Best Online Casinos In New Zealand 2024

History of casino gambling in New Zealand

In the first half of the 19th century, the first settlers from Europe to New Zealand started using gambling as entertainment, betting on cards and billiards. More games eventually gained traction; these included dice and coin games. A few more years later, miners from China made other games popular among the population, and games like fan-tan and pakapoo became fan favorites,

A few years after World War II, a new game called Housie became popular among women in New Zealand. Housie was similar to Bingo. Most women will meet in centers to play and gamble with other women.

Sports betting has been a form of entertainment in the country for centuries. Back in the 1840s, people would bet on whale racing boats. There were also other "disciplines" where people could bet, like running races, sack races, strength competitions, and many others.

It was a matter of time until horse racing emerged as the most popular betting activity in the country. Bookmakers did the bettings before every race until automated betting machines replaced them called totalizators from 1880 onwards. By 1910, bookmaking was outlawed, and the Totalizator Agency Board became the norm for horse betting.

Earlier forms of lottery can be traced back to the first colony settlers, where they paid to go on a draw with a chance to win valuable artwork. During the 1920s, lotteries were used to raise funds. They offered big prizes like houses, cars, and many more things. In 1961, the country launched the first state-run lottery, called The Golden Kiwi, with a prize of  £4,000. The New Zealand Lotteries Commission was founded by the government in 1987. His mission was to run the lotto in the country. Around a million citizens were playing, which led to a decrease in sales of Golden Kiwi until its eventual shutdown in 1989, being replaced by the Instant Kiwi Scratch Cards.

In 1988, the government legalized "pokies" to be installed in clubs and hotels, which eventually led to the legalization of casinos. Fast-forward to the 21st century, the Internet brought online casinos, which offered many advantages to land-based casinos, like being the best fast payout casinos, where people earn money without needing to leave their homes.

How are online casinos regulated in New Zealand?

The Gambling Act, which rules gambling in the country, was enacted in 2003. As of today, the act is being revised because the Internet has changed how we do things. This includes gambling. Therefore, laws are being revised to improve regulations over the new gambling scene.

It is important to remark that it is illegal for online gambling to be offered domestically. This is reserved for authorized providers in the country, which are Lotto NZ and the TAB. New Zealanders are permitted to gamble in offshore casinos. However, this has several disadvantages. There are no mechanisms that can protect players, and these offshore casinos bring little back to the New Zealand communities.

New Zealand recognizes the fact that it needs to update its policies regarding online gambling and gambling, in general, to allow foreign providers to come into the country and bring revenue to the state while they offer safer ways to play.

Top 5 best online casinos in New Zealand

Online casinos are growing in popularity in New Zealand because of their thrills and the alluring incentives and promotions open to players. The best New Zealand online casinos are listed below for your convenience.

#1 1xBet

In addition to 150 free spins that can be used on various slot games, 1xbet offers new players a welcome cash bonus of up to 1950 EUR spread across their first four deposits. There is a 35x wagering requirement on the bonus.

#2 Megapari

Megapari has significantly impacted the online gambling scene in New Zealand. A 35x wagering requirement on the bonus must be used within seven days of registration.

#3 22Bet

New Zealand players on 22Bet can enjoy a 100% matching deposit bonus of up to 122 EUR. The bonuses have a 50x wagering requirement.

#4 20Bet

New Zealand players can play at 20Bet, an easy-to-use online casino, and get up to 220 EUR in addition to 120 bonus spins.

#5 1Bet

New players on 1Bet casino are rewarded with a welcome bonus of up to 500 EUR plus 150 free spins. The bonus must be wagered a minimum of 60x within 21 days of activation.

The best casinos in New Zealand: Comparison

We have compiled a list of New Zealand casinos based on factors like payments, player security, and bonuses.

Main provisions of gambling regulations in New Zealand

As we have mentioned before, the New Zealand Gambling Act was put into action in 2003, establishing different provisions to regulate the way in which gambling functions within New Zealand's borders.

• Section 5 of the Act defines the different principles that must be followed to implement gambling policies for the different disciplines. They center around the need to promote public health, minimizing the harm that comes from gambling.
• Section 3 establishes the different classes that can operate within the country. Casinos are placed under Class I. Gambling activities not related to casinos fall under Class II. Class III is reserved for small lotteries, and Class IV includes certain types of promotional gambling and special lotteries.
• Section 20 is really important as it establishes that all gambling activities are prohibited unless they are authorized under the Act. Section 21 is important as it introduces the concept of licensing to operate gambling activities in the country. Nobody is allowed to run a gambling operation without holding a valid license. Sections 22-24 discuss the specific requirements for getting a license under the different classes. Penalties for violation of these rules are established in sections 52-58.
• Sections 45-51 specify the restrictions to take part in gambling activities. Establishing that people must be 18 and older to take part also establishes the conditions for auto exclusions.
• Professional athletes can bet in New Zealand, but there are specific restrictions that look to protect the integrity of the sports disciplines. The 2003 act forbids any person connected to a sports association to bet on a match where that team is involved. This means that players or coaches of any team can bet on their teams or against them. Referees and any other officials involved in a match can't bet either. Breaching this rule has a fine of NZ$20,000 and jail time of up to one year. Professional players can't play in online casinos or offshore casinos since they are more complex to regulate.

The most popular casino games in New Zealand

Both experienced and newcomers enjoy gambling in New Zealand. There are many different games and activities that are preferred in the country, with the most popular one being the pokies. Pokies are what New Zealanders call the slot machines. They are definitely the most common and popular gambling activity these days. There are a lot of different themes and styles to suit the likings of all people. You can find it from the traditional fruit games to the more modern 3D games. Some like to play for entertainment; others prefer the thrill of looking for a jackpot.

Blackjack is a fan favorite as well; with a perfect combination of skill and chance, it is a very approachable game for players of all levels; another popular card game is Baccarat, which is played in most casinos, both land-based and online. Roulette is next in line, easy to place, and attractive for people who have seen that device in movies. Just come, pick a color and a number to place your bet, and hope for the best. The dice game Craps is also popular in the country.