More information about online gambling in 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.
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$10,000 per violation.
Here at CasinoWow, we give you a complete breakdown of the different online casinos accessible to you. On top of that, we review all sites before they are recommended or not. Any site that comes recommended by CasinoWow is licensed, regulated, and secure for NZ players.
Five factors that make a top NZ online casino:
If you’re ready to start playing and are in search of a safe and secure NZ online casino, here is a quick breakdown of what to look for. We use these criteria to determine casinos that can make the list of top recommendations or should be avoided.
1. Proper Licensing
While online gaming sites aren’t allowed to be operated legally in NZ, you can play at sites run by foreign operators. The most important thing to look for is that the online casino carries some form of licensing. Any unlicensed sites should preferably be avoided. We list all the top sites that carry licensing from respected authorities like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar, and Curacao Gaming Commission.
2. Currency and Languages
Another important factor is to find casinos that are available in a language you are comfortable with. The top sites will have multiple languages available.
The casino should be accessible in your language of choice and offer you the ability to play in your own currency. Many of the top casinos open to NZ players allow you to play in NZ$.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.