About us
OnlineCasino.co.nz is the No.1 resource for online casinos and gambling in New Zealand. Whether by providing impartial casino reviews, in-depth game guides or the latest legislation updates, we aim to keep our readers in the know and find answers to all your online casino and gambling-related queries.Ā
Our mission
Our mission is simple: to provide our readers with all the tools, resources and information they need to gamble confidently. Our expert team covers the breadth of the NZ online gambling industry, including casino reviews, pokies guides, regulations, and more. We want our readers to trust us, to gamble safely, and above all, to have fun.
Our values
Trust:Ā We provide unbiased casino reviews that you can trust. Our experts spend hours researching gambling platforms using a rigorous rating process to ensure we only put forward NZ's most legit online casinos.
Expertise:Ā Our writers are casino industry veterans with decades of experience between them. They strive to deliver impartial and up-to-date coverage of the online gambling industry.Ā Ā
Legitimacy:Ā Unfortunately, there are some bad apples within the industry, and you should avoid some sites. We understand industry regulation and best practices, so we only recommend legitimate sites independently licensed and regulated by bodies like theĀ Malta Gaming AuthorityĀ (MGA), the Kahnawake Gaming Commission andĀ eCOGRA.Ā
Responsibility:Ā For online gambling to be fun, you must also gamble responsibly. We are committed to making recommendations that enhance your enjoyment at online casinos but are also rooted in responsible gambling practices.
Our editorial process
OnlineCasino.co.nz was created to provide all New Zealanders with trustworthy and relevant information about the online gambling industry. That is why we do not charge a fee for using our site. You can also rest assured that your data is protected in line with ourĀ privacy policy.
We're proud to be a leading, independent comparison site that New Zealanders can trust. We're committed to full transparency regarding running our business and generating revenue. We receive a fee for promoting some of the casino brands listed on our site, but this does not impact our opinions, judgement and ratings. Our guides are written purely to find our readers the best and most trusted gambling sites.Ā
How we rate online casinos in NZ
When conducting an online casino review, we hold the site to strict standards and use criteria to recommend only the best operators. Here's how we review online casinos in NZ:
- 1
Bonuses & promotions
We rateĀ casino bonusesĀ and promotions based on their value for money to you, the player. We read the small print highlighting any wagering requirements and time frames to ensure they're fair and reasonable. Casinos that rate poorly for bonuses typically have high wagering requirements (50x and above) and a limited number of games eligible for the offer.Ā Ā
- 2
Payments
Highly rated sites will support various popular casino payment methods for NZ players, such as Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer and POLi. They will strive to processĀ payouts fastĀ (24 hours or less). They will also offer a range of deposit and withdrawal limits to suit players of all budgets.Ā
- 3
Security & licensing
We check an international site's credentials to ensure they are licensed and regulated by a trusted body like the MGA or UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This means they fully adhere to New Zealand gambling laws and can be trusted. As for security, we check that the site offersĀ SSL encryptionĀ to keep your data safe.
- 4
Industry reputation
We also pay close attention to a casino's industry reputation before making a recommendation. We check whether the platform has received any awards and look at how well the site has been independently reviewed and rated by verified players.Ā
- 5
Mobile experience
Many Kiwis prefer to gamble on the go using their smartphones and tablets, which is why so many NZ operators now offer fully optimisedĀ mobile casinoĀ sites that seamlessly adapt to all screen sizes. Our top-rated casinos provide a wide range of high-quality games for mobile and the option for players to download an app for free on iOS and Android devices.Ā Ā
- 6
Game variety & software providers
The best NZ online casinos offer a wide selection of free and real moneyĀ pokies, table games andĀ live casinoĀ titles. We also consider the studios behind the games and recommend sites that partner with well-known and trusted developers like Pragmatic Play, Games Global (formerly Microgaming) and Big Time Gaming, among others.Ā
- 7
Unique features
While many online casinos share similarities, we also consider what makes them unique. For instance, we check for bespoke features such as rewarding loyalty programmes, seamless navigation, and intuitive UI so that you get something a bit extra from your online gambling experience.Ā
- 8
Customer support
The quality of an online casino's customer support is also essential to our review process. We expect the top casinos to offer live chat, email and phone support, and we also consider how quickly and professionally customer support teams respond to and deal with issues. Support should be available round the clock.Ā
How our star rating system works
āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø 5 stars = OutstandingĀ
We reserve five-star ratings for the very best online casinos in NZ. As well as being safe, these sites go above and beyond to deliver the best gambling experience, with impressive game libraries, generous bonuses and exemplary customer support. In other words, they're the best in the business.
āļøāļøāļøāļø 4 stars = Very goodĀ
Four-star sites meet most of our requirements and score well against our criteria, but some aspects or features may be lacking. Overall, these sites are still well worth playing at.Ā
āļøāļøāļø 3 stars = ReasonableĀ
We give three-star ratings to average sites that offer a reasonable online gambling experience. They might not have unique features or bonuses, but they're safe to play at.
āļøāļø 2 stars = DisappointingĀ
If we rate a casino with two stars, it fails to meet our high standards. The security and safety of the site could be questionable, and the range of choices will be extremely limited across all areas. It would be best if you looked elsewhere.Ā
āļø 1 star = AvoidĀ
A one-star casino is to be avoided at all costs. These casinos have minimal features and are not safe to play at.
Why you should trust us
Our writers are casino experts with extensive industry backgrounds and have written for some of the world's top publications. They spend hours testing and reviewing casinos, games, and other products before recommending them. They know what to look for in licensed, regulated and trusted casino platforms and only recommend legitimate sites.
Meet our team
Peace Nwankpa is an OCNZ iGaming writer. She has been a freelance writer since 2019, specialising in casino, esports and entertainment news. When sheās not researching online gambling platforms, you can catch her reading books, mangas and even watching anime.
Simon is the chief wizard at Magic Word Media, a global authority in online casino content writing. He was a national newspaper journalist for many years before moving into iGaming marketing. He now runs his own agency, presenting thoroughly researched and well-written content for casino players the world over.
Courtney has an extensive background in creative and commercial writing across numerous iGaming verticals. As a self-professed lover of pokies, Courtney is passionate about the casino and gambling industries. While her writing covers a wide range of topics, slots and bonuses are arguably her favourite gambling subjects.
Nahraine worked for one of the world's biggest casino game studios on the Isle of Man before branching out as a full-time writer for iGaming content specialists Magic Word Media. She has a deep knowledge and passion for casino games and platforms, and this shines through in her writing.
Have fun and play responsibly
Online gambling should be an enjoyable experience. It should not pose a strain on your daily life or financial and mental well-being.Ā
If you're struggling to control your online gambling activities, you can find help via ourĀ responsible gambling page. If you, a family member or a friend needs support, you can also reach out to New Zealand gambling resources, for instance,Ā New Zealand's Gambling Helpline.Ā
If you need to report an issue or require more information about online gambling in NZ, our dedicated support team is here to help. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected].