How to find the best online casino in New Zealand
Finding a top New Zealand online casino can be tricky. There are all sorts of factors that one needs to consider before signing up. To add to the challenge, not all NZ online casinos offer the same services or features. Some are better for pokies players, while others offer better user features and so on.
There are other factors to take into account too. Like what sort of bonuses you can expect to unlock or how many games you can expect to play. Some Kiwis prefer a live casino experience. Others look for tournaments, or chase big jackpots. The good news is that there are top NZ online casinos to cater to all needs and preferences. It all boils down to checking out each one’s key features first.
Our job is to make the process of finding the perfect NZ online casino as easy as possible. This means that we have already done all the hard work for you. We’ve checked each NZ online casino and tested all their main features. Our experts know exactly what to look for and don’t miss a thing. We check each feature off our list of must-haves. We then add the casino to our recommended list of top New Zealand online casinos for you.
To guide you to finding the best online casino in New Zealand, we’ve covered all our key criteria here. All you have to do is:
- Pick one of our recommended NZ casinos in our up to date listings
- Use this guide to choose your next top NZ casino
Reading time: 6 minutes.
![How to find the best online casino in New Zealand](/images/choose-online-casino.jpg)
Choose a great NZ casino
Design
The look and feel of an online casino may not seem like it should be a top priority on your list. After all, aren’t they all more or less the same? Well, if you’re planning on spending a lot of hours gambling online, it may become very important. A top online casino should be appealing to the eye. It should also produce a comfortable gaming experience. In other words, not give you a headache after half an hour.
The design and layout plays an important role too. A good NZ casino should be easy to use, even for a total newbie. Games and other key features such as support and banking, should be easy to access. There should also be lots of important and helpful information that is easy to access and easy to read. A top NZ casino should also look great across all platforms. Gaming should be consistent across desktop, tablet, or mobile phone.
Games
For most Kiwis games are what the most important feature. Games are the heart of the casino and there should be plenty to choose from. The best NZ online casinos are able to provide a balanced selection of world class games. This includes all the games Kiwis love, including the latest pokies and jackpot games. A good rule of thumb is to start with your favourite games. If the online casino has plenty of those, it may be your best bet.
Gaming variety should also include a good selection of table games. This should include games like roulette, blackjack and baccarat, will always be classics. Besides virtual versions of classic table games, live dealer games are a must. Live games combine the convenience of an online casino with the excitement of a real casino.
Let’s not forget about jackpot games, which usually take the form of pokies. Progressive jackpot games are among the most popular of all casino games. These are the games that give you the chance to win millions of NZD in a flash! Other games to consider include video poker, bingo, keno, poker, and arcade-style games. Most NZ online casinos now also offer a range of their games on mobile. Thanks to HTML5 browser technology, you can play top casino games on the go. Today, mobile games are compatible with:
iPhones
iPads
Android devices
Windows Phone
Blackberry devices.
Software and Safety
If you are new to online casino gaming, you may not have realised how important good software is. Software brands supply every game that is available at an online casino. Some online software brands have been in the game for decades, some are quite new. Top software providers include the following:
Microgaming
Playtech
NetEnt (Net Entertainment)
Betsoft
Quickfirev
Yggdrasil
NextGen Gaming
Evolution Gaming (Live Dealer specialists)
IGT
WMS
NYX Interactive
Quickspin
1X2 Gamingv
There are of course many more, but these are the essential providers to New Zealand casinos. Software providers like NetEnt, Yggdrasil, and Betsoft are best known for incredible pokies. You can expect the best in 3D animations, exciting bonus features and much more. Other providers like Microgaming are best known for their progressive jackpot pokies. Lookout for top progressive jackpot pokies like:
Mega Moolah
Major Millions
King Cashalot
Tunzamunni, and many others.
Top software providers do more than supply great games though. They also run most of the casinos features, including their mobile casino platforms. Top NZ casinos feature licensing through strict gambling authorities. These include MGA, UKGC, GBA and others, who ensure a reliable online experience. SSL encryption, protects your banking details and other personal information 24/7.
Bonuses, Rewards and Promotions
You can expect top bonus offers at leading NZ online casinos. This is especially true for new players signing up for the first time. Most online casinos will outdo themselves to get you to sign up with them. Before committing to a sign up offer, take a few minutes to read the t’s and c’s first. A sign up bonus is only worth it if the wagering conditions are reasonable.
Most new player bonus offers will give you a cash match on your first deposit. Some offers also include reload incentives as well as free spins. The free spins can be a great way to play a few top pokies for free. Remember to check if those free spins also come with wagering conditions.
Top casinos keep will also add a lot of value through extra promotions. This can take different forms but usually includes a player points program and a VIP club. The player points program will reward you with points for every wager. You can accumulate these points and exchange them for cash in your account. VIP clubs reward loyal players with all sorts of added extras. This can include exclusive invites, bigger bonuses, personal managers and much more.
Payment Options and Support
If you are planning on playing for real money, payment options is a key consideration. Top casinos should offer a flexible payment options. These should include:
e-wallets
Credit cards
Debit cards
Bank transfers
Prepaid cards
Not only should you expect a wide range of payment options, being able to pay and play in NZD is a must.
Support is another key area that is often overlooked. Kiwis should expect to find a range of support options including:
Live chat
Email support
Phone support
Social media support
Player support should be available 24/7, especially live chat support. Besides access to a support team, a comprehensive FAQ section should be available. This often goes a long way to answering the most basic newbie questions.