Are you completely new to playing over the internet and looking for a step-by-step on how to gamble? Or are you more interested in a breakdown of our review criteria, to understand how we select the best gambling sites in New Zealand? We’ve written this guide to online gambling for your reference and to help you get started.
No matter what you’re searching for, you’ll have a complete overview in no time. And most importantly, this guide will help you play with confidence and peace of mind.
How We Rate
At VegasSlotsOnline, we don’t just rate casinos—we give you confidence to play. We’ve applied our robust 23-step review process to 2000+ casino reviews and 5000+ bonus offers, ensuring we identify the safest, most secure platforms with real bonus value.
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Online gambling isn’t as straightforward as it looks. There are thousands of casinos to choose from, and you’ll need to learn how to avoid the worst ones. In our guide, you’ll find out about what the best NZ online casino sites have in common and how we rate them, and a few things you should look out for to stay safe.
Here’s a checklist of things you should ask before joining an online casino site, which we’ve compiled throughout the years:
Any gambling site worth joining will protect your information and money. We look into the casino’s reputation, how long it’s been around, and what security measures it uses. A good starting point is to check for licenses by trusted commissions such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) and Curaçao eGaming (CEG). You should also be aware of the gambling laws in your area before you start playing.
Look for reliable payment methods which protect your money. These include credit and debit cards like VISA, which give extra security against fraud. Or if you want your bank details to remain anonymous, use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and e-wallets like NETELLER.
One advantage of online gambling is that game libraries are huge, since space isn’t an issue. Look for a variety of pokies, casino games, live casino, video poker, as well as sports betting. You’ll also find games from many software providers, such as IGT, Aristocrat, and NetEnt.
Trusted sites want their users to feel safe while playing. While the casino will always have an advantage, it does not mean the games are rigged. There are rules and testing in place to ensure fairness and random results.
When you sign up to the best gambling sites in New Zealand, you’ll get a great welcome package to get you started. If you continue playing, you’ll also benefit from casino bonuses for returning users. Remember to read the offer terms and make sure they’re fair. If there are a lot of restrictions on the games you can play or the timeline in which to use the bonus, it’s a red flag.
Top gambling websites offer different methods of how to get in touch with their support team. These include live chat, e-mail, and a phone number, which are usually available 24/7. For smaller queries, you can also have a look at the site’s FAQ section.
If you’re going to spend time and money on online gambling, then you should be able to play on all devices including mobile. You should get smooth and clear gameplay on your phone, regardless of the screen size. Besides playing in browser, you can also visit the App Store or Google Play and install your favourite NZ download casino on your phone.
Signing up to a casino and getting started is usually the same at most NZ operators, and we’ll walk you through the whole process here.
Here’s our step-by-step gambling guide.
Choosing a trustworthy casino should be fairly easy if you follow our guide to spotting the best sites for Kiwi players. Keep our top online gambling tips in mind when picking your favourite – these are based on over 1,200 sites we’ve reviewed globally.
Click on the Sign Up button at your chosen NZ site and fill in the registration form. A confirmation email will be sent to the address provided, to verify your account. Some sites might also ask you to confirm your mobile number as a protective measure.
Note: Trusted casino websites might ask you to upload further documents to confirm your identity, such as a copy of your passport. All this is part of Know Your Customer (KYC) checks which are required by law in many countries.
Depending on the type of welcome offer, you might have to deposit before getting your bonus money. On the other hand, some welcome offers are no deposit bonuses. This means that they’re credited instantly to your account upon signing up, and usually include free spins.
To claim a deposit bonus, check if there’s a bonus code available in the promotions section of the site. You’ll have to enter this code when making a deposit. Some casinos also have a dropdown option when you visit the cashier.
Once you’ve signed up and verified your identity, you can top up your account with real money. Go to your casino account, click on the deposit option, choose your preferred payment method, and select the amount you’d like to deposit. Enter any bonus codes at this stage. You should be able to access your funds instantly at our top recommended casino websites. If you’re gambling on a budget, we suggest choosing a minimum deposit online casino.
If you’ve claimed a welcome offer, check if there are any terms mentioning which games you can play using the bonus. If not, you can choose from the hundreds of options in the lobby. Whatever game you go for, keep in mind that you can practice for free at most NZ online gambling sites or here on VegasSlotsOnline before betting with your own money.
VegasSlotsOnline is more than the biggest free no download slots resource on the web. We also provide tons of information on software providers in the industry and their best pokies and games, types of casino bonuses, legal online gambling, trusted payment methods, gambling news, as well as reviews of top sites and slot titles.
We’d like to share all this knowledge and experience built through the years with you–but here are some more reasons of why you should trust us with everything gambling-related:
We would never risk your personal data or money. Our experts vet recommended casino websites thoroughly before presenting them to you. We only suggest sites with a solid reputation and that have many safety measures in place, as well as offer fair bonus terms.
We want our Kiwi players to make smart online gambling decisions. This is why we’re honest in our reviews and address both the pros and cons of any topic discussed. If we praise a site or game title, it’s because we
Your voice matters to us and other players. Millions of users visit VegasSlotsOnline every year and make use of our comprehensive gambling guides to have a top casino gaming experience. Our community of gamblers continues to grow and when you leave us feedback, others benefit from it.
It’s possible to win real cash through online gambling. You will have to join a site, make a deposit, and play your favourite pokies and casino games. It’s important to realize you can’t win for real by playing on free games.
When playing real money slots at NZ gambling sites, you should also know the risks involved. Whether you win or lose mostly depends on luck, so ensure you’re playing responsibly and for fun. Gambling games are ultimately a game of chance.
If you still want to try your luck and are looking into how to make money gambling online, read our top tips to have the best chance.
If you choose to play online pokies, for example, check for the RTP (Return to Player) percentage in the game rules or paytable. If a slot has an RTP of 97%, subtract this from 100 to calculate the casino advantage, which in this case is 3%. Gambling on games with a high RTP and low house edge increases your odds of winning.
You can protect your bankroll on games such as blackjack and roulette if you use a strategy chart or betting system. A blackjack strategy chart shows you possible outcomes for different situations, so you can choose the best moves depending on the cards you get and the dealer’s up card. If you follow roulette betting systems such as the Reverse Martingale or the Paroli you’ll know when it’s best to increase, double, or lower your bet depending on the outcome.
You can win the largest sums of money on progressive jackpots, which often go up to millions. The amount here constantly increases because multiple users can play the same slot from many online gambling sites. Whenever they place a bet on the game, a part of this goes towards the jackpot amount. Keep in mind that the odds of winning a progressive jackpot are very slim.
Before choosing a slot machine, compare paytables and check for a free spins bonus. Some pokies such as IGT’s White Orchid give up to 20 extra rounds. To improve your chances further, opt for online pokies in which you can re-trigger the free spins bonus. In White Orchid, you can re-trigger up to another 20 extra rounds if you get two or more bonus symbols on the centre column.
The most important thing when playing for real money online is to sign up to a safe gambling website. This is especially true for Kiwis who choose to play at foreign sites, since New Zealand legislation prohibits gambling from within the country’s borders. Regulated casinos ensure their players are protected, no matter where they operate from or which gambling authorities they follow.
Look out for these four criteria to know you’re in safe hands when gambling online.
A license from a strict jurisdiction like the United Kingdom or Malta is a seal of approval. If a site displays the logo of a regulatory body like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), your funds and data are 100% safe.
Independent organizations like eCOGRA and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) audit online gambling sites. They carry out regular tests to ensure casinos use trustworthy software. One goal is to check the results of gambling games and verify they pay out in line with their advertised RTP (Return to Player).
Random number generator (RNG) software ensures game results are fair and random. Whether it’s the symbols appearing on slot reels or the cards dealt at a blackjack table, what you see is the result of RNG software and not human input. Game makers invest in RNGs to ensure auditing bodies certify their games as fair before launching.
Look for the padlock icon in the address bar to know you’re using a trustworthy casino website. This means that the site protects all your details and transactions through SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. Secure sites also offer Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Other checks include Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) ones to prevent identity theft and crime.
We help you avoid untrustworthy sites for real money online gambling in NZ. In our casino blacklist you’ll find sites that don’t pay out winnings, have poor security, and don’t reply to customers.
❌ Unreliable customer service
❌ Failure to pay players
❌ Problems with withdrawals
❌ Confiscated winnings
❌ Slow withdrawals
❌ Bad customer service
Instead, stick to gambling at sites that meet our standards for Kiwi players and we’ve verified to be safe and secure.
Whether you’re new to the online casino scene or a more experienced player, you should learn how to gamble responsibly. This includes being able to spot potential risk and taking steps to minimize it, besides focusing on fun and winnings. Otherwise, it can be a very costly experience.
Have a look at the table below for our expert tips:
✅ Join licensed and recommended casino websites only
✅ Set session and deposit limits to control your time and spending
✅ Stick to your decided bankroll
✅ Check for fair terms and conditions before claiming a bonus
✅ Practice with free games before depositing real money
✅ Check the RTP and play games with a low house edge
✅ Join the fastest-paying casinos to receive your winnings quickly
✅ Request a cashout when you win big, so you don’t lose it all again
❌ Don’t join blacklisted casinos with a bad reputation
❌ Don’t gamble with money you can’t afford to lose
❌ Don’t borrow money to gamble
❌ Never mix gambling with alcohol
❌ Don’t pin your hopes on winning a jackpot
❌ Don’t play if you don’t know the game rules
❌ Don’t continue playing at casinos that take months to pay out
❌ Don't assume that because you’ve had a big win, you’ll keep winning
Our top-rated sites allow you to fund your account using a wide range of deposit methods for Kiwi players. We’ll take a closer look at the most popular payment options here.
Most online gaming sites around the world accept credit and debit cards such as VISA and MasterCard. They’re a popular choice among gamblers since transactions are instant, they have no added charges, and are extremely secure.
Privacy is one of the biggest advantages of gambling with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. All transactions are anonymous because of blockchain technology. This means that cryptocurrencies aren’t controlled by third parties, such as banks or governments. To enjoy other benefits such as security, speed, low fees, and global acceptance, head over to our top NZ Bitcoin casinos.
Gamblers like prepaid cards such as paysafecard as you can deposit without sharing your bank or card details. There are also minimal charges to use this payment method. Simply purchase a card, head to the cashier at your chosen Paysafecard casino, enter a deposit amount, and type in your 16-digit PIN when prompted. This is also a great option to track and control how much you spend on online gambling.
Mobile billing methods are great for those who value simplicity, speed, and safety. You only need a phone number to use pay by phone providers such as Boku, Payforit, and Zimpler. Since you don’t have to enter any bank details, it’s also a secure payment method. You can choose to use your current phone balance or pay on your next phone bill.
E-wallets are ideal if don’t want to share your bank details with a casino site. By using e-wallets like Skrill and NETELLER, the operator only sees the email address linked to your digital wallet. Security, privacy, and instant deposits are some of the biggest advantages of using e-wallets to gamble for money online. An added pro is that some casinos partner with providers such as Skrill to offer exclusive provider bonuses.
Online gambling gives you a chance to bet on a range of games that you probably wouldn’t have access to otherwise. After all, there is only so much space available at land based casinos.
Have a look at the most popular games you can try online in New Zealand.
Try classic, 3D, video, and jackpot slots to discover your favourite. Look for different features such as bonus rounds, wild and scatter symbols, and multipliers to improve your chances of winning.
You can play all your favourite casino games online. These include blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and sic bo and all their variants.
Want a more interactive experience? Then take a seat at the live casino tables where everything–including the croupier, the cards, the wheels, the dice–is authentic.
Find a virtual table and play against other real poker players. Classic titles include Texas Hold 'em, Omaha, and 7-Card Stud.
Video poker is more of a cross between a pokie machine and poker than an actual poker game. Popular titles include Jacks or Better, Double Double, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker.
If you know enough bingo lingo, then why not purchase your cards online and play against other players? From 30-Ball to 90-Ball, the choice is yours.
Choose your numbers on the grid and wait for the machine to draw the winning ones! This lottery-style game includes titles such as Keno Pop and Super Keno.
Scratch your way to big wins on popular scratch cards like Mega Love and Golden Mane. They cater to all stakes and cover every theme imaginable.
You’ll find games which aren’t slots, casino games, or poker under this heading. A couple of examples include virtual dog racing and pachinko.
Online sports betting is popular in New Zealand when it comes to rugby, football, horse racing, and cricket, among others. If wagering on sporting events is something that interests you, you can either head over to a dedicated sportsbook site or an operator which provides casino, live casino, and sports betting options on the same website.
We cover the most common queries related to online sports gambling in our guide below.
What Are Favourites and Underdogs?
In sports betting, the favourite is the team which is most likely to win the match, whereas the underdog is the team that has the highest chance of losing the match. When looking at a betting line for any match at a sportsbook, you’ll notice who is a favourite to win based on the odds.
How To Read a Betting Line
The most common ways of how sportsbooks display odds are as numbers (moneyline odds), fractions (fractional odds), and decimals (decimal odds). Sports betting sites for NZ players usually show decimal odds, but it’s worth being familiar with all three. Either way, the odds show who is most likely to win or lose in a match. Keep in mind that betting on favourites poses less risk, but you’ll get lower profits. Decimal odds are the easiest to understand, since the decimal simply represents the amount you can win for every $1 bet. So if a team is set to win by 5.5, it means you’ll get a total payout of $5.50 for a $1 bet. Higher decimals and hence payouts show underdogs since they have fewer chances of winning. With moneyline odds, you’ll find positive and negative numbers always in relation to the number 100. Favourite teams are marked with negative numbers, and the underdogs with positive numbers. So, if a team has -110 odds, it means that you have to bet $110 to win your original $110 bet back plus a $100 profit. If a team has +120 odds, you bet $100 to make a profit of $120. In fractional odds, 1/4 odds mean the favourite has four more chances of winning than losing. This means that for every $1 bet, you’ll only make a profit of $0.25. 4/1 odds mean the team is four times more likely to lose than to win, and you’ll get $4 for every $1 wagered, plus your starting $1 bet (i.e. a total payout of $5).
What Different Sports Bets Are There?
What Different Sports Bets Are There? Some standard options include single, accumulator and each way bets. Single Bet: This is the easiest bet you can make. All you need to do is guess the correct outcome of a match and you’ll win the bet. Accumulator Bet: Commonly known as acca, an accumulator bet is a single bet but made up of a number of selections. For you to win the bet, all the selections you choose need to come true. Accas are popular since betting on multiple events combined gives you higher odds – but also increased risk. Each Way Bet: This is essentially made up of two bets: a win bet and a place bet. The amount for both bets is equal. For example, in horse racing you can bet on one horse to win and then also bet on the same horse to place within the top three to five. It makes sense to use this bet type when competition is very high, and you can at least make a return if you don’t win the full bet.
Top sites allow you to play on the tiniest of screens and still deliver a great experience on all. The best gambling sites in New Zealand are mobile responsive with optimized content and animations.
Here are our top reasons of why we love mobile gambling:
Play at home or on the move
Gamble at a mobile casino or on a dedicated mobile app
Mobile casino apps are much faster than desktop
The graphics are always improving
Benefit from exclusive bonuses for mobile users
Gameplay on mobile pokies and games is more interactive with touchscreen
Use your phone credit to fund your account, through pay by phone options
More focus on the game since it takes up the entire screen
Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
While it’s true that gambling can be risky if not done responsibly, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. Our online gambling guide will help you sort fact from fiction.
We debunk some of the most common myths by explaining why each one is false below.
This is the biggest worry beginners have about online gambling. If you play at a trustworthy NZ casino and avoid shady sites, the games are fair. Regulatory bodies and independent testing companies conduct regular tests to ensure the games are 100% fair. If something is wrong, an investigation is launched, and the software providers can lose their licenses.
Although some countries and many US states prohibit casino sites and other forms of internet gambling, it doesn’t mean that these are illegal everywhere. Before you get started, check if online gambling is legal where you’re playing from. Also, while some countries such as New Zealand have strict gambling laws in place, you can still play at licensed offshore sites.
While some offers–such as no deposit bonuses–have more difficult wagering requirements, you can still win. These types of casino bonuses often have a 45x wager attached, which is more than the 25-30x wager typically applied to match bonuses. As long as you follow the promotional terms and conditions, you can win plenty by claiming casino bonuses..
Some gamblers refer to slots as ‘hot’ when wins continue to roll in, and ‘cold’ when they haven’t paid out for a while. Many players who believe this myth increase their bet sizes as they think a win is due next, and watch their balance disappear. Keep in mind that there are no patterns in online pokies and results are random because of RNG software.
You now know how to gamble online safely and responsibly, while also enjoying yourself. Sign up to our best-rated site in New Zealand and put everything you’ve learnt into practice.
What is online gambling?
Rather than playing slot machines, casino games, and other games at land based casinos, gamblers can now access these on the internet at reputable NZ sites.
How does online gambling work?
Simply pick your favourite site, fill in the registration form, and add funds to your account. Whether you’re new to gambling or a more experienced player, you’ll find our best tips in this comprehensive guide.
What are the best online gambling sites in New Zealand?
You’ll find the best ones right here at VegasSlotsOnline. Our experts choose the top NZ casinos based on a number of criteria including licensing, game selection, bonuses, payment methods, and more.
Is online gambling in NZ legal?
While gambling is prohibited within New Zealand’s borders, Kiwi players can choose to gamble at reputable foreign casino sites. You should always check for a trusted operating license.
Can I win real money at gambling sites?
Yes! Simply join one of our recommended casinos for Kiwi gamblers and play on your favourite games for real money. When you land a win, click on the withdraw button to bank your winnings.
Is it safe to gamble online?
Online gambling is completely safe if you register at reputable websites. The best casinos use encryption to protect your data and have secure payment methods. Although there still are a few rogue casinos you should avoid.
What games can I play online?
You can play pokies, casino games, video poker, scratch cards, keno, and more. Some sites even offer casino, live casino, and sports betting under the same account.
Do NZ casino sites offer bonuses?
Yes! You’ll get a welcome bonus when you sign up and make your first deposit. Returning Kiwi players also benefit from other promotions such as reload bonuses, VIP offers, referral schemes, and more.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes! Some sites have dedicated mobile apps while others allow you to play your favourite games at a mobile casino, directly in your browser.
Can I gamble for free?
Absolutely! The best online gaming sites provide free versions of their real money games. Or you can play over 10,000 pokies and other games for free right here at VegasSlotsOnline.
