The Best Online Gambling Sites in NZ for 2024 – Online Gambling for Real Money

All of our recommended NZ online gambling sites are safe to play at. Each one is licensed by official international regulatory authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. As such, games are fair, payouts are verified, and your personal data is protected.

In this online gambling New Zealand guide, we will explore the best sites for casino, sports betting, live gaming, poker, lottery, and DFS. Plus, we will list the best online casino bonuses available online for kiwis. We will also cover NZ online gambling laws so that you know how you can gamble online legally in New Zealand.

Top New Zealand Online Gambling Sites for December2024

1. JackpotCity Casino (Top-Ranked Online Gambling Site for New Zealanders)
2. GoWild (Best Live Casino Games in New Zealand)
3. Royal Panda (Top-Rated Real Money Gambling App)
4. Spin Casino (Best Online Gambling Bonus Offer in NZ$)
5. LeoVegas (Best Gambling Website for Casino Gaming in NZ)
6. Casino Rocket (Top NZ Online Gambling Site for Tournaments)
7. Casumo (Recommended Gambling Website for Bonuses and Promos)
8. NetBet (Top Gambling Website for Lotto & Poker in New Zealand)
9. Betsafe (Top Gambling Website for Online Slots in NZ)
10. Betway (Best NZ Gambling Site for Sports Betting & Casino Games)

New Zealand Gambling Overview

Gambling has been an integral part of life in New Zealand for many years. There have been various restrictions and limitations throughout the centuries. Yet, with the introduction of the Gambling Act 2003, clear guidance was given on the legality of gambling.

Nowadays, Kiwis can partake in NZ sports betting, play pokies, take part in the national lottery and gamble at offline casinos, with all being regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. It seems that they have pretty good opportunities.

The most important thing is that the governing authorities work on establishing better control so that the industry can stay secure. You can find more details about the gambling industry in New Zealand in the following sections:

• History of Gambling in New Zealand
• Famous Casino Resorts
• Famous Players from New Zealand

How to Choose the Best NZ Gambling Site?

To select the best New Zealand online gambling sites, we carry out in-depth reviews. Safety is the most important factor when online gambling for real money, so we ensure that only licensed sites that feature advanced technical security are recommended. Once safety has been verified, we assess operators using a set of criteria.

The main categories we check are the selection of gambling products, mobile compatibility, bonus offers, and payment options. The best online gambling site to play at will vary for one player to another, depending on your preferences. So, we created a top 10 list of online gambling NZ sites, with something to satisfy every type of New Zealand gambler. To summarise, here are the main factors you should look for when picking a New Zealand online gambling site:

Most types of online gambling are expressly forbidden under New Zealand online gambling laws. Yet gambling at offshore sites which are located outside of the country is entirely legal. Given the lack of local regulation, NZ players need to exert caution to ensure that you choose only reputable international gambling sites.

For this reason, we recommended picking any of our top New Zealand online gambling websites. Each one has been thoroughly vetted to ensure that it is safe to play at. Why risk playing at rogue sites with poor security and fixed games? When our top 10 NZ gambling sites are 100% legit and above-board.

Online Gambling in New Zealand – Licensing and Security

The Department of Internal Affairs is the main gambling authority in New Zealand. The DIA is responsible for regulating all forms of legal gambling in the country and upholding the integrity of the NZ gambling industry. However, no online gambling sites are regulated by the NZ gambling authority. This is because online gambling laws in New Zealand prohibit gambling websites from operating within the country.

New Zealanders are permitted to play at international gambling sites. Although, with a lack of local regulation, you need to be careful when choosing a site to play at. For this reason, we only feature gambling sites that are licensed and regulated by trusted authorities. By checking for a licence from organisations such as the UKGC and the MGA, you can be confident that the site operates legally and securely. Here are the gambling licence and security agencies NZ players can trust:

Licensed gambling sites that accept NZ players adhere to strict security standards. This includes using SSL encryption to make sure that your payments are protected. We check for SSL certificates powered by leading technical security providers to ensure that a gambling site is secure. We also check for certification from independent testing agencies to verify that game payouts are fair and guaranteed.

Trusted operators also partner with responsible gambling organisations. This is a clear sign that the operator treats player protection as a priority and provides reassurance that the operator is legit. If you are concerned that your gambling behaviour is becoming problematic, you will find various resources promoted on gambling sites that you can turn to for help. We would also advise to contact New Zealand’s Gambling Helpine for free advice and support. The Gambling Helpline NZ can be reached 24/7 by calling 0800 654 655.

How to Check the Licence of a NZ Online Casino

Since safety is of utmost importance when it comes to online gambling, the best casinos online need to meet high safety standards. Therefore, you are always advised to check the licensing of the top online casino.

In most cases, the respective licences can be found at the footer of the website. Check for licences issued by the most reputable local and international gambling regulatory organisations.

The official gambling regulator in New Zealand does not issue licences to casino sites based in the country. Therefore, you can still see if the top-rated online casinos in NZ are verified by other top-ranked organisations.

Other Online Casino Licensing Agencies Relevant for Kiwi Players

Control over gambling is crucial, especially in regulated markets such as New Zealand. And if you want to protect yourself as well as possible, never neglect the high safety standards.

To be confident that the best New Zealand online casinos will provide you with top safety, you can also rely on the licences issued by leading regulators. These are, for instance, the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission.

Above, we have listed the most recognisable organisations that regulate gambling strictly. If you access any NZ online casino and spot the logos of these organisations, you may rest assured that the best online casino in NZ is legit.

What Gambling Products Can New Zealanders Choose From?

NZ online gambling sites offer various types of products. Online casinos are often preferred by New Zealanders. The best casino gambling sites feature many different types of games that you can play with real money. Sports betting is also a popular type of online gambling in New Zealand, with top sites offering the chance to gamble on a wide range of sporting markets.

Other types of online gambling games you can play in NZ include live dealer games, poker, lottery, and daily fantasy. Many of our recommended sites offer a variety of gambling products. And at most sites, you can access the various online gambling games with the same account. To recap, here are the top NZ online gambling products:

Finding the best gambling site for you will depend on the types of gambling games you prefer. Some sites are ideal for casino players, whereas others may be better suited for sports betting fans. Furthermore, you can find games from different software developers, which will also influence your decision on the best place to play.

It is good to know that most gambling products come with separate bonuses. So, you could instantly boost your bankroll and get excellent value for your money when gambling online in NZ. In the following sections of our guide, we will delve into each type of gambling product in more detail. We will show you the top NZ gambling sites with the best bonuses for each type of product.

Top casino sites also feature plenty of popular table games. You can play casino classics such as roulette and blackjack, with numerous variations available. Other games you can typically find at NZ casinos online include baccarat, Casino Hold’em, Video Poker, and scratch cards. Given their popularity, all the best NZ gambling sites feature casino games. And here are New Zealand’s best online gambling sites that offer casino games:

If you want to play online casino games with real money in New Zealand, you cannot go wrong with any of our recommended operators. All of our featured casino sites are legal to play at. Plus, their games and payouts are independently tested to verify their integrity. You should also check our guide to the best online casinos in New Zealand for 2024 to find even more approved sites.

All NZ online casinos come with welcome bonuses. These offers get you started with an advantage, giving you more chances to play and win. We always recommend that you read the promotional terms and conditions before you accept any offer. Pay attention to the wagering requirements, validity, and any game restrictions to select the best offers for your budget and style of play.

Each of our featured sites offers a wide range of betting markets. You can gamble on all popular sports and competitions, including rugby, soccer, cricket, tennis, and basketball. Furthermore, for each market, there are many different types of bets available. Plus, the availability of in-play betting allows you to enjoy live betting online in NZ. Many of our recommended sites also offer virtual sports and esports, catering to every gambler’s preference. Here are the best sports betting sites in New Zealand for 2024:

All of our featured NZ sports betting sites offer a sign-up bonus. In fact, you can claim a bonus at all reputable sports gambling sites in New Zealand. The types of offers you will encounter include risk-free bets, free bets and match-deposit bonuses. As with any online gambling bonus, you should read the terms. There are usually minimum qualifying bonus odds applied to offers. So, you should check what types of bets you can make with your bonus.

Rugby is by far the most popular sport in New Zealand. And as such, all the top sports betting sites in New Zealand offer the chance to bet on rugby. You could back the All Blacks to win the next rugby world cup or bet on your favourite team in national competitions such as the Farah Palmer Cup or the Mitre 10 Heartland Championship. Thanks to wide-reaching betting limits, most NZ betting sites are suitable for both small and high stakes bettors.

Live dealer games are played with real dealers. Thanks to high-quality video streaming, you can enjoy an authentic, real casino experience without even needing to leave home. You get to chat with the dealer and other players, making live casino games more engaging and interactive than their RNG versions. Here are the best online gambling sites with live casino games in New Zealand:

NZ live casino games are offered by a select few providers. These include Authentic Gaming, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Ezugi, and the best of them all, Evolution Gaming. You can play a wide variety of games with real dealers, including roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, as well as several poker variants and money wheel games. With table limits ranging from as little as 10 cents to over 100,000 NZD, they are a good choice for high stakes NZ casino players as well as beginners.

Real dealer games are usually streamed from dedicated live gaming studios located in Europe. Yet, with most games available 24/7, the time difference in NZ has little impact on your opportunities to play the games. Most of the live dealer games at our recommended NZ gambling sites are mobile-friendly. Whether you play on mobile or desktop, all you need is a stable internet connection to enjoy the most immersive online casino gaming session.

Yet the best gambling sites for poker players provide a separate poker platform where you can enjoy the game to its fullest. The top online poker sites in New Zealand feature a choice of game variants, including Texas Hold’em and 7 Card Stud. They also offer a rich choice of tournaments, sit & go’s and cash games. Here are the top online gambling sites that offer online poker games for real money in New Zealand:

As with all types of online gambling, online poker is legal in New Zealand, provided you play at an offshore site. Rest assured that our recommended poker sites that accept players from New Zealand are safe and legit. New players can claim a poker bonus upon joining. You will also find various special promotional offers available for existing players at our featured sites.

While there is no denying that skill plays a big part in your chances of winning cash at poker, the rules are simple enough for beginners to enjoy playing the game. Whether you are new to poker, or whether you are an experienced pro, the best NZ poker sites will have games, limits, and bonuses to suit you.

As such, it is easy to understand the appeal of playing the lottery online in New Zealand. Online lotto is incredibly easy to play. What’s more, the best online lottery sites often offer a welcome bonus. So, you can get even more tickets to play for your chance to win life-changing money. If you want to try your luck at becoming New Zealand’s next millionaire, here is the best NZ lottery site for 2024:

Our featured NZ lotto site operates internationally. It is not exclusively available to players from New Zealand. As players all around the world buy tickets online for popular draw games, the jackpots build quickly. When you play lottery online, there are so many different games available to play that draws take place every day.

Given that Lotto NZ is only drawn on a Wednesday and Saturday, you get more opportunities to win when you play online. Of course, there is nothing to stop you buying your national lottery tickets at your local retailer. But, you could also play at the best online lottery sites in New Zealand for even more chances to strike it rich.

As with most types of online gambling, you will usually be able to claim a welcome bonus as a new player at an NZ daily fantasy site. So, you get extra value for your money and can start your fantasy sports betting adventure with your best foot forward. Here are the best daily fantasy sites in New Zealand:

DFS has quickly become the preferred type of fantasy sports for players in New Zealand. You can find a wide range of DFS leagues featured at the top NZ daily fantasy sites. Popular markets include football, basketball, hockey, golf, and baseball, to name just a few.

Top sites also offer various contest styles. As well as Salary Cap games, which are most widely available, you can also find other formats, such as Snake Drafts and Pick Em’. And, thanks to NZ online gambling laws, you can legally play daily fantasy sports online in New Zealand with internationally based operators.

Still, some players look for certain specifications in a gambling app. For instance, you should think about the type of online gambling games that you want to play, to find the best app for you. For your convenience, we have listed the top-rated mobile-friendly online gambling sites for New Zealanders. Here are the best NZ gambling apps:

Mobile gambling apps give you the freedom to enjoy your favourite online gambling games any time and any place you like. All the best New Zealand gambling sites come with a mobile responsive design. So, you can access the site directly in your mobile browser and play real money games whenever the mood takes you. These so-called web apps are compatible with both iOS and Android.

Given that these two operating systems account for 99.63% of the mobile OS market share in New Zealand, the top mobile gambling sites in NZ are accessible to the vast majority to kiwis. Some operators also offer native apps you can download for iOS and Android. These apps give you one-click access to the gambling site. Although, there is little difference to be found between native apps and download apps in terms of quality and gaming options. It is simply a personal preference which will determine the best option for you.

At gambling sites that feature several gambling products, you will often find separate bonuses for the various products. As you will only be permitted to claim one new player bonus, you should choose the offer that best suits your preferences. We have compared the bonuses available for different gambling products at NZ online gambling sites. And here are the best New Zealand online gambling bonuses:

You will notice that we have included the wagering requirements for each of the best gambling bonuses listed above. You should always pay close attention to the wagering requirements that comes with any bonus. Generally speaking, the lower the wagering, the more convenient it will be to play through the bonus.

Before you accept any bonus offer, we always advise to read the promotional terms. There, you will find all the important bonus conditions, including the wagering requirements, bonus validity, and any excluded or restricted games. Consider how often you are likely to gamble on the site. That way, you can find the bonuses that have long enough validity for you to complete the wagering.

When deciding which payment method to use, you should consider whether both deposits and withdrawals are available. For instance, prepaid options are usually only available for deposits, so you would need to opt for another method for withdrawals. Keep in mind also that different payment methods usually come with different deposit limits. Although, most reputable sites will offer options to set a personal limit on deposit amounts. To help you decide the best payment method for you, here are the most popular payment methods at New Zealand gambling websites:

Something that we can recommend to you, is reading our page dedicated to the NZ Google Pay online casinos. Mostly, deposits at New Zealand online gambling sites are processed instantly. Withdrawals, on the other hand, take longer to process. The operator will always carry out checks to ensure that any bonus wagering has been completed. They will also confirm that your identity has been verified. This is a licensing requirement and helps to ensure you can enjoy safe online gambling in New Zealand.

Once authorised by the operator, the withdrawal time will vary depending on the payment method used. Withdrawals with bank cards can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days to reach you. Yet there are alternative payment options that boast much faster timeframes. E-wallets, such as Skrill and Neteller, are recommended as you will usually get your cash within 24 – 48 hours. They also offer enhanced security and privacy to your payments. Bitcoin, likewise, offers fast transactions and advanced security. If you want to gamble with cryptocurrencies, be sure to check out the best NZ Bitcoin casino sites.

Kiwis can enjoy all types of online gambling for real money at international and offshore gambling sites. For instance, the best blackjack sites for NZ players are not actually based in NZ. The same goes for all other types of online gambling games.

Legit real money NZ online casinos display their licensing credentials in the footer of their site. Before opening up an account, check if the best online casino in NZ holds a valid licence. Alternatively, trust our team of experts to guide you towards the best New Zealand online casinos.

By creating a player account at one of the top online casinos in NZ, you’re choosing an operator that is not only legal in New Zealand but also regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, UKGC or the Government of Gibraltar.

The prohibition of online gambling in NZ also excludes the NZ National Lottery and sports betting, as authorised under the Racing Act 2003. The Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA), formally the New Zealand Racing Board, has the monopoly over sports betting in New Zealand.

RITA oversees the TAB, New Zealand’s sole racing and sports betting operator. As such, there is only one online sportsbook that operates legally from within the country. Yet NZ gamblers have many more options for betting at offshore sports gambling sites (permitted under New Zealand’s online gambling laws).

By opting for a licensed offshore casino site which operates within the jurisdiction of any official international gambling regulatory organisation, you can be confident that they adhere to high standards of player protection.

Whilst players must be at least 20 years old to play at brick-and-mortar casinos within the country, the minimum age to gamble at the best online casino in New Zealand is 18.

With the introduction of the Gambling Act 2003, the New Zealand Gambling Commission was established. This is an independent statutory decision-making body.

They have the power to authorise applications for casino licences and enforce laws relating to gambling. For a brick-and-mortar casino to operate legally within the country, they must apply for a licence from the commission.

The Department of Internal Affairs and the Gambling Commission are responsible for the regulation of gambling in New Zealand. Yet, offshore gambling sites are not regulated in New Zealand, so DIA advises NZ citizens to exert caution when playing at online gambling sites based outside the country.

Your legal protections, should you become a victim of fraud, depend on the legal system in the country where the gambling site is based. As such, you should only play at gambling sites that are licensed by trusted international gambling jurisdictions, such as the UK, Gibraltar or Malta.

The DIA has recently entered discussions surrounding the potential legalization and regulation of online casino gaming in New Zealand. This was prompted when the country’s biggest land-based casino operator, SkyCity, launched an online casino site.

Given that New Zealanders spend an estimated $160 million per year at offshore casino sites, a decision to license and regulate sites within the country could generate funds for the government and local communities, through taxation of gambling revenue.

It would also provide extra protection for players. We are keeping a close eye on the legal situation and will keep you updated with any important changes that will impact your options to gamble online in NZ.

The exception to the rule applies to casinos. To play in a New Zealand casino venue, you must be at least 20 years of age. The age limit also applies to enter the gambling area of a casino, not just playing games. However, when you play at internationally licensed online casinos, the minimum age requirement is usually set at 18 years or above.

To ensure that underage gambling does not take place, online gambling operators carry out age verification checks. In fact, this is a licensing requirement in all trusted gambling jurisdictions, to protect minors from gambling-related harm. As such, trusted online gambling sites for NZ players would ask you to provide a picture of your passport, driving licence, or other such identity documents.

While New Zealanders can gamble at online casinos from 18 years old, this age limit could change if NZ decides to legalize and regulate online casinos within the country. As the minimum age for casino gambling in New Zealand is 20 years, we would expect to see the same age limit applied to online casinos based in New Zealand. As with all aspects of NZ online gambling laws, we will keep you posted with any updates.

Are Gambling Winnings Taxable?

The Inland Revenue does not apply taxes to gambling winnings in New Zealand. This is because gambling is considered a hobby rather than a source of income. The only exception to the rule is applied to professional poker players. If a player has little or no income aside from their poker winnings, this will be considered as taxable income.

Gambling operators in New Zealand pay taxes on their revenue. Gaming machine duty is fixed at 20%, although revenue for charitable organisations is exempted from the tax. All NZ-based gambling operators must also pay a problem gambling levy, which is used to fund responsible gambling initiatives, treatment programs, and research.

Top New Zealand Gambling Venues

New Zealand is home to six licensed casino venues. Christchurch Casino was the first, opening its doors in 1994. SkyCity is New Zealand’s largest casino operator. There are 4 SkyCity branded casinos in NZ, plus, the company holds a significant stake in Christchurch Casino. Their flagship casino was opened in Auckland in 1996 and is the largest casino in the country. With over 2000 pokies, SkyCity Auckland is on a par with the best online slots sites in New Zealand.

With New Zealand’s six land-based casino venues spread evenly throughout the north and south islands, they are easily accessible to most residents. Some are also perfectly suited to tourists. SkyCity Auckland, for instance, offers two luxury hotels just a stone’s throw from the casino. The Grand by SkyCity and the SkyCity Hotel will be joined by the Horizon Hotel, which is due to open in 2021. To recap, here are the most popular New Zealand gambling venues:

• SkyCity Auckland – The biggest casino resort in New Zealand. It offers over 2100 gaming machines and 150 table games.
• SkyCity Hamilton – The casino features over 330 gaming machines and 23 table games.
• SkyCity Queenstown – The casino has 86 gaming machines, plus table games including blackjack, roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Midi Baccarat.
• SkyCity Wharf Casino – A bespoke casino venue in Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf. The casino is currently closed until further notice.
• Dunedin Casino – The opulent casino venue offers 180 electronic gaming machines and 12 gaming tables.
• Christchurch Casino – The oldest casino in New Zealand offers 500 slot machines, table games, and poker tournaments.

Land-based gambling options in New Zealand are not limited to casinos, though. Sports betting is popular in New Zealand, with betting shops operated exclusively by the TAB. You can bet on horse racing and popular sports including rugby league, rugby union, and football, among others. There are over 600 official TAB retailers throughout the country, based in bars, gas stations, and other convenient locations.

The national lottery is another favourite gambling game for kiwis. Lotto New Zealand draw games take place each Wednesday and Saturday evening. New Zealanders can purchase tickets for the national lottery from more than 1400 retail outlets in the country. With official lotto retailers from Houhora to Stewart Island, in major metropolitan areas and rural towns, you will never be too far away to buy a Lotto NZ ticket.

History of Gambling in New Zealand

New Zealand has a rich gambling history, and its origins can be traced as far back as the 1830s. Gambling was predominantly reserved for horse racing at the time. The NZ’s first national lotteries were established in 1933.

In 1961, the Golden Kiwi lottery was launched. A significant moment in the history of lotteries occurred in 1987 when the New Zealand Lotteries Commission was established. The first casino in the country – was Christchurch Casino in 1994.

Lotto New Zealand was launched and to date, is a hugely popular type of gambling within the country. There are draws each Wednesday and Saturday. The lotto in New Zealand features a wide range of games – Keno, Bullseye, Play3 and scratch cards.

Pokies were introduced in 1987. Since 2009, all online pokies machines must have player information displays. To encourage responsible gambling, these displays show how long the player has been playing, and how much they have lost and encourage them to take breaks.

With the boom of the internet in the 1990s, New Zealanders started to look at online casinos to play. The Gambling Act 2003 stipulated that internet casinos are not allowed to operate but New Zealanders are permitted to play at offshore sites.

The Most Famous Gamblers From New Zealand

When it comes to famous gamblers, poker players tend to come to mind. New Zealand has several standout poker players who have made a name for themselves internationally. David Yan hails from New Zealand and is an elite poker player.

His career highlights include the 2016 EPT Malta 25K High Roller championship and 9 SWOP tournament cash. He has been selected as the 2016 Cardplayer Magazine ‘Player of The Year’. His earnings exceed $3.7m. If you got inspired, practise your skills at the best NZ high-roller casino sites.

Lee Nelson is another prominent Kiwi who has made a name for himself playing poker. The retired doctor currently resides in Nelson. He has amassed total live earnings of $2.5m.

Nelson won 2 events at the 2005 Crown Australia Poker Championship, as well as the PartyPoker World Open in 2005. Lee is well known for his book, Prostate Cancer Prevention and Cure. He owns a wellness retreat near Nelson.

Conclusion: Pick the Best Legal Site for Online Gambling in New Zealand

To summarise, online gambling in New Zealand is legal if you play at offshore sites. While there are plenty of gambling sites that accept players from NZ, you need to exert caution to ensure that you choose safe and legit operators. To save you the hard work, we have listed the best legal NZ online gambling sites in this guide.

Our recommended NZ gambling sites offer a rich selection of online gambling games. Whether you prefer casino games, live gaming, sports betting, poker, lotto, or DFS, you will find the best gambling site for you in our top 10 list. If you simply want to play at the #1 online gambling NZ site, look no further. Here is our top recommended online gambling site for players from New Zealand:

Playing at legal sites is a must when online gambling for real money in NZ. By playing at legitimate online gambling sites licensed overseas, you can be confident that games are fair and that you will get your winnings without any hassle. If you are looking for a safe and reputable online casino, with an abundant game catalogue and a generous welcome bonus, then know that the Casino Rocket review can provide you with more information about other exciting gambling opportunities.

Whether you choose to play at any of our recommended gambling sites or at any of the top NZ online casinos for 2024, the important thing to remember is to gamble responsibly. Never bet more than you can afford, and you can be confident that your online gambling experience will stay safe and fun.

Popular Questions

Our online gambling NZ guide would not be complete without a useful FAQ section. We have collated the most common questions that kiwis ask about gambling online in New Zealand. In the following section, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Our Top Recommended Guides for New Zealanders

Thanks for sticking with us until the end of our online gambling New Zealand review. We hope you found it useful and informative. If you are interested in online gambling for real money in New Zealand, we have a range of other useful guides for you.

Perhaps you want to play casino games online; maybe sports betting is your preference; how about poker? Whatever your preferred types of online gambling games, we have a dedicated guide for New Zealand players. Check out our recommended real money NZ gambling guides below: