To help you find a great and safe online casino NZ, CasinoCrawlers has put together a guide on how to choose the safest online casinos on the market. Here you will find an extensive list of licensed casino sites that you can play at for real money. We will also provide you with the steps you need to take to ensure you avoid gambling at unsafe casinos. Let’s start with a list of the most trusted and reputable online casino sites around…
The team at CasinoCrawlers has created this guide to provide an overview of all the safest online casinos in New Zealand. More importantly, we pride ourselves in our honest casino reviews and want to make sure you have the best possible experience while gambling. To do that we have to point you in the right direction of the most trusted and reliable online casinos on the market. Also, we’re all casino players just like you, and we believe that casino players should look out for one another.
What to Look for in a Secure Online Casino?
Any safe online casino NZ needs to have several features. Firstly, it must be licensed by an appropriate body and undergo regular independent checks. It also needs to have SSL encryption in place to help protect the data and information from users. At CasinoCrawlers, we evaluate every casino using an extensive checklist before we deem it safe for players to use.
☑️ License, RNG & Ownership
New Zealand has strict regulations against online gambling, which is why you can’t find any legal casino NZ brand. However, it allows you to gamble at safe offshore casinos with licenses outside New Zealand’s jurisdiction. The online casinos we recommend have reputable licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, and Curacao Gaming.
☑️ Safe Payments & NZ Dollar deposits
Secure online casinos in New Zealand must offer you options for safe payments and NZ Dollar deposits. This is crucial because you are trusting these online casinos with your details. Every online casino on our list offers you reliable and reputable payment options. Some payment options include PayPal, Neteller, MasterCard, and Visa.
☑️ Live Support & Customer service
A secure online casino should have good customer service, like a live support chat. This will ensure you have access to help when you need it. The safe online casino NZ platforms recommended at CasinoCrawlers take customer service seriously and offer numerous ways for customers to get in touch, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and telephone support.
☑️ Terms and Conditions
Every online casino has a list of terms and conditions that should keep the casino and users safe. Unsafe online casinos have unfair terms and conditions that may put you at risk. However, the online casinos on our list have terms and conditions which prove that they care about your safety.
☑️ Reviews and Reputation
One of the easiest ways to determine if an online casino is safe and secure is to check out its customer reviews and reputation on the market. These are extremely difficult to fake, and if there are any red flags, you will find them. You will always find the safest online casino for real money from CasinoCrawlers’ lists since we thoroughly review casinos before recommending them.
☑️ Data Protection
The online space is extremely dangerous, as numerous hackers and frauds browse the web these days. Since you are entrusting your personal information to a casino, you must choose one that ensures your confidentiality and privacy. The casino should also prevent unauthorised third parties from easily accessing your information. The casinos on our list offer data protection and use SSL for high-level encryption.
☑️ Safety & Security Certificates
A safe online casino NZ needs to offer more than just a proper license. In addition, it should have safety and security certificates issued by an independent certification body. These bodies regularly audit and monitor the activities of a casino, and if a casino has a certificate from these bodies, it signifies that the casino is secure. Also, a casino with a 🔒 symbol next to the website URL and HTTPS:// at the start of the web address indicates that the site is secure and you are safe to play there.
In addition to auditing the casinos themselves, these independent bodies evaluate the games offered by an online casino to make sure that they are random. They check the RNG and ensure players have a fair chance of winning. Some reliable, independent bodies include eCOGRA, iTech Labs, TST, UKGC, AGCC etc.
Trusted Online Gambling Licenses
As we mentioned earlier, there are strict regulations against online gambling in New Zealand. For this reason, there are no legal online casino brands in NZ. However, New Zealanders can still play at online casinos that don’t operate directly from New Zealand. These casinos tend to be licensed by some major bodies, which we’ve listed below:
The Malta Gaming license is highly sought after by online casinos catering to New Zealand players. The Malta Gaming Authority is one of the best license providers in Europe. This authority is based in Malta and has been offering licenses to online casinos since 2000. It became the first member state of the EU in 2004 charged with regulating online gambling.
The Curacao license is another popular license you will find at NZ online casinos. Curacao is an island country situated in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea. This license is offered by the Curacao gaming authority, which has been in the business of licensing online casinos since 1996. Any online casino with a license from this body must follow the most stringent measures to ensure players are safe from fraud. This ensures players' deposits are safe, which means you can trust online casinos with this license.
The UK Gambling Commission is another authority responsible for seeing the regulation and licensing of UK-based sites or those catering to UK players. It has some of the highest online gambling standards and is a prominent choice for online casinos that cater to NZ players. This commission has been offering services since 2005 and has numerous policies, regulations, and rules that keep its licensees in check. It aims to ensure crime-free, fair, and legal gambling in any online casino. You can play without worries in any casino holding a license from this authority.
The Isle of Man is another reputable body that provides licenses to online casinos. It started its operations in 2001 when it created its first gambling license. Any online casino that wants this license must be willing to undergo extensive checks for randomness in games, reliability, and fairness. Online casinos must also be ready to create a bank account in the Isle of Man so that they are easily monitored to ensure they follow the rules and regulations of the body. Any casino with this license undergoes different checks regularly, which means it is safe to play in.
The Gibraltar Gaming license is provided by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, established under the Gibraltar Regulatory Act 2000. This body makes sure that players enjoy a safe gaming experience in online casinos. It is one of the most regulated licensing bodies that is diligent in its operations. This authority even provides a 54-page guide to licensees to learn what is expected of them. Since the authority is serious about trustworthiness and reliability, you can be sure their licensees are held to the same standards.
Aside from the licenses listed above, some countries require online casinos to have licenses particular to their country before operating there. Even if the online casino has a license from other bodies, it will be operating illegally in that country if it does not have its license. Some countries that require specific licenses include:
UK: Any online casino that wants to serve the UK market legally needs to have a license from the UKGC. The casino must also follow the rules imposed by this body.
Sweden: In Sweden, online casinos need to get a license from the Swedish Gaming Authority to operate and advertise to players.
Denmark: Any online casino that wants to operate in Denmark must get a license from The Danish Gaming Authority.
Japan: Japan takes illegal gambling activities seriously and has many regulations guiding gambling. Any online casino that wishes to operate here must apply for a license.
Gambling Laws & Tax in New Zealand
New Zealand treats gambling as an illegal activity unless authorised under the Gambling Act 2003, which includes:
Online casinos or gambling promoted by the Lotteries Commission
Online casinos or gambling conducted by operators located outside New Zealand.
Taxation
Playing casinos in New Zealand is considered a recreational hobby, and winnings are not subject to taxation. The Gambling Act of 2003 is the major legislation for safe online casinos in NZ that ensures game fairness and integrity. It restricts the potential for dishonesty and ensures that gaming money benefits the community.
The Safest Banking Options for Secure Online Casinos
Online casinos in New Zealand accept many payment methods, but which are the most secure? Let’s look at available some of the most popular banking options at safe online casinos NZ.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid Cards are a simple solution with a high clearance rate, making them a feasible option for the safest online casino. You can purchase a one-time-use gift card or a reloadable card. Some of the most popular prepaid cards include EntroPay, EcoCard, and Paysafecard.
Credit and Debit Cards
Debit and credit cards are incredibly secure, so transactions must go through several steps before they can be confirmed. You may need to verify your data a few times during the initial stages of using your debit or credit card, which may increase the time it takes to make deposits and withdrawals at any online casino in New Zealand.
E-Wallets
The quickest and safest casino deposit and withdrawal method is using an e-wallet. For E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz, you do not need to provide personal information like your credit card number, just your e-wallet address. This makes it very attractive for gamblers to use this payment method when making casino deposits.
Apple Pay and Google Pay
You can even use Apple Pay for safe and quick casino payments. Once you have a debit card set up in your Apple wallet, you can choose Apple Pay when depositing or withdrawing funds. Google Pay works exactly the same way and is a good fit if you want to wager at one of New Zealand’s leading betting sites.
Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin is one of the most widely used cryptocurrencies on the planet. New Zealand players can make deposits using Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Dogecoin. However, not all safe online casinos accept crypto transactions just yet.
Others
Entropay is a virtual prepaid card used at online gambling sites. Entropay allows you to safely and securely deposit funds into your casino account without needing credit or debit cards. Another safe casino payment method is making a bank transfer. However, bank transfers can take longer, but you’ll benefit from extra security checks from your bank.
Main Advantage of Playing at a Safe Online Casino?
Safety is essential when you want to play at an online casino and should be your top priority when searching for a new casino. Tons of casinos today claim they are safe, but not all can back up these claims. If you play at an unregulated casino, your privacy may be accessed by unauthorised third parties, or you may lose your cash.
Quite often, it is necessary for online casinos to have the banking information of many players. This makes it paramount to play at a safe casino so that your details and deposits are always secure. Moreover, unsafe casinos can sometimes refuse to pay out your winnings, which can be highly frustrating since your goal at online casinos is to win money.
Playing at a safe online casino NZ ensures you can focus on playing those games you love without worrying that a criminal will steal your details or you will lose money.
However, there are some drawbacks to playing at a regulated casino over a rogue casino. After all, there must be an attraction for players to play at unsafe casinos or else they simply wouldn’t exist.
Pros & Cons: Safe Online Casinos in NZ
Online casinos are attracting more and more players from New Zealand every day which has created a need for secure and safe online casino options in NZ. However, while there are obvious adantages, there can also be some drawbacks to safe casinos, which we have outlined below.
Pros
Deposits in local New Zealand dollars are now accepted by many safe online casinos. You don’t have to worry about the conversion fee anymore!
A safe online casino in NZ includes options for various budgets. You can usually deposit anywhere from $10 to many thousand dollars.
When betting and gambling at a safe online casino in NZ, your privacy is protected. The Gambling Act of 2003 facilitates responsible gambling and limits opportunities for gambling-related crimes.
Some secure online casinos also offer no deposit bonuses to attract new players.
Cons
Secure and regulated online casinos require players to provide a lot of perosnal information in order to be verified and pass KYC checks. This means that players cannot gamble straight away.
Some of the safest online casinos for NZ players may have longer withdrawal processes.
The regulations governing online gambling differ from country to country. They're confusing in certain places, making it difficult to tell what's legal and what isn't. This puts a lot of people off using safe casinos.
Safety and Security of Mobile Casinos
With so many online casinos, finding a trustworthy and safe online casino to play for real money can be difficult for New Zealand players. Distinguishing between rogue and legitimate casinos can be difficult because they all appear to be the same. However, there are ways to distinguish safe online casinos in New Zealand from the rest.
If you’re new to online gambling and security is a concern for you, then make sure to check that the casino has several if not all the features below:
Online Casino Licensing and Regulations.
Third-Party Certification Seal.
Usually promoted by the Lotteries Commission.
Casino operators are located outside New Zealand.
Data Security and Privacy.
Player Registration Process.
Payment Methods Integration.
Safe Online Casino Games
Safe online casino NZ sites prioritise your safety and only offer secure casino games for you to play. If you play in any of the safe casinos we recommend, you can choose from a great selection of casino games. Below are a few safe online casino games you can find online:
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is an extremely popular card game in online casinos, and its rules are easy to learn. It was one of the first games introduced and is still one of the best options for those who enjoy gambling.
Online Roulette
Roulette is another popular game that combines strategy and luck. Pick a number and hope the ball lands on your number when the wheel stops. It is easy, fun, and a great option that you can find in many online casinos today. You can also choose between numerous European, American, and French roulette variants.
Online Baccarat
This is one of the oldest card games that you can find at online casinos. The rules are simple, and you can make quick plays and bets. In the past, baccarat was a favourite with royal families, but nowadays, many people play it. Baccarat is not as easy to learn as blackjack since it requires a little strategy, but anyone can quickly learn the rules and win.
Online Poker
Online poker is a classic card game that many players around the globe love. It is a fun game of strategy that tests your wits. There are numerous variants to pick from, like Texas Hold’em, Three Cards Poker, etc., all of which offer distinct features. You can find all versions of poker at online casinos, which is excellent for gamblers.
Online Slots and Pokies
Slot machines are extremely popular in online casinos. They are highly entertaining, easy to play, and the options are limitless. Slot games have different themes, features, and amazing jackpots. This game of luck can earn you huge rewards by simply wagering a few cents, which is why you will never find an online casino without slots.
Live Casino Games
Live casinos allow players to interact with real dealers without visiting a casino physically. The game is televised from dedicated studios with video cameras.
Top Safety Tips for Secure Online Gambling
The online gambling industry has expanded to the point that online casinos have now eclipsed their brick-and-mortar equivalents. Today, more people are playing online than ever before. While online casinos constantly upgrade their platforms to keep everyone safe from cyberattacks, you can follow these safety tips for a secure online gambling experience.
Keep Your Device Secure
Always access online casino websites on the latest version of your browser or mobile app. Check for a valid SSL certificate on the online casino website. Never download anything on your local storage, and keep your device software updated to minimise risk against the latest security threats.
Use a Safe Wi-Fi Connection and Avoid Free Connections
When gambling online, always use your data connection or broadband internet. Avoid playing online casino games on public hotspots since connecting to the internet from an unknown source can expose your device to security risks.
Never Save Your Details on a Shared Device
You should never save your details on a shared device. Keep all your banking details, addresses, and other personal information safe. Hackers can easily compromise a shared device.
Turn Your Bluetooth Off
Minimising your Bluetooth usage reduces your vulnerability to real threats. Turn your Bluetooth connection off when you’re not using it.
Use Strong Passwords
The most critical thing people can do today to stay safe online is to use a password manager. You can create and store a unique and strong casino account password in a password manager.
Only Play at Regulated Casinos
Internet gambling regulations safeguard you, so make sure you only play at fully licensed and regulated sites.
Stick to Playing at Online Casinos We Recommend
Why go elsewhere when we have a ready-made list of safe online casino NZ sites at CasinoCrawlers? Our list includes only licensed operators that rank highly in platform security. These casinos provide a better experience for every user.
Make Sure to Avoid Rogue Casinos
There will always be fraudulent casinos trying to pass off as safe ones. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can identify rogue casinos.
For instance, most unsafe casinos have no license or certificate from independent testing laboratories.
Rogue casinos may also offer unclear terms and conditions and regularly change them during gameplay. Sometimes bonuses may come with impossible conditions forced on you even if you don’t want the reward. All of these are red flags, as well as the factors below:
1. Data theft
Unsafe casinos have no security features, leaving your information exposed to cybercriminals who can use it for fraudulent purposes. Some casinos may personally hand your data over to hackers or other shady individuals for the right price.
2. Long payout times
Most of us use online casinos to win money, but it can be frustrating when you can’t access your winnings quickly, as is the case at unsafe casinos. These casinos may make the withdrawal process long and drawn out, which can be incredibly frustrating.
3. Illegal marketing methods
Unsafe casinos use illegal marketing methods to lure players in. They advertise juicy offers to get you to sign up, but the offer disappears as soon as you do. The safe casinos on our list only promise what they can deliver.
4. Scams & Rigged games
Games are meant to be fair to ensure players can win. Therefore, independent companies test games in online casinos to ensure that results are random. Unsafe casinos tend to rig games, so players do not have a fair chance of winning. If you sign up at a fraudulent casino, you will likely not land a win and lose money.
Here are a few examples of unsafe online casinos:
Planet 7
Questionable Practices
Reports of players not being paid out winnings
Failure to payout winnings
Cool Cat Casino
Parent company threatening players
Lack of customer service availability
False claims of having an international license
Grand Reef Online Casino
Don't respond to customer complaints
Players not being paid out their winnings
Unethical casino practices being used
Do Casino Research Before Signing Up at an Online Casino
If you decide to play at an online casino, you must do your due diligence and research the casino before signing up. First, you need to make sure that the online casino is licensed. You should also look for a certificate from an independent testing body since this signifies that the casino has fulfilled all safety requirements.
A platform that is easy to use is also essential for seamless gameplay, so you should research that area too. You may also run into problems while playing at a casino, so you must check that the casino offers numerous customer support methods like live chat, email, and phone support. The casino should also have countless reliable payment options and a good market reputation.
Unfortunately, it is highly time-consuming to review every single casino yourself, so it is easier to stick to CasinoCrawler’s list of safe online casinos NZ and choose from our recommendations.
Safety and Responsible Gambling
The responsible gambling framework encourages players to treat gambling as a recreational pastime and spend only what they can afford. Below are some tips for responsible gambling at safe online casinos in NZ:
Set a Deposit Limit: The deposit limit allows you to set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on how much money you can deposit into your account.
Create a Loss Limit: The loss limit option allows you to limit how much money you can lose in a given period. You cannot place any more bets once you reach the limit.
Do a Self-Assessment: The self-assessment is a series of statements and questions that help players figure out their gambling profile in general.
Safe Online Casinos NZ – Conclusion
While there are many online casinos in New Zealand, not all of them are safe. However, we always provide you with the right information to make sure you only gamble at the safest online casinos.
The benefits of playing in safe casinos include amazing bonuses, fair gameplay, efficient customer support, and tons of fast and reliable payment options. All the platforms we recommend have met our strict criteria to ensure you experience an extremely secure online gambling experience in New Zealand.
References
Department of Internal Affairs – Te Tari Taiwhenua. ‘Legislation & Regulation’, https://www.dia.govt.nz/Gambling-legislation
Digicert.com. ‘What is a SSL certificate’, https://www.digicert.com/what-is-an-ssl-certificate#:~:text=Secure%20Sockets%20Layer%20(SSL)%20is,client%20(e.g.%2C%20Outlook).
Statista. ‘Casino Worldwide – Statistics and Facts’, https://www.statista.com/topics/1053/casinos/#topicOverview
Work and Income – Te Hiranga Tangata. ‘Lottery prize money or gambling winnings’, https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/on-a-benefit/tell-us/income/one-off-payment/lottery-gambling.html
Safest Online Casino NZ FAQ
Are online casinos legal in New Zealand?
Online casinos and gambling are legal in New Zealand so long as the online casino operator is not based there. This allows for flexibility since it implies that online casinos, with their base of operations in other countries, can provide services to players in New Zealand.
What defines a safe online casino?
In simple terms, a safe online casino should have the appropriate license, have undergone tests by independent laboratories to make sure its games are fair and need to meet the best safety standards. In addition, safe casinos don’t make bogus offers and make payments when due.
How do I tell if a casino game is rigged?
Ideally, an excellent online casino game uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure games are fair. The RNG creates random outcomes, making it impossible for the casino or player to determine who will win. This gives gamblers the same feeling as playing an actual casino game. However, this can be altered in unsafe casinos, so it is best to stick to secure online casinos with certificates from independent testing laboratories.
What kind of casino licenses accept NZ players?
NZ players have numerous options for casino licenses that accept them. The first is the United Kingdom Gambling Commission's license, which caters to players from New Zealand and other parts of the world. Other options include the Malta Gaming License, Curacao license, and the Isle of Man Gaming license. Once you spot a casino with any of these licenses, it means they accept NZ players, and you can play without issues.
Are there any unsafe deposit methods?
Yes, any payment method that is not secure, fast, and efficient is unsafe and should be avoided. The same goes for any deposit method that does not have a reputation for being reliable. Instead, you should stick to reputable deposit options when playing at online casinos. These include PayPal, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, and many others.
Do all safe online casino sites have privacy policies?
Absolutely! Safe casino sites are very clear regarding their policies regarding privacy and other similar matters. They look out for players and are clear about where they stand. Only an unsafe online casino doesn't have a clearly stated privacy policy since they are not particularly concerned about their players' safety.
What risks do I run if I play at an unsafe online casino?
The dangers of playing at an unsafe casino are numerous. First, there is the danger of your personal information being used for fraudulent activities. What’s more, you may experience unfair gameplay and lose way more than you should. Your personal information may also fall into the hands of fraudsters who will clear the funds in your bank account.
Noah is the senior content editor at CasinoCrawlers and a writer with many iGaming articles under his portfolio. Therefore, he is skilled at writing bonus guidelines, gambling strategies, and casino reviews. During his spare time, he enjoys playing Call of Duty and is a huge rugby fan.
