Just like everywhere in the world, the presence of online casinos in New Zealand has grown in recent years.
👉 But it’s not as simple as you’d think, with online casinos being a little bit of a grey area under current law. Plus, with offshore casinos flooding the NZ market, knowing what to look for before signing up is crucial.
It’s best to know before you go. This guide takes a look at how NZ players can find a safe and secure online casino without falling into advertising traps. Let’s go!
Table of contents
Read trusted reviews
One of the first steps is to take a look at the reviews of the chosen online NZ casino. This way, you can learn from fellow players and avoid red flags 🚩.
- Reading reviews from top review sites, those that have been in the business for more than seven years, is a good place to start.
- Sites like BestNewZealandCasinos.com offer detailed information regarding the best real money online casinos available to NZ players, covering everything from security to bonuses.
- On top of that, it’s a good idea to check out real player reviews and feedback. Seeing how quickly a casino responds (and how they handle negative comments) can really help with your decision.
Checking the licence
Signing up means sharing personal and financial data, so security should be your top priority.
- Players should always check that SSL encryption is in place to prevent third parties from accessing information. Additionally, you need to look for a genuine licence.
- There are three main regulatory bodies in NZ: the New Zealand Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the UK Gambling Commission. These three jurisdictions have some of the toughest regulations in place regarding player protection and fair play.
- Top casinos in NZ will have their licence clearly displayed in the footer. This information can then be cross-referenced using the licence number to see if this is valid.
- Other security features to look out for include fair gaming seals from the likes of GLI or eCOGRA.
Multiple reputable payment methods
For anyone joining an online casino, having a secure and convenient payment method is a must. It lets players choose the option that best fits their needs.
Typically, this means having access to various debit or credit cards, eWallets like PayPal or Neteller, and bank transfers for next-level security. Increasingly casinos are offering prepaid methods like Paysafecard, or the option for players to pay by phone.
Now, it's all well and good to use secure payment methods, but it's also a necessity to choose a casino that is fair and transparent about its speed, fees, and transaction limits.
💰 Casinos should offer quick withdrawals within 24-48 hours. And, there should be no fees unless clearly stated on any transaction.
Finally, casinos should also be upfront about the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits. High minimum deposits and low maximum withdrawals are to be avoided, as they can restrict your options and make playing a less enjoyable experience.
Game library
Never skip over a casino game library! If you don’t look, how will you know what options are on the table?
- First, players should check the variety of games available. Look for a mix of pokies, virtual table games, keno, live casino, and more. If a casino only offers one type of game, it might not be the best choice.
- Additionally, all games should come from reputable providers that are licensed, regulated, and tested for fair play. They should be certified by the same top jurisdictions as the casino itself.
Some of the top providers in the industry include Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Evolution and NetEnt.
Casino bonuses and promotions
A major perk of online casinos is their generous bonuses and promotions—and most players would be lying if they said they didn’t care about these.
The biggest bonus is usually the welcome offer, designed to attract new players. But what looks great at first glance might not be so generous once you check the fine print.
Some of the conditions to check and evaluate include:
- Validity periods
- Wagering requirement
- Available games
- Winnings caps
- Minimum deposits
What might at first seem like a generous match bonus is a money sink due to a high deposit limit and steep wagering requirements. Be vigilant!
Reliable customer support
While most casinos will often work very well, it's essential that there are support systems in place.
A good casino should offer multiple support options, such as live chat, email, and phone, so players can easily reach out if something goes wrong.
Prompt responses are also expected with live chat having a 5-minute turnaround or less. Anything longer than this, or an inability to get answers, is a sign that the casino is not taking their player's needs seriously. You can usually find reply times in expert and player reviews.
Mobile accessibility
HTML5 technology is widely accessible, and therefore all casinos should be compatible with mobile devices.
👉 There doesn't need to be an app available, but the site should should display well for those who choose to access it on their phones. So, if it doesn't, it’s a possible red flag.
The interface should be user-friendly, with all games easily accessible. Ideally, there should be minimal lag to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
Selecting success – the takeaway
When NZ players consider joining a new casino, they should carefully check all of the above features. Additionally, it's important to ensure the casino offers plenty of responsible gambling tools, guaranteeing a safe and player-friendly experience.
Yes, it might seem like a lot to check, but you’ll thank your past self when you’re not worrying about late withdrawals, data leaks, and poor web design!
Start the search today with the best online casinos.
Or keep learning how to identify top casinos and games via the Roger blog.
