Everything You Need to Know About Online Casino Games

Online casino games have gained increasing popularity in New Zealand, offering a fun and convenient way to enjoy gambling. Even though it’s illegal for local companies to offer online casinos in New Zealand currently, Kiwi players can access several offshore platforms. These casinos have a variety of games, including pokies, table/card games, and live dealer options.

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John Wilson

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Last update: 15 Jan 2025, 08:55

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However, with numerous online casinos in the industry, finding the best ones can be quite daunting. At CasinoBee, we have done all the hard work for you. We have reviewed and selected the top online casinos based on the highest industry criteria to ensure the best gaming experience.

Operators with the Best Online Casino Games

We have handpicked online casinos with the best games from tonnes of options to create this list. It is updated regularly to add new ones and remove sites that no longer meet the standards.

Disclosure: Casinobee.com is reader-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up to a casino via links on our site. Learn more.

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How We Rate the Top Casinos with the Best Games

Choosing the best casinos ensures a fun and reliable online gaming experience. When reviewing, we prioritise some key factors, including game variety and quality, payout rate, and fairness. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

1

Game Variety and Quality

We always check out the casino lobby and ensure they have different types, including slots, table games, and live games. We also check out the game quality by examining the software developers. It’s no news that games from top brands like Microgaming, Evolution, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play will deliver a high-quality gaming experience.

2

Fairness and RNG Certification

When selecting games to play for real money, it’s crucial to ensure they use a certified random number generator for fair and random outcomes. For a secure gaming experience, we only feature casinos tested by third-party bodies like iTech Lab and eCOGRA.

3

Payout Percentages

The payout percentage, also known as the return to player (RTP) value, indicates the amount a game tends to pay back over a long period of time. It’s the opposite of the house edge, which is the advantage the casino has over the player. For instance, a slot game with a 96% RTP has a 4% house edge. Therefore, we look for platforms with high RTP games.

4

Availability of Progressive Jackpots

When playing online casino games, many players aim to win big. So we consider games with progressive jackpots. These games offer life-changing wins that grow with each player’s bet until triggered. Online pokies like Mega Moolah and Mega Joker are known for their massive payouts, giving you a chance to turn your bets into significant wins.

Popular Online Casino Games

Today, there are thousands of casino games on the market, and they come in quite different types. With so many options available online, it’s no surprise that some of them are more popular among players in New Zealand. Below, let’s elaborate on the most common types of online casino games:

Like every other gambling jurisdiction, online pokies are the most popular and common casino games you will find on New Zealand gambling sites. These games often make up around 70% or more of a casino’s library. They feature spinning wheels with paylines and symbols. You need to match symbols together on the payline to create a winning combination. Below are the top slot variants you can try out. 

These types of slots are designed after traditional slot machines, usually featuring 3 reels and simple gameplay. Classic slots feature conventional symbols like bars, bells, fruits, and lucky 7s. Some popular titles include Double Diamond, Mega Joker, Fire 777, and 7s on Fire.

Video slots have modern features with 5 or more reels, advanced graphics, stunning animations, and themes based on movies, ancient history, and mythology. When playing video slots, you can also enjoy bonus features like free spins and minigames. Popular titles include Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Starburst, Gates of Olympus, and Immortal Romance.

Progressive jackpot slots offer large sums of prize pools. A portion of every bet goes into the jackpot that increases until a player wins it. Games like Mega Moolah, Hall of Gods, and Divine Fortune offer life-changing payouts. Keep in mind that progressive jackpot slots usually come with a lower RTP value than standard slots. 

Online casino table games are the digital version of traditional classics like blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat. Let’s take a look at them individually.

Blackjack is arguably the most popular card game found at NZ online casinos. The game is also known as 21, and the play rules are simple. You need to hit a hand that’s closest to 21. 

If you exceed the number 21, you will bust and lose your bet. Unlike slots, playing blackjack requires some knowledge. You need to understand how to calculate the card value or even have knowledge of basic blackjack strategy or card counting to increase your odds of winning.

Another popular casino game is online roulette. Like pokies, winning in roulette depends solely on luck. In this game, you place a wager on a specific number, rotate the wheels, and wait for the ball to land on your selected number. 

Roulette is simple to understand, making it an ideal option for players who want to move from slots to classic casino games. Roulette also offers high winning chances, with the European variant having a generous payout percentage of 97.3%.

Baccarat is a card game that presents three choices: bet on the player (you), the banker (house) and a tie (draw). The banker and player are dealt two cards, where you need to decide which result is the most possible from the two hands. 

The game aims to get closer to the value 9. It features and hand combinations, so it’s important to learn the rules before you start playing.

Poker is another famous strategy-based casino game that you will find online, and it’s available in multiple variants. While Texas Hold’em is the most sought-after version, you will find other titles at the best New Zealand casinos online. Each version comes with slightly different mechanics, but the concept is the same. In poker, you will be playing against the computer or to attain the best hand.

Live Dealer Games

Live casino games are perfect for players who want an immersive and authentic gaming experience. These games stream directly from the developer studio, providing high-quality graphics and a session with a real human dealer. Live casino games also allow you to chat with the host and other players as you watch the game unfold.

In addition to live versions of classic table and card games, there are also innovative live game shows with unique features. Popular ones include Crazy Time, Deal or No Deal, and Monopoly Live.

Specialty Games

Speciality games are a bit different from familiar categories like slots and table games. These games offer quicker sessions, focusing more on luck than skill. Speciality games come in many different shapes, offering casual fun to players. Some popular ones include:

Keno

This is a lottery-style game where the player is expected to select numbers, and the casino draws the winning numbers randomly. The more numbers you can match correctly, the higher your wins. 

Scratchcards

These are virtual cards that you need to scratch to reveal the hidden symbols or numbers. If what you reveal matches specific combinations, the game rewards you with instant prizes. 

Bingo

With bingo games, players are given a card with a series of numbers arranged in a grid. The game draws out some numbers that mark your card to complete specific patterns. Once the pattern is complete, you win.

Craps

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls. Craps features both simple and complex bet options, which makes it a perfect option for a wide range of players.

Online Casino Game Providers

The best online casinos in New Zealand partner with numerous reputable software developers in the industry to ensure players can access tonnes of high-quality games. You can access games from top-tier brands like NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and Play’n GO. 

These developers use state-of-the-art technology to design games with stunning graphics, sound effects, interesting themes, and innovative features. All the games from these developers are RNG-certified, thereby ensuring random and fair outcomes.

NetEnt

NetEnt is a big name in the online gaming industry, popular for delivering games with appealing visuals and unique themes. The brand also focuses on providing games with smooth mechanics and rewarding features. NetEnt’s portfolio features mostly online pokies and table games, but you can find a few live games as well.

Microgaming

Microgaming is one of the oldest brands in the industry. It is known for pioneering the online casino gaming we enjoy today. Since then, the company has been delivering diverse and engaging products. Microgaming offers several game variants, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. The brand is popular for providing the top jackpot game of all times, Mega Moolah. 

Evolution Gaming

Evolution Gaming is the leader in the realm of live casino games; no brand comes close to this company. The brand offers immersive and authentic gambling sessions with professional human dealers using cutting-edge streaming technology. You can also enjoy the top game shows like Dream Catcher and Cash or Crash.

Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play has a versatile game portfolio that cuts across different types, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. These games come with engaging themes and are optimised for mobile play. The top titles include The Dog House, Wolf Gold, and various live versions of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. 

Play’n GO

Play’n GO are creative developers delivering games with superb storylines and fantastic features. You can play the different versions of slots, table games, and speciality games. Some popular titles in their collection include Book of Dead, Reactoonz, and numerous instant-win games.

Bonuses and Casino Games

Nowadays, especially the newest online casinos in New Zealand offer appealing bonuses and promotions to spice up your gaming sessions. Some common bonuses you will find online include:

  • Welcome bonuses
  • Free spins
  • Reload bonuses
  • Cashbacks
  • No deposit bonuses
  • Loyalty rewards

These bonuses come with terms and conditions you need to know before using them. The terms and conditions include wagering requirements, game restrictions, minimum deposit and validity period. These conditions can vary from one casino to the next and also depend on the bonus. 

It’s important to note that slots are the most bonus-friendly, and they usually contribute 100% towards the wagering requirement. On the other hand, table games like blackjack and roulette mostly contribute between 10% and 20%, depending on the casino and bonus rules.

Besides, some bonuses are restricted to a certain game type, a title, or a software developer. For instance, free spins are tied to slot games only. Further, live casino games are usually excluded from promotions unless it is a live-specific offer.

FAQ

What are the most popular online casino games in New Zealand?

NZ online casinos offer a wide range of games, including pokies, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and live dealer games. Like the rest of the world, Kiwi players favour pokies the most due to their simple but engaging gameplay.

Which game developers provide the top online casino games?

There are several software developers offering games with high-quality features and complete fairness. The list includes but is not limited to NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Play’n GO.

Can I play online casino games for free?

Yes. Kiwi players can find free online casino games. Many operators in New Zealand offer demo versions of games like slots and blackjack, allowing you to try games without using real money. However, keep in mind that live casino games don’t have free versions.

How can I ensure an online casino is safe and fair?

Players should choose online casinos licensed by top authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority and Curaçao eGaming. The casino should also partner with some of the best game developers.

How can I start playing online casino games for real money?

Log into your account, locate the cashier area, and choose a payment method. Then, enter your details and the amount you want to deposit. If you don’t already have a casino account, feel free to browse our list to see the best platforms available in New Zealand.

Why is RTP important to online casino games?

Return to player (RTP) value or payout percentage, is the average amount a game is likely to give back over time. A higher RTP means better odds for the players theoretically.

What type of bonuses can I use on casino games?

Fortunately, New Zealand casinos feature lots of different promotions, both for regular players and beginners. Among them, you can find welcome bonuses, weekly cashbacks, loyalty rewards, free spins, and many more.

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John Wilson

John's nickname is the King of Pokies. He has played in casinos and online for many years, starting out by playing the pokies in his dads pub as a youngster. As a journalist, his skills for sniffing out stories are just as relevant to hunting down free spins and pokie bonuses. John rates games based on the experience rather than the outcome, and is obsessed with the best mobile slots games. When he splits his time between the North and South islands, John likes to indulge in a few spins on mobile pokies.