#1 NEW ZEALAND PLAYER’S ONLINE CASINO GUIDE - 2021

Our site is led by a team of professionals from within the iGaming industry, having more than two decades’ worth of experience, meaning that at The Casino City you can rest assured that you’re in very good hands. Are you looking for online casino information? Do you want to enjoy free online casino bonuses? This is where we come in.

VOTED THE BEST COMPARISON SITE IN NEW ZEALAND, KEEPING IT HONEST AND EXCITING

Our team of team of casino experts, headed by our editor-in-chief, is here for you, whether you are a new player or a seasoned gambler, our service will provide everything that is needed for those committed and passionate about playing online casino games.

We believe in nothing but the service of excellence. Like you, we are players too, we know the excitement of a new slot release, we know the pressures of taking on other players, we know what it’s like to win real money and we know how the industry works. Now, you may not know this and that is why we are sharing with you our knowledge to help give you the right options that can be trusted when it comes to casino reviews, exclusive welcome bonuses, tips and advice and lots more.

Our efforts since the creation of this site back in 2017 have brought about great success for the players who have passed through our site and heeded the advice, information and services we provide. We have been voted the best NZ casino comparison site and it is a standard which has and will continue to remain.

Through our website, you will find everything from information regarding the basics of gambling online. We believe in protecting players fully by giving them the knowledge and facts, to allow them to play safely and smartly. For all new players joining us for the first time, we’d recommend starting with our beginner’s guide so you can start your journey towards online gaming with the right vision of achieving success.

You will find further guides and insight on all matters including:

• Banking: How to deposit and withdraw
• Bonuses: Learning about free allowances
• Gaming: Guides on how to play games like Roulette, Blackjack and Slots
• Software: Gaming development and systems
• Mobile Gaming: Knowing about mobile services
• Casino Reviews: Honest and unbiased information and details
• Free Games: Play demos before you apply to join a site and learn how success is won

Through these guides and many others, you will gain the important knowledge that is needed to know everything there is about online casino sites. You will have an insight into licensing, legalities, terms and conditions, gaming rules, software development, banking and an awareness of possible achievement provided by the best casinos online.

Key factors that all play a role in helping you to have fun and success online whilst playing smartly and safely without unnecessary risks.

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THE STANDARDS REQUIRED OF AN AWARD-WINNING GAMBLING SERVICE

The goal of playing is to win and win real money, let us not be ashamed to say it and admit it. The more you win the greater your success and with this, comes the aspiration of winning enough that you no longer need to work quite so hard.

What we have to recognize as players are that there are certain factors that need to be adhered to in order for success to become a real possibility.

• Do you know what casinos to use and not use because of the New Zealand gambling laws?
• Do you know the general terms and conditions of bonuses and the wagering requirement meaning?
• Do you know how live games work and how virtual slot machines are built to determine if you win or lose?

These are just some of the points players need to be aware of. The reality is, there are many players online right now that have been gambling for 20+ years and do not know how to selectively pick their games in order play the right ones with better odds of paying out, thus cutting their loss rate, reducing their cost and boosting their profits.

In short, the greatness you are looking to achieve can all be helped by a casino doing the right things. Your knowledge of information and gaming is 50%, the casino has to back up the remaining 50.

An online casino must be able to offer you the highest quality in service, development, security, banking, and reliability, long before we start looking at the games.

Here are those qualities broken down…

Licensing and Regulations

The foundation of any online casino service starts here, the process of applying for a gambling license. We highlight this because, with no license, a site would be operating illegally, and you need to be able to know how to recognise the difference.

Through Casino City NZ.com, you will already be backed and supported by casino regulators that have licensed every casino listed. We have removed any concerns and doubts for you. Every casino listed in our top 10 or top 50 can offer you legally approved services.

There are three main licensing bodies that approve online operators for the New Zealand market, and they are…

Malta Gaming Authority

Despite its size, Malta is actually the largest gaming authority in Europe. The Mediterranean island was the first EU member state to introduce regulation for online gambling. The MGA has licensed over 500 casinos online, covering the entire globe. Their business model can be broken into 4 parts.

1. The operators applying can have a 5-year license duration, whereby the proposed business would need to conclude security checks and conditions to pass.

2. They offer full protection to members and are extremely hot on money laundering and fraud. Thusly, all operators must hand over financial records for proof, with a data protection plan that ensures responsible actions.

3. The MGA can and will revoke licenses at any time.

4. Greater responsibility, respect for the industry, fairness and honesty are the code of ethics within the MGA.

UK Gambling Commission:

Notoriously known as the toughest of the tough, the UK Gambling Commission is for casinos a golden seal of approval if you manage to pass their testing and conditions to be awarded their gambling license. Though mainly focused in the UK with casinos and the UK National Lottery, they are recognized and approved by many other countries as an enforcer of special legislation upon casinos. They will ensure the following are met and matched:

1. The UKGC checks operators do not have a history of crime-related involvement including money laundering.

2. All casinos must be independently verified and tested to make sure gaming RNG algorithms are fair.

3. The protection of minors is high on the list and makes sure operators do not push promotions with advertisement stripped back.

Curacao eGaming Authority

This licensing body originally began as part of the Curacao Gaming Control before online gaming was decentralized and they have one of the largest operator portfolios. They have been doing this longer than most global authorities, since 1996.

Here are some of their principles…

1. They have an IP service of compliance, globally linked with multi-data services that provide jurisdictional requirements, legal support and geographical solutions. Basically, they can support any casino in the world with legal cover if fitting.

2. They offer fiduciary services to support global corporations with management, licensing and supervision.

You should now begin to understand and see the qualities that go into the casinos at their infancy, long before they have gone live online. You have this kind of support and backing from the world’s best licensing commission and authorities.

• Slots
• Video poker
• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Baccarat

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Software Development

Casino operators do not make the games you bet on. On the odd occasion, you may stumble across some bespoke games made for certain sites that no-one else has, but the work is done by independent, licensed and regulated software developers.

They are responsible for the release of new games time and time again, meeting demand, technical mastery and innovative changes.

The majority of developers you come across produce slots for players. A small percentage of this group will also make virtual card and table games like Blackjack and Roulette. And an even smaller fraction will produce live dealer games found in casinos online.

They are the power and force behind the casino and what you are guaranteed from our list of casinos, is that the finest and best software developers only, will be part of the digital establishments we recommend to you.

Here are some of the award-winning elite that you should be looking forward to experiencing:

• Microgaming: Developing since 1994, Microgaming was the first company producing for the online industry. They have over 150 slot titles and have a number of live gaming applications, mainly focusing on live poker rooms. They created the progressive jackpot and hold the world record for largest online payout from a slot machine (Mega Moolah™).
• Playtech: Founded in 1999 and based on the Isle of Man, Playtech are one of the most dynamic enterprises in the business of gaming development. They have produced over 200 gaming titles, many of which come from Hollywood and TV. They have also set up the largest progressive jackpot gaming series under Age of Gods™.
• Real Time Gaming: Referred to as RTG, this developer came to the market in 1998 and fast become America’s #1 exporter of online games. They are known for their use of RNG algorithms, deemed to be the fairest form of gaming development.
• Rival Gaming: Launched in 2006, Rival has developed a hugely successful i-Slots™ series. They are a company that is more famed for their innovative approaches than they are for their gaming numbers. Not only is there the i-Slot but also their Casino Controller™ feature which is a state of the art management tool for online casino integrations.
• NetEnt: Arguably the biggest online games developer in the entire world. NetEnt has won every award that has existed and produce their games to the highest possible standards that have led to many move, music and TV deals. They have an interest in live dealer gaming also and supply two of the largest progressive jackpots on the market with Divine Fortune™ and Mega Fortune™.
• Betsoft: Established in 2000 and since has evolved into a key operator in gaming development. Ever pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence, BetSoft knows no bounds and in 2019 created the first-ever casino shoot ‘em-up slot machine called Max Quest™ which redefined casino gameplay.

Regulated Banking Services

Casinos should be making a real effort to provide secure, reputable, and regulated payment services so you are able to bank efficiently when it comes to depositing into the casino or withdrawing any winnings that are made.

With all the casino choices we have, you can deposit money and withdraw with any number of services and methods to suit.

Here are some of the banking services you will be able to choose from:

• MasterCard: One of the most famous credit card companies on the planet. Regulated and reliable, with fast transaction which is also tracked from customer to vendor. Will support both deposits and withdrawal payments inside of online casinos in NZ.
• Neteller: A fantastic eWallet service that helped to shake up the online payment industry. This is a third party account systems that allow your payments to be separated from your original account, making it so safe, you’re almost anonymous when you pay.
• Visa: Perhaps the most famous of credit card and banking services on the planet. Visa will certainly help with depositing and withdrawals. Tracked payment and their double authentication security processes make this the number one choice for many players online.
• Skrill: Another global giant of eWallet services, Skill has become the main competitor to Neteller. Set up an account with just an email and have complete security with regards to your bank account details as nothing is shared.
• PayPal: Easily the largest payment service built for the internet and in use. With over 250 million users, this is a common feature in online commerce. Rare with casinos, due to a charge rate, but can make life much more simpler for those wishing to experience fast, reliable payment under this PayPal umbrella.
• Poli: One of the most popular payment services here in New Zealand. Poli strips away the need for a credit card and offers a non-registration process. Total freedom of use which gives you anonymity and has no direct banking information with any transactions.
• Bitcoin: This cryptocurrency is fast gaining popularity amongst casino users. This is the most secure form of currency in the world making it 100% impossible to duplicate. You can get more gaming insurance from a bitcoin as specialist games now built for bitcoin users come with provably fair checks before you play.

…these are just some of the special banking services that you can use, and we look to make sure the best casinos offer these to add and additional key service that looks after your funds.

Professional Customer Support

It may not appear to seem of significance or importance, given most players online will never need to contact a casino’s customer support team. However, having that help and assistance there, ready and waiting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and throughout holidays and Christmas, it is really important.

Casinos (like Betiton or Skycity)are global platforms, not only will these sites be supporting players in New Zealand but will also be servicing players in places like Canada, Europe, and South Africa.

Casinos need to have the right features in place to give you the complete service, this means having easily accessible contact point i.e. Skype, Live Chat, Email, WhatsApp, Toil-Free phone lines and social media outlets.

A customer service team in the higher levels of professional help and assistance will be able to carry out the following tasks:

• Help you to apply online if you get stuck opening an account.
• Help to discuss t&cs that come with bonuses if something isn’t clear.
• Resolving issues directly linked to your player account.
• They will advise of any gaming advice for those needing support, with backed help from www.begambleaware.org
• Assist with technical recovery for players using desktop, MAC, tablet and mobile.
• Give banking advice with delayed and missing payments and general issues.

You will have first-class service from highly trained people, able to resolve any query you have in a friendly and professional manner.

MUST-HAVE FEATURES AND DYNAMIC INNOVATION OF CASINOS ONLINE

You will want to play the best casino games that are available online and with this, access to the newest and latest bonus offers that will allow you to access these games freely to win real money without having to deposit money to play.

This isn’t a wild gaming fantasy, this is how you can approach your new online casino every day because it’s about having the greatest gambling services and platforms with the right features and innovative mindset to give players a truly memorable experience.

Award-Winning Online Casino Games

There are several pivotal points and factors within the subject of hands-on gameplay that helps to make a casino go from being good to being outstanding. It’s all simple and with fine margins, but unless those margins are met, the casino will not be in our top 10.

What helps to push a casino into the top 10 is the frequency of new slots and games being released. We players are a greedy bunch, ever wanting newer things and experiences. Consistently new releases added to a gaming menu help to mix up the diverse options of what to play and how to ultimately win.

When touching on diversity, casinos really should be in a position to offer and support players with alternative forms of entertainment, such as Live Sports Betting and Live Dealer Casino Tables.

It would be a real shame to be a Roulette fan and only have one or two variants of the game that plays on a virtual table. Gaming should be about choice and excitement and with live dealer experiences, the bar suddenly becomes raised upon the casinos trying to compete with those of a higher standard.

So, for you, these are exciting times as you will get to join multi-platform sites that provide every opportunity in gaming that has ever been made. With dynamic gameplay action, innovative features, global leading jackpots, and mobile access to play anytime and anywhere.

Free Game Demos

Before you commit to playing with real money, casinos can offer you demo games as a way of trying before using your finances.

First of all, using free demo games is perhaps the greatest strategy tool you have. You should always use demo games prior to playing with cash.

Through playing free demo casino games, you can learn more about budgeting and how to control wagering more smartly. You are in the best position to actually learn the game without any consequences should you lose.

The offer of free demo gameplay isn’t a feature of every casino, so do take the opportunity when it is available.

With free games, you will also be able to learn more about the developers behind them. Become familiar with who makes better games in your eyes. Does Microgaming make better Blackjack games than NetEnt and if so, what other games could you be capitalizing on?

At Casino City NZ.com, you can enjoy the same free demo games on any device. We hold the largest authentic casino gaming hub in New Zealand, free to play demos to help you learn before gambling to win real cash from the best casinos online.

Fair Promotions and Profitable Bonuses

If you are wanting to use a number of rewards offered by the casinos in our list, then you can do so whilst having peace of mind that all offers and bonuses have had their terms and conditions checked to make sure they are fair and honest with what is being sold to the customer.

We have always advised players to read the t&cs of casino bonuses before gambling with them, nevertheless, we have done the necessary checks for you so that you can focus more on playing than reading the small print.

There is a wide selection of bonuses that you are able to read about in full with our Casino Bonuses Guide.

Note that all newly registered players joining any casino from our site will be able to claim a welcome bonus offer that could be cash and free spins package. Further rewards will await you beyond this and throughout the rest of your membership across all casinos. Below are some examples of the bonuses that await you…

Bonuses with No Deposit

Play a game entirely free! The No Deposit Bonus is a no-strings-attached allowance. The No Deposit Bonus comes in different forms, you might collect some extra cash to play with, or a number of free spins to help you win.

The bonus itself is primarily used for virtual games within the casino, making free live gaming a rare occurrence should you find such an offer. With the bonus, what you win, you keep, just be sure to check the terms to confirm which games are eligible to play using the allowance.

Matched Deposit Bonuses

If you want a bonus that gives you a lot extra, then the Deposit Bonus is the choice for you. Yes, this is a requirement to deposit money in order to recoup the reward but seeing as you have to pay to play anyway, it’s better to capitalize on it at the same time.

The matched percentage of this reward changes from casino to casino. For example, you may see offers stating: Sign up and get a 100% welcome bonus. The average tends to be between 100% to 250%, meaning that if you deposit $100 to play the games inside, then the casino could give you up to 250% extra to help you win the jackpot from a spin on a slot to a winning deal at the Blackjack table.

Casino Online Welcome Bonuses

The welcome bonus is the first offer you could claim when you register to join a site. It is also a one-off limited offer, so if you don’t take it, it will be gone for good.

Every casino on our list has one of these bonuses that you can claim, they are, however, all different!

There are three likely welcome bonuses you could claim:

1. A matched % bonus, giving you extra money to play the casino games with.

2. A free spins bonus, giving you anything up to 500 spins to land a jackpot with.

3. A matched % deposit bonus and free spins package, to use across all online games.

It is worth noting that if a casino has a multiplatform site, then you will come across additional welcome bonuses for their live casino arena and live sports betting, should they provide these services.

Continual Promotional Bonuses for Members

You will be able to source more information about casino bonuses from the operator’s promotions page. Find all the rewards direct that will help you to scoop the jackpots from your favourite game.

Additional rewards found through continued promotions include:

Game of the Week Bonuses: Claim further free spins on the slot of the week.

Loyalty Bonus: Randomly deposited bonuses, 100% free, put into your account as a thank you.

VIP Club Bonus: The more you spin and wager real money, the more points you collect. The determine your VIP level and value of bonus reward you get.

Refer a Friend Bonus: Spread the word about how good your casino is and land extra money when friends and family sign-up.

Note: All bonuses have a wagering requirement, with exception of the No Deposit Bonuses. Take the time to read the terms so you know how to use the bonus correctly with gambling on a free spin or free cash credit.

ONLINE CASINO PLATFORMS VS. REAL LAND-BASED CASINOS

If you are new to the experience of playing online but have gambled before in real casinos, then this table is going to help you understand the pros and cons of which is the better environment to gamble in.

Is there even a better option? Does playing online help you to win more often? Do you have more games in a real casino? Let’s find out…

FAQ’S