Online gambling is on the rise around the world. It is no exception for gamblers in New Zealand. But just how exactly does online gambling work in NZ, and what are NZD casinos?
In this post, we’ll talk about NZD casinos and how you can pick the best one for you. Thanks to John Gold’s team from BetPokies, we are able to put this article together with the solid research they’ve provided.
NZ Online Gambling
New Zealand passed the Gambling Act of 2003. This act was not specially created to be against online casinos but offers rules on gambling remotely using the internet.
What the law specifically disallows are the operations of online gambling sites based in New Zealand and anyone caught operating illegally can be fined up to NZ$200,000 or face prison terms of up to two years.
This doesn’t mean that Kiwis can no longer play at online casinos. There are, after all, online gambling sites that are operating abroad, or simply put, they aren’t based in NZ and are not covered by NZ laws like the Gambling Act of 2003.
What are NZD Casinos?
NZD casinos are online gambling sites that accept New Zealanders and NZD as payment currency.
There are many benefits to choosing an online casino that accepts NZ dollars. These include the following:
- Convenience – There’s no need to check the NZD value for the day against other currencies if you choose to play with NZD casinos.
- Transparent costs – Many online casinos charge exchange rate fees, which may seem small but actually can be costly when added together. Skip these fees by choosing the NZ Dollar when making your deposits.
- Familiarity with value – Kiwis are already familiar with the value of the NZ dollar, which is useful in avoiding miscalculations in foreign currency conversions.
How to Choose the Best NZD Online Casino
Many online gambling sites are claiming to be the best NZD casino. But as with all services and products, not all are created equally. Aside from accepting Kiwis and taking in NZ Dollars, here’s what you should check when choosing an NZD casino.
License and Security
Make sure to check the online casino’s on its license and security features. You need to know whether the operator was granted a license to operate by a reputable gambling authority or commission. A license is a proof that the casino follows some standards in its operation.
Take the time to review the security features of the casino. For example, does the casino site use top-notch encryption technology like the Security Socket Layer (SSL) technology to protect the players’ information? Is there a third-party auditor for the casino software? And does the casino only use reliable casino software for its games?
Bonuses
Bonuses both for new players and active ones are quite beneficial as they give you more chances of winning. Make sure to check out the bonuses offered by each site before you register for an account and deposit money.
Welcome bonuses may come in the form of the match deposit bonus, free spins, no deposit cash bonus, or combinations of various bonus types. Take the time to read the terms and conditions for these bonuses as they have their expiration period and wager requirements.
For active players, most online NZD casinos offer these bonuses;
- Match deposit bonus
- Free spins
- No cash deposit bonus
- VIP points or Club
- Cashback
- Cash reload
Much like how to deal with the casino welcome bonus, you also need to read the terms and conditions of the bonuses being offered to active or loyal players. These terms may vary from one game or another
For example, some free spins bonuses are only available at specific online pokies titles. You must then make sure to play that particular pokies title if you want to get the free spins rather than choosing any online pokies game on the online casino.
Banking Options
As the name implies, NZD casinos accept NZ dollars. But you should also check the banking options. Review which payment methods the casino accepts. Can you pay for your deposits using debit and credit cards, digital wallets, or other payment options?
Check as well how long the casino takes to process your deposits and especially, the withdrawal processing time. Can you use the same payment method you use for withdrawing your winnings?
Final Words
Online casino operators may be banned from operating inside New Zealand, but there are ways for Kiwi casino lovers to play online with NZD casinos. These online gambling sites accept NZ dollars and of course players from New Zealand. Just make sure to pick a reputable NZD casino to avoid any hassle.
Gambling can be both addictive and destructive. If you or someone close to you is suffering from a gambling problem, then you can seek help by calling or texting the Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ 0800 664 262, or text 5819.
