New Zealand Casinos

Gambling in NZ

In New Zealand, gambling is regulated by Te Tari Taiwhenua – the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Today, all legal forms of gambling are authorised under the Gambling Act 2003 which outlines classes and rules of gambling. In order to legally operate a gambling facility in NZ, a valid license from the New Zealand Gambling Commission is required. Some forms of gambling, such as remote (online) gambling, are not prohibited under the Act.

Landbased New Zealand Casinos

For anyone looking to gamble in person, it is worth knowing that there are six casinos located in New Zealand. The brick and mortar establishments all offer pokies and classic casino tables such as Roulette and Blackjack. The casinos can be visited by people of legal age (minimum 20 years old) in the following locations:

• SkyCity Auckland
• SkyCity Hamilton
• Dunedin Casino
• Christchurch Casino
• SkyCity Queenstown
• Skycity Wharf Casino

Online Casinos NZ

While remote gambling is prohibited under the Act, it does not mean that all forms of online gambling is illegal in New Zealand. That is because the prohibition applies to New Zealand and does not prohibit gambling done overseas. This means that Kiwis are allowed to gamble at online casinos based overseas. In fact, DIA notes that this is “not illegal” in their prohibited gambling documentation.

So when talking about NZ online casinos, it is actually online casinos based anywhere but in New Zealand. The sites might be regulated by licensing bodies such as Malta Gaming Authority or the UKGC. As long as the casino holds a valid license and accepts players from New Zealand, it is totally safe and legal to register an account.

Some, but not all, of the casinos might offer New Zealand Dollars as one of the accepted currencies. If that’s the case, there might also be a unique bonus in place for NZ players, such as at the following casinos:

• Dunder NZ: $6000 + 200 free spins
• LeoVegas NZ: $1000 + 150 free spins
• Casumo NZ: $1200 + 20 free spins
• Rizk NZ: $500 + 50 free spins
• Guts NZ: $500 + 100 free spins

Play Pokies Online

When selecting a casino to play at, the game selection is an important factor to consider. At both landbased and online casinos, pokies are some of the most popular games available. Also known as slot machines or simply “slots”, these classic games have definitely made their way online. And thanks to modern technology and the very best game developers, pokies can now be enjoyed in endless variants and themes at online casinos.

In addition to pokies, other classic games such as roulette, blackjack and even bingo can also be played online. The variation is of course a lot grander than what it would be at a landbased establishment, and the technology is evolving rapidly. Today, it is fully possible to play pokies and other games directly from your phone. Most online casinos and casino games are developed with a mobile-friendly design and interface. This makes it possible to gamble whenever and wherever you wish online!

In addition to the games offered, there are some other factors to consider when choosing which online casino to register at. Among others, you should think about the bonuses and payment methods offered, website usability, customer support availability and more. Don’t worry though, as I touch on this in my casino reviews. No matter what you choose, all of my recommendations are stellar alternatives to check out.

FAQ

To complete this guide dedicated to gambling in NZ, I will list and answer some frequently asked questions related to New Zealand casinos.

How many casinos are there in NZ?

There are currently six landbased casinos operating in New Zealand. The Grand Casino, Christchurch Casino and four casinos from the SkyCity chain.

Where are the casinos in New Zealand?

The landbased in New Zealand are located in Dunedin, Christchurch, Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown (x2).

What is the New Zealand gambling age?

The minimum legal gambling age in New Zealand is 20 years old. This is to enter landbased casinos and gamble online. Gamblers under the age of 20 years old are underage and therefore not allowed to gamble.

Is online gambling legal in NZ?

In New Zealand, gambling is regulated by the department of internal affairs (DIA) and the Gambling Act 2003. On the websites of DIA, you can read that “it is not illegal for someone in New Zealand to participate in gambling over the Internet if that website is based overseas”. This means that it is legal as long as the website you are playing at is international and based elsewhere than in NZ.

Is it legal to sign up at an online casino in NZ?

Yes, it is totally legal as long as the online casino is not based in New Zealand. In other words, it has to be an international company based overseas.

What are the best New Zealand casinos online?

There are many international casinos to choose from and which is the best, depends on your personal preferences. Some of my favourites are Dunder and LeoVegas that both offer unique NZ welcome bonuses.

What is the most legit online casino NZ?

Since it is totally legal to gamble at internationally-based online casinos, any licensed offshore casino is a legit and good option.

Are there any NZ online casinos that accept Paypal?

Yes! PayPal is a popular payment method for online transactions and many online casinos offer it as one of the accepted payment solutions for deposits and withdrawals. Among others, you can check Casumo and Rizk.

Are you ready to check out some of the safe and legal casino sites for yourself?
Then check my NZ online casinos list at the top of this guide for the very best alternatives.

Take me to the top!