Best New Zealand Live Casinos

The Best New Zealand Live Casinos are not located in New Zealand. They are all online and offer a wide range of Live Dealer Table Games.

Under NZ Legislation it’s illegal for an online casino to be located in New Zealand and offer its games to local residents.

However, there are no restrictions on NZ players being able to play at online casinos located overseas.

There’s a whole host of online software providers and casinos. One of the difficulties is being able to spot the good ones from the bad ones.

Without regulation, it’s difficult for players in New Zealand to determine which the good casinos are.

Hopefully you’ll find the following information useful in helping you determine where it’s safe to play.

Which are the Best NZ Live Casinos?

I feel I qualify on two levels to answer this question.

Firstly I’ve been researching live casinos since 2013 and playing at them since 2010. I know loads about the software providers and the casinos. All the ones I list I also regularly play at, so I’m not guessing or giving you duff information. It’s all up to date and current.

Secondly, as my family hails from the Hawkes Bay region I have loads of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins that love a gamble. They’ve helped me in identifying the Best Live Casinos for New Zealand players.

www.begambleaware.org

FAQ’s for Gambling in New Zealand

There are a handful of Land-Based casinos in New Zealand, but these are restricted to only a few cities.

If you can’t gamble in one of the land-based casinos in Dunedin, Christchurch, Auckland, Hamilton, or Queenstown your options for playing casino games are limited.

The good news is playing online at overseas online casinos is not illegal. Casino games, especially live dealer games are readily available for NZ players.

Is it legal for New Zealand citizens to gamble online?

In a word YES, as long as you’re playing at a casino that’s located overseas.

Generally, gambling in New Zealand is Illegal unless it is authorised under the Gambling Act 2003.

Remote Interactive Gambling is Prohibited in New Zealand, however, it is Legal for NZ players to play online as long as the casino is based overseas.

“The prohibition is on remote interactive gambling in New Zealand and therefore does not prohibit gambling conducted overseas. For example, it is not illegal for someone in New Zealand to participate in gambling over the Internet if that website is based overseas.”

There are no restrictions on NZ players playing at online casinos that are based overseas.

Is there any protection for players while playing online?

There is no player protection program for NZ players while playing online. If a player experiences a problem the NZ Government has no power to act on casinos that are not regulated by them.

If issues occur players will have to rely on other means to get them resolved; like using arbitration services of respected player forums.

How will I know if an online casino is safe to play at?

There is a number of signals you should look out for, especially as New Zealand does not have a regulation program in place for online casinos.

• Look for casinos that hold licenses for countries that are regulated. Good ones include Malta, Alderney, UK Gambling Commission & Gibraltar. Casinos with these licenses operate to higher standards than ones without.
• Use review websites and cross-reference reviews, don’t just look at one.
• Do some google searches for “casino name rogue” and see what comes back.

All the casinos I list that have Live Casino games also accept New Zealand players. All these are regulated by the UK Government.

What Live Casino Games are available to NZ Citizens?

New Zealanders can play Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, 3 Card poker, Dragon Tiger, Hi-Lo, 3 Card Brag, Sic Bo, Dream Catcher and  Spin A Win.

Can you play using New Zealand Dollars?

NZD’s are accepted at most online casinos, so you’ll not have to worry about exchange rates. You should be able to Deposit & Withdraw in New Zealand dollars.

What are the best payment methods for Deposits & Withdrawals?

You’ll be able to deposit using a bank transfer or Debit card from your New Zealand Bank Account. Other popular payment methods include Electronic online wallets like Neteller/Skrill or Paypal. Withdrawal times differ between online casinos, so it’s best to check their terms and conditions before making a deposit.

As a Kiwi will I have to pay Taxes on my Online Live Casino winnings?

New Zealand players will not have taxes deducted from their online casino winnings at the source. What you win you will be paid. However, if the winnings can be determined as income you may have to pay local taxes. Seek the advice of a local NZ tax accountant if you’re unsure whether this may affect you.

Which Live Casino Providers are available to New Zealand Players?

Fortunately, all live casino providers can offer their games to NZ live casino players as long as the casino is based overseas.

Evolution Gaming

Market leader Evolution Gaming has the most comprehensive set of live casino games.

They come with the slickest dealers and studio presentations. You’re able to play at a selection of different European studios and some dedicated studios depending on which casino you chose to play with. The choice of game is wide with Blackjack played under Vegas Rules with Side Bets, European and American Roulette, Casino Hold’em, Caribbean Stud Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Baccarat, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, 3 Card Poker and the wheel of Fortune Dream Catcher. If you like soccer you can play on the Top Card tables and chat about football while you play.

Ezugi

Along with Playtech, Ezugi is the only real contender to Evolution’s crown. Ezugi has some cracking games, with studios in Central America, Europe, and Asia. Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Casino Hold’em are the staple live dealer games on offer.

Playtech

Playtech’s games are as every bit as good as Evolution’s. The two copy each other where they’re able. Playtech has European and Vegas Rules on their Blackjack tables, Hi-Lo & Sic Bo in addition to Roulette, Baccarat, Casino Hold’em, 3 Card Brag, and Spin a Win.

Authentic Gaming

Authentic Gaming has by far the best live-streamed roulette tables online. New Zealand players can play on the tables from top European casinos as well as Foxwoods Casino in the USA.

Luckystreak

The appeal of LuckyStreak Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat is obvious once you’ve sat at the table. The dealers are quite unique. If you have a penchant for ink and maybe to odd piercing then chose a casino that offers these games.

Portomaso Gaming

This Malta-based live casino provider has both Studio and land-based streamed games. There’s a good mix with the land-based games proving very popular with online players.

Extreme Live Gaming

Extreme is a UK based live casino provider offering 3 games, Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat. Their USP is their presentation of Roulette and the side bets they offer. They have recently been purchased by Pragmatic Play so I am expecting a name change any day now!.

Other Software providers are available, a full list can be found here where you’ll be able to find links to more casinos offering their games.

What do the best NZ Live Casinos have in Common?

That’s a really good question and one that’s easy to answer.

First and foremost, it’s all about the game and the playing experience while you’re at the tables. So look out for these common features of the best live casinos.

1. The best live casinos for NZ players will have dedicated tables for their players. The most common are Blackjack and Roulette Tables, while some have 3 Card Poker and Baccarat Tables. Dedicated tables allow the casino to offer on table promotions, like cash prizes and bonuses.
2. A casino with a selection of different live casino providers. If you like hopping around tables and getting different experiences, pick a casino with more than one live casino provider.
3. Lots of low limit tables. Gambling can be expensive, so finding a table to suit your bankroll is very important. The best live casinos should have tables with stake limits to suit all players.
4. The best casinos pay their players winnings quickly. Look for casinos that pay in hours or days rather than weeks.

Information on Controlling Gambling in New Zealand

Gambling is meant to be enjoyed for entertainment. It should not be regarded as a means for making money or for getting yourself out of debt. Following some basic advice when you plan to gamble will help you enjoy yourself more.

• Never gamble money with money you cannot afford to lose.
• Set yourself a budget and stick to it.
• Don’t chase your losses.
• Don’t gamble when you’re unhappy or under the influence of drink or drugs.

If you feel you have a problem or your gambling is not under control seek help.

There are many resources available for New Zealand gamblers and their families that can help.

• Gambling Helpline for New Zealand
• Problem Gambling Foundation for New Zealand
• Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

As they say. When the Fun Stops, Stop!