Compare NZ Casinos
Casino Games Guides
About us
Responsible Gambling info
Read NeonVegas reviewOnline Gambling in NZ: A Starting Point for Players
Written by Amelia Smith
Reviewed by William ThompsonWe've been reviewing gambling sites for Kiwi players since 2017. Over the years, we’ve tested more than 140 brands. Not all of them hold up once players start using real money. Only a smaller group meets our standards for licensing, payout reliability, fair bonus terms, and responsive customer support.
This page offers a brief overview for players researching online gambling in New Zealand. You'll find background information, key considerations, and quick links to deeper guides across the site. For full comparisons, including bonuses, payout times, and game libraries, visit our full NZ online casino comparison.
Trusted By Players Since 2017
As Seen On
Our research has been referenced across mainstream media and finance outlets.
The casinos we include here on OCRM hold real licences from recognised authorities and accept deposits in NZD, so you're not dealing with currency mark-ups or unofficial offshore setups. We also check whether a site uses proper security standards, like encrypted payment pages and secure account protection, before we write about it.
Table of contents
Recent Review Examples
These examples reflect recently published reviews. Detailed comparisons are available elsewhere on the site.
Read NeonVegas review
Read Wildz casino review
Read SkyCity Casino review
Why Should I Trust This Site?
Trust has to be earned. That's why we only back casinos we’d play at ourselves. We deposit our own money, claim bonuses, test withdrawals, and keep screenshots and payout logs on file. Our team has been in the gaming space for years, so we know what to check before recommending a site to Kiwi players.
We suggest that you always sign up and play at legal gaming sites. The brands on our site are endorsed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission or another trusted body. The sites follow robust regulator-imposed rules and rigid regulations. This places you, the player, at the center of all fair and responsible gaming.
As a player in New Zealand, you might have faced challenges with payment options or navigating through various offers. Our curated list of brands is designed to alleviate these issues. It's created by experienced players and veteran operators who understand both online and offline operations. As such, we're confident in guiding you to the perfect platform suited for your gaming needs. We only promote strictly legal online casinos. See also our "How we rank" page.
How Does Banking Work?
Our reviewed brands support cards, bank transfer, and e-wallets, with instant deposits and transparent withdrawal windows. We evaluate casinos and publish guides for each to help Kiwi players make informed choices. Check out our guides for more in-depth information and options.
Casinos with Credit cards
Casinos with Prezzy card
Casinos with NetellerSee all payment methods
Casino Bonuses
Bonuses can boost your bankroll, but wagering rules decide the real value. We highlight clear terms and fast cash-out brands for each in our guides.
See all casino bonuses
Live Casinos
Prefer real table play? Popular brands stream blackjack, roulette, baccarat from pro studios with HD cameras and Kiwi-friendly limits. Check out our guides on them below.
See all live casino games
Browse NZ Gambling Categories
Most brands group their games into the same core categories. When we review a site, we check whether the games load smoothly, if search filters work properly, and whether the library feels curated rather than padded. We also look at who supplies the games, since a good line-up usually comes from known studios instead of unknown in-house builds.
Pokies
Pokies are where most NZ players spend their time. We look at game speed, bonus features, and how clearly the game shows things like bet sizes. Our reviews note if a site offers both new releases and older favourites, not just one or the other.
Table Games
Roulette, blackjack and baccarat are available in both digital and live versions. On the digital side, we check how smooth the controls feel and whether the rules are shown clearly before you start playing.
Jackpots
Jackpot pokies can pay out significantly higher wins, but they play differently to regular pokies. We highlight which casinos carry the larger network jackpots (like Mega Moolah or WowPot) and which ones only offer local, smaller pools.
RTP (return to player) and Game Info
Some casinos show RTP and volatility clearly; others hide it. We point this out in our reviews so you know what you’re walking into. If knowing the numbers matters to you, it’s worth choosing a site that displays them upfront.
See all casino games
Is Online Gambling Legal in New Zealand?
Here's the short answer: yes, you can play. The catch is that New Zealand companies aren't allowed to run their own online variant. That's why SkyCity had to set up an operation in Malta when it went digital. For players though, there's no law stopping you from joining overseas sites.
The rules trace back to the Gambling Act 2003. It blocks "remote interactive gambling" inside the country, but that applies to operators, not everyday players. So if a site is licenced overseas, by regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission, Kiwis are free to sign up and play.
New Zealand is reviewing online gambling rules. A bill to license online casinos is before Parliament; if regulations change, we’ll update this page. For now, offshore sites remain the main option for Kiwi players.
Casino Game Software Providers
Games come from studios like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Evolution and more. Bigger brands partner with 30 - 50+ providers, so libraries can top 5,000 titles. Learn more from our guides.
See all software providers
NZ Casino News & Updates
Latest headlines
Frequently asked questions
What is OnlineCasinosRealMoney.co.nz?
OnlineCasinosRealMoney.co.nz is an independent information site for New Zealand players. We publish casino reviews, game guides, bonus explainers, and safety notes, so you can understand what you're looking at before you sign up anywhere.
Is this an online casino?
No. We're not an operator and we don’t take deposits. We only publish information and reviews, and we point players to brands we believe are worth a closer look based on our checks and research.
Who is this site for?
It's for New Zealand players who want to understand online casinos before jumping in. Some visitors are brand new and just want a simple explanation. Others already play and want to find a specific game type, provider, or a new casino to try.
How often do you update the site?
We update pages whenever something important changes, like brand details, key terms, or what casinos are currently available to NZ players. Guides are reviewed regularly too, especially the ones people rely on when choosing where to play.
Do you earn money from this website?
Yes, we do. If you click out to a partner through our links, we earn a commission. It doesn't cost you extra, and it helps fund the site. We still keep our own standards, and we're fine with not featuring brands that don't meet them.
Where should I go next if I'm new?
If you're new, start with a beginner-friendly guide (how online casinos work, basic terms, and what to watch out for). After that, pick one or two casino reviews and read them fully, so you understand the rules and what the experience is like before making any decisions.
Where can I find your newest reviews and updates?
We link to our latest content from this hub page, and each review page also shows related guides and other relevant reviews. If you’re looking for something specific, the menu categories are usually the fastest way to get there.
Understanding Gambling Addictions and Responsible Gambling
Gambling should stay fun. Use deposit/loss limits, time-outs, or self-exclusion if you need a break. For help, contact Gambling Helpline Aotearoa.
Trusted External Resources
Independent resources we trust:
Safergambling.org.nz – "Know your odds" campaign with tips to play safe
Dia.govt.nz – Casino information from the Department of Internal Affairs
Gamblingcommission.govt.nz – New Zealand Gambling Commission
eCogra – Game testing & Certification Services
For additional resources, you can also click on any of the logos displayed at the bottom of our website.
Written by
Amelia Smith
Writing for this site since 2019, Amelia has more than 15 years of experience in the gambling industry and has authored the majority of our content. She focuses on explaining casino games, payment methods, and related topics in a clear and practical way for players.
Expert on:GamesPaymentsBonuses
263Written Pages
72Reviewed Pages
17Years Experience
Reviewed by
William Thompson
William founded the website in 2017 and has over 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He reviews all listed sites and looks closely at licensing information and legal requirements to ensure they meet the standards we expect.
Expert on:LegalResearchCompliance
211Reviewed Pages
144Casinos Checked
13Years Experience
