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Important 
Hot and Trending in 2025 for New Zealand
Starting your online gaming journey in New Zealand can be quite daunting if you’re not sure about the rules and regulations. If you plan on playing online casino games in New Zealand, on this page, you will find all the information needed. We take you through the legalities and more of gaming in New Zealand to prepare you to choose the best options available. But before that, here's what is hot and trending in the gambling scene in the country!
New Zealand's online gambling landscape is evolving rapidly, with several key trends defining the industry in 2025. Rugby remains a dominant force in the sports betting scene, with major international tournaments and domestic leagues attracting widespread betting activity.
Beyond sports wagering, one of the standout trends this year is the surge in crypto casinos. As digital currencies gain wider acceptance, Kiwi players are increasingly drawn to platforms that support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, benefiting from faster transactions, lower fees, and enhanced security.
Another major shift is the continued rise of gamification in online casinos. Operators are integrating features like leaderboards, challenges, and reward-based progression systems, transforming traditional gameplay into a more engaging and competitive experience. In 2025, personalised gamification is taking centre stage, allowing players to tailor their casino experience based on individual preferences.
Emerging technologies such as AI-driven recommendations, VR-enhanced casino games, and blockchain-based transparency are also making an impact. Combined with the explosive growth of mobile gaming, these innovations are reshaping how New Zealanders engage with iGaming platforms. Enhanced security measures, including two-factor authentication and advanced encryption technologies, are further solidifying player trust, ensuring a safer and more seamless online gambling environment.
NZ Online Gambling Laws
In New Zealand, casinos and gambling activities are governed by The Gambling Act of 2003. Under this Act, you need to be at least 18 years old if you want to partake in the lottery or any sports betting activities. To visit a brick-and-mortar casino in NZ, you need to be 20 years or older.
When it comes to online gambling, it should be noted that this activity falls outside the lines of the Gambling Act 2003. While online casinos are considered illegal in New Zealand, there is the option to access online casinos and gaming sites operated by companies in other regions. In New Zealand itself, no local online gaming operators are allowed unless operated by the Lottery or TAB.
The good news is that you can access offshore online casinos and sportsbooks without worrying about breaking local laws. The New Zealand regulations are focused more on business instead of players. Thus giving you leeway to enjoy gaming online without the fear of getting in trouble with authorities.
Where to play legally?
When it comes to legal gaming options in New Zealand, you will find that only gaming services offered by the New Zealand Lottery Commission and TAB are allowed. Online gambling laws make it illegal for local gambling operators to set up shops within NZ. Any local sites that want to operate legally can’t offer online casino games, poker, or even sports betting.
Aside from this, it is allowed that Kiwi players can access online casinos that are operated from other regions. You will find that there are various great offshore sites accessible to New Zealand players. One thing that can make it difficult to find these sites is the lack of advertising. The NZ authorities are very strict in terms of rules on advertising gaming. And as such, any sites that go against these rules can face big fines of up to NZ$10,000 per violation.
Here at CasinoWow, we give you a complete breakdown of the different online casinos accessible to you. On top of that, we review all sites before they are recommended or not. Any site that comes recommended by CasinoWow is licensed, regulated, and secure for NZ players.
If you are also wondering how taxes work within the borders of New Zealand, let's break it down for you. If a player uses gambling as a primary source of income, then they are required to pay tax. Those who have a stable income from any other source can continue to enjoy their gambling, knowing all wins are tax-free.
Regardless of the limitations of real NZ casinos, digital casinos are hugely popular, with 80% of New Zealand gamblers participating. (Source: In Plain English) They often choose International online casinos that are available for NZ players.
Characteristics of the Best Online Casinos for NZ
If you’re ready to start playing and are in search of a safe and secure NZ online casino, here is a quick breakdown of what to look for. We use these criteria to determine casinos that can make the list of top recommendations or should be avoided.
Proper Licensing
While online gaming sites aren’t allowed to be operated legally in NZ, you can play at sites run by foreign operators. The most important thing to look for is that the online casino carries some form of licensing. Any unlicensed sites should preferably be avoided. We list all the top sites that carry licensing from respected authorities like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar, and Curacao Gaming Commission.
Currency and Languages
Another important factor is to find casinos that are available in a language you are comfortable with. The top sites will have multiple languages available.
The casino should be accessible in your language of choice and offer you the ability to play in your own currency. Many of the top casinos open to NZ players allow you to play in NZ$.
Quality Customer Support
Next up, consider the level of customer support. There’s nothing worse than playing at a casino, running into a problem, and finding that the customer support is non-existent or not the best quality. The top NZ online casinos will have 24/7 customer support and different contact methods, including Live Chat, Email, and Telephone. Live chat will always be quicker, but email and other methods allow you to thoroughly discuss issues.
Trusted Payment Methods
With licensing in place and a reliable support team, banking methods are next on the list. A top casino will allow you to fund your transactions using the most trusted payment methods available in New Zealand. There’s no point in playing at a casino with great promotions and games but a lack of trusted, known payment methods.
Top payment methods available to NZ players include POLi, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Paysafecard, Neteller, and Bitcoin.
Gaming on the Go
The online gaming industry is always developing, and one of the biggest focuses now is gaming on the go. If you’re an NZ casino player looking for entertainment on the go, you won’t be disappointed. The majority of online casinos operating today are accessible via desktop, tablet, and mobile.
As a mobile player, you can access top mobile casinos from your Android, iOS, or Windows device. There is very little difference between the mobile site/app and the desktop casino. You’ll get to enjoy the latest games, great promotions, trusted payment methods, and around-the-clock customer support.
It's also worth mentioning that there is another great advantage to playing at New Zealand casinos, and that's crypto! There are plenty of crypto casinos that you can enjoy online and up your game! We'll unfold that further below on this page!
Leaders in NZ Online Gambling
If you are looking for casinos that answer to the characteristics we've just mentioned, we've got you covered! We took the time to thoroughly review all casinos operating in the market from an international aspect, and we've managed to find a few that stand out.
Casinos like Shotz and Roobet are definitely leading with exciting bonuses and game variety, but that's not all! Take a look at the leaders for the country below.
Shotz Casino offers a fun-filled, safe and secure crypto-gambling experience with the best games, top bonuses and more.
One-of-a-kind crypto casino with exciting offers, including hot new games and exclusive bonuses.
Add a little luck to your gameplay with Let's Lucky Casino as you dive into over 9,500 casino games from top software providers.
BitStarz is a top-rated online casino founded in 2014, offering Bitcoin and regular money betting on over 6,000 games.
These are the casinos we consider most convenient for real-money gaming in the country. However, if you want to try something else and pick you own best gambling site, make sure to follow the checklist below. It will help you choose a safe and reliable online site.
Checklist for choosing the best online casino in New Zealand
Considering these factors will help you find a safe and enjoyable online casino to play for real money. Here is what to look for:
- Licensing & Regulation – Make sure the casino has a valid license from reputable authorities like the UKGC, MGA, or Curacao.
- Game Selection – Check if the casino offers a diverse range of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options.
- Payment Methods – Check if the casino supports POLi, Neosurf, debit/credit cards, e-wallets, or crypto for seamless transactions.
- Security & Fair Play – Verify SSL encryption, RNG certification, and responsible gambling measures for a safe experience.
- Bonuses & Promotions – Compare welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs, ensuring fair wagering requirements.
- Withdrawal Speed – Choose casinos with fast and hassle-free withdrawal processes, preferably under 24-48 hours.
- Customer Support – Ensure that there is 24/7 support via live chat, email, or phone to resolve any issues quickly.
- Mobile Compatibility – Look for smooth gameplay on mobile devices through dedicated apps or mobile-friendly websites.
- CasinoWow's take – Read our unbiased casino reviews, guides, and news to make an informed decision!
To further help you make the right decision, we've worked hard on writing our casino reviews and not only that, but we also took the time to make a list of all the casinos we do not recommend you play at! They are all unlicensed casinos and blacklisted.
You can also use this summary of the pros and cons of playing in New Zealand:
Pros & Cons of Online Casinos in New Zealand
Advantages
- Wide Game Selection – Players can enjoy thousands of games, including popular pokies, live dealer tables, and sports betting.
- Crypto-Friendly Casinos – The rise of cryptocurrency has made deposits and withdrawals faster and more secure.
- Mobile Gaming Accessibility – Most platforms are fully optimised for smartphones and tablets, allowing seamless gaming on the go.
- Generous Bonuses & Promotions – Offshore casinos offer welcome bonuses, crypto bonuses, and loyalty programs tailored for Kiwi players.
- No Local Tax on Winnings – Unlike some other countries, gambling winnings are not taxed for New Zealand players.
Disadvantages
- No Locally Licensed Online Casinos – Players must rely on offshore operators, which means no local government regulation or oversight.
- Responsible Gambling Considerations – Without strict national regulations, players must be cautious and choose licensed, reputable casinos.
- Potential Currency Exchange Fees – Some casinos may not support NZD, leading to conversion fees when depositing or withdrawing.
Crypto Casinos in New Zealand
Crypto casinos are becoming more and more popular all over the world. New Zealand is no exception. The cryptocurrency websites are even often more preferred than fiat-only casinos.
New Zealand regulations allow licensed crypto casinos that are based off-shore to offer online gambling for Kiwi players. This means New Zealanders get to use cutting-edge crypto platforms using sophisticated blockchain technology. The biggest advantage of playing at a crypto casino is that it allows fast, secure money transactions without using banks. (Source: Techloy)
As cryptocurrency gains popularity worldwide, New Zealanders are showing a marked preference for gaming platforms that accept digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. These platforms offer enhanced security, faster transaction times, and often lower fees, making them an attractive choice for players seeking a seamless gaming experience.
However, you still need to consider a few factors before you choose crypto casinos to play at.
- Always Stay Informed: Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest regulations regarding both online gambling and cryptocurrency transactions in NZ.
- Ensure Security: Choose platforms with great security measures, valid licenses, and positive user reviews.
- Understand Tax Implications: Be aware of the tax obligations associated with cryptocurrency transactions and gambling winnings.
Casino Bonuses and Promotions Popular in the Country
There are no specific restrictions to players enjoying bonuses in NZ as long as they are offered by international casinos operating in the country. However, usually, casinos offer specific casino bonuses for NZ that are higher in value than the other countries.
The most popular casino bonuses among Kiwi are Deposit Match Bonuses, Welcome Bonuses and Crypto Bonuses. However, you can still find other bonuses such as Cashback, Live Bonuses, and No Deposit Bonuses.
Here are a few of the hot bonuses for the country right now:
- Shotz Casino: 100% up to NZ$ 500 Live Bonus for New Zealand
- BitStarz Casino: Up to NZ$2000 / 5BTC + 180 Bonus Spins
- Hiperwin Casino: 100% up to NZ$ 300 Welcome Offer
Responsible Gambling
At CasinoWow, we highly prioritise responsible gambling to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our players. That's why we feel it's important you are well aware of the facts and numbers about the country's current situation with problem gambling. Here are a few stats:
- 49% of those who gamble on pokie machines may experience harm due to gambling. (Source: Health Navigator New Zealand)
- The country loses $140 million per year due to the unregulated nature of online gambling. (Source: embedUR)
- 76,000 people over 15 in 2018 were at risk of harm from gambling at moderate to high-risk levels in New Zealand. (Source: Health Navigator New Zealand, AUT)
- By 2027, New Zealand’s online gambling market is set to have 571,700 users. (Source: Statista)
The current average revenue per user (ARPU) in New Zealand’s online gambling market is $2,450. The last few facts mean more New Zealanders are getting into online gambling. The market is also getting competitive, which can mean more bets. All in all, the market’s ARPU will also increase.
With this increase in interest in gambling in the country and with the scary numbers for problem gamblers, it's important to stay informed and safe!
There is a free Gambling Helpline for you available at 0800 654 655!
We also want to remind you to learn more about self-exclusion and setting deposit limits so that you can stay ahead of falling into the trap of unwanted gambling results or debts.
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New Zealand Online Casinos Summary
There are plenty of exciting casino options available for players in New Zealand. The industry in the country continues to grow, and more online casinos are becoming available to players in the area. On this page, we've selected the Best Online Casinos in New Zealand while also providing you with essential information about gambling in the country.
New Zealand's online casino market is thriving, offering players a diverse and exciting gaming experience. While offshore casinos dominate the market, Kiwis have access to a wide range of reputable international platforms that provide slots (often called pokies in the country), table games, live dealer experiences, and sports betting. The legal landscape allows New Zealanders to gamble on offshore sites without restrictions as long as the casinos are licensed by respected authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Disclaimer: Please remember that we are not providing legal counsel and that gambling regulations may vary. Always follow the laws of the region you are in so you are fully informed.
We've tried our best to share all about the gambling laws, regulations, games, bonuses, payments and casinos in New Zealand, but if you think something can be added or have any other questions on the topic, please feel free to contact us, and we will gladly discuss it with you!
New Zealanders have access to a rich and dynamic online gambling market, with many top-rated casinos offering safe, fair, and rewarding gaming experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, trends like crypto gambling, gamification, and enhanced mobile play are shaping the future. By choosing licensed offshore operators and using responsible gaming practices, Kiwi players can enjoy a secure and thrilling online casino experience.
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