escape the eyes of the Casino Banking Methods team. The casinos that we recommend for players in New Zealand all have attractive player incentive schemes. In other words, you have opportunities to enjoy gaming for a while longer and you have more chances to win with a favourable bonus up your sleeve. Potential prizes include sign-up bonuses, tailor-made weekly bonus offers and other promotional deals. Take a look at some of the ongoing bonuses we’ve compiled and feel free to shop around for the ones that look the most appealing to you. Overall, these are the promotions with the best wagering structures and reward sizes, yet it is up to you to eventually choose your match.
100% Bonus
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35x (D+B), 40x (FS Wins)
Ongoing
€10
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100%, up to €500/AU$750
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Welcome Package
35x (D + B), 40x ( FS Wins)
Ongoing
€20
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200% Bonus up to €5,000
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30x (B+FS Wins)
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€20
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Welcome Package
35x (D+B),40x (FS Wins)
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Welcome Package
35x (D+B), 40x (FS Wins)
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No
Local Payment Methods to Consider
CBM wants to ensure the maximum level of entertainment and eliminate the frustration one might experience over depositing funds to an online casino account. Thankfully, top casinos online nowadays try to accommodate their users by preparing a healthy list of deposit/withdrawal options, both international and local. While commonly used payment solutions such as credit cards have their advantages, going local can be much more advantageous.
POLi is a popular online payment system that is usually associated with Australian banking, but a wide range of New Zealand online casinos accepts POLi as NZ is part of this region. With POLi, you can use the service for free and make instant online bank transfers to an online casino account. Alternatively, New Zealand players are known to use PurplePay, Amex, EcoPayz and e-wallets a lot while playing at online casinos. These are not local methods, but provide a high level of security and are effortless. CBM believes that it is always good to keep in mind which methods are prevalent in the market and if they contain specific privileges for local users, but if the globally-accepted options are just as trending, that is also perfectly fine.
Depositing with NZD Currency
New Zealand Dollar online casinos are undoubtedly the best course of action for Kiwi players. Casinos that accept NZD deposits and withdrawals directly and seamlessly already show that they respect you as a customer and are willing to give you the courtesy of placing bets in your currency. This is the best possible option because your transaction process becomes fast and easy.
If the casino does not allow you to pay in NZD directly, you will need to face conversions and currency fluctuations. Sometimes, the exchange rates aren’t detrimental but they are always disruptive and make it hard to keep track of your spending. After all, they represent an additional cost, so why not avoid them if you can?
Top Land-Based Casinos in New Zealand
New Zealand has a vibrant and thriving gambling scene despite NZ being small. The country has several world-class casinos from Hamilton to Dunedin. The state-owned brick-and-mortar casinos in five NZ cities offer great entertainment and a diverse range of games.
New Zealand has everything seasoned and first-time players might like, from exceptional casinos in historic Victorian-era hotels to modern venues. NZ casinos provide exciting gambling opportunities, entertaining events, and beautiful restaurants and bars.
Therefore, if you wish to experience a true adventure outside the internet, we recommend you visit these land-based venues. Good luck!
Christchurch Casino
Christchurch Casino is the first local casino in New Zealand, opened on November 4, 1994. The luxurious venue is located at 30 Victoria Street in Christchurch. This casino is considered one of the most legendary gambling sites in New Zealand. It is also one of the most popular nightlife destinations offering supreme entertainment.
However, it is most famous for its wide range of casino games. You can try your luck on 450+ slot machines and 30+ table games. Slot machines are in the Valley area on the first floor and in Gallery and Privé areas located upstairs. Popular casino games are Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Poker.
If you prefer personalized casino service, visit the VIP Club Aspinall Lounge. Christchurch Casino hosts New Zealand Poker Championships and organizes live events like concerts, stand-up comedy shows, and gaming promotions. The casino also has an exclusive restaurant and two bars.
The Grand Casino Dunedin
The Grand Casino opened its doors in 1999. This is one of the best land-based casinos in the country, located in the Scenic Circle Southern Cross hotel in the center of Dunedin. The building has Heritage 1 status since it was built in 1883 and boasts classical architecture.
Grand Casino in Dunedin welcomes guests 7 days a week. You can play games on 180+ gaming machines or choose popular table games like Caribbean Stud Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat.
The most popular event is the Grand Experience which combines interactive gaming with exclusive dining. Finally, don’t forget to visit Grand Bar & Restaurant, offering superb service and a memorable dining experience.
SkyCity Hamilton Casino
SkyCity Hamilton is located on the banks of the iconic Waikato River in the heart of Hamilton’s central business district. The casino was opened in 2002 and is situated inside the former Chief Post Office. The building was designed to enable visitors to enjoy spectacular riverside landscapes.
SkyCity is a world-class casino with an excellent selection of games. Visitors can choose from over 330 gaming machines and 20+ table games. The range of table games includes Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Poker, and Money Wheel. Salon 8 houses VIP table games allowing you to experience higher table limits and personalized services.
If you wish to take a break and have something to eat, the casino has a restaurant, burger joint, and two bars.
SkyCity Auckland Casino
One of the main attractions in Auckland is the SkyCity casino. This is the largest land-based casino in New Zealand, located in the center of the second-largest city in NZ. SkyCity was opened in 1996 and is the second brick-and-mortar casino in New Zealand and the only one in Auckland. It offers excellent live entertainment and great food in more than 15 fantastic restaurants and beautiful bars.
SkyCity Auckland houses more than 2,100 real-money slot machines and 150 table games. You can play the most popular and latest pokies or pick one of the beloved table games such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, and others.
SkyCity’s VIP Gaming services include several exclusive private salons with table games and high-value gaming machines.
SkyCity Queenstown Casino
In 2000, New Zealand got its fourth land-based casino located in Queenstown. SkyCity Queenstown has a fantastic restaurant and bar and organizes various events like live streaming of sports events on big screens.
The casino has 85+ real-money gaming machines and a variety of table games, including Roulette, Blackjack, and Midi Baccarat. SkyCity Queenstown Premier Rewards membership brings players various benefits. The program awards exclusive promotions and cash prizes. Players can also collect Premier Points and redeem them for food and beverage discounts or birthday gifts.
Most Famous Gamblers
Sosia Jiang
Former investment banker Sosia Jiang is a poker player from New Zealand. She has earned more than $1.4 million at various poker tournaments. The first and largest win in her career was in 2017 when she won almost $500,000 at the PokerStars Championship Macau High Roller.
She was also the winner of a high roller championship in Sidney and participated at the Triton London $100,000 Main Event in 2018. Nicknamed “silent executioner,” this schoolteacher successfully balances her regular job with her poker career.
Thomas Ward
In 2020, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) was held online due to the pandemic. However, this didn’t stop Thomas Ward from scooping a staggering $1.35 million (NZ$2m). He finished fourth in the WSOP No-Limit Hold ’em Main Event on GGPoker. This event even awarded the biggest winning prize in the history of online poker.
Thomas Ward used his previous experience gathered during the 2014 WSOP main event in Las Vegas to achieve the most significant result in his poker career. He also participated in the APPT Auckland and the APPT Macau.
Fun Facts
When European settlers landed in New Zealand, they brought their love for horserace betting with them. In 1835, at Bay Islands, the first bets were made on a horse race in New Zealand. Early horse races in New Zealand were held at the military garrison in Auckland.
The very first casino to open in New Zealand was Christchurch Casino in 1994. Close to the Christchurch Airport, the Christchurch Casino is open 24/7 and is home to the New Zealand Poker Championships.
According to some of the most recent studies, a whopping 80% of New Zealanders, equal to about 3.8 million people, gamble on a regular basis. Most of them play lottery, though.
Law proclaims that all public gaming in New Zealand is expected to return profits to the community. Such profits are used to house homeless people, fund new infrastructure such and pay for various other non-commercial causes.
Just 1% of Kiwi players play casino games more than once a week and just 10% play every week. The majority of players are between the ages of 55 and 64 are male.
The biggest casino in New Zealand is the lavish Sky City in Auckland. In 2016 a lucky Auckland native named Rawiri Pow won the single biggest jackpot in NZ gambling history. He pocketed $10m in the form of Mega Moolah’s progressive jackpot.
FAQ
Are real money online casinos legal in New Zealand?
Most forms of gambling in New Zealand are highly regulated. When it comes to online gambling, it is not permitted if the operator is based in the country. It is actually legal for Kiwis to engage in online gambling as long as the operator is based in a different country.
Can I bet online using New Zealand Dollars?
Yes. Many sites that accept players from New Zealand allow you to play in New Zealand Dollars. It is a great convenience to be able to deposit in your local currency.
What are some New Zealand banking options I can use to deposit?
New Zealand casino banking options are more international, but POLi stands out as more of a regional payment method widely available at NZ online casinos. Alternatives include credit cards, e-wallets and prepaid cards.
Where can I get help with problem gambling in New Zealand?
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand offers gambling addiction help lines, counselling and support groups. The website pgfnz.org.nz also offers a variety of educational materials. The Gambling Helpline New Zealand (www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz) is another great entity that offers similar services.
How old do you have to be to gamble in NZ?
You must be at least 18 years old to play at online casinos available in NZ. To visit a land-based casino in New Zealand, you can’t be younger than 20.
Am I required to pay tax on my winnings from NZ casinos online?
In New Zealand, players do not have to pay tax on gambling winnings. The casinos accepting Kiwi players aren’t even based in NZ. Furthermore, gambling winnings are not considered an income. Instead, they are mostly seen as results of a pastime or a hobby.
Bart Crebolder 
Lead Content Manager
Having dedicated nearly a decade of his career to the iGaming industry, Bart Crebolder stands as a valuable member of the CasinoBankingMethods.com team. His journey in the industry has been marked by his pursuit of the latest trends, making him a relevant source for information about online casinos and payment methods. He is an invaluable asset to the team because of his passion for the iGaming world, contributing with his standing as a trusted authority in the online casino industry. Bart's content consists of comprehensive analyses, reflecting his deep understanding of the casino industry and he is setting standards for informed, reliable, and engaging content in online gaming.