Navigating the New Zealand online gambling scene is a little tricky. Gambling activities in the country are mainly land-based. The only way to play games online is through offshore casino sites.
But, the gambling industry is growing really fast too. So many international gambling sites have entered the market. With so many options, knowing which one to play on can be a little tricky. This post provides some helpful tips to help you find the best New Zealand casinos to play on for your safety and to ensure maximum returns.
Safety & licensing
Online gambling isn’t legally regulated in New Zealand. This means players have to turn to offshore sites to access online casino games. The problem with this is that there’s a real risk of ending up on rogue sites posing as legitimate offshore sites.
As a New Zealand player in search of an online gambling platform to play on, you should look out for properly licensed gambling platforms. Generally, these are the safest to join. You should only play on offshore sites with licenses from recognized regulatory authorities. Examples include the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association, and so on.
It’s not enough that the casino claims to have these licenses. You should try to verify the validity of these licenses before registering on these platforms. Besides the gambling license, ensure that the site is SSL-encrypted, and has strong firewalls to protect your private data and money.
Fairness
Similar to the point above, rogue offshore sites may also be dangerous to players because they offer games with unfair or manipulated mechanics which reduces your chances of winning anything. This is why you should always check out the casino’s fairness certification before playing games.
The best casinos regularly get their site audited by third-party organizations like the eCOGRA and GLI. The third-party testing organizations verify the fairness of the random number generator behind the casino games. It is generally safer to play in casinos that carry a seal of approval from any of these third-party testing bodies. Consider using a trusted portal like CasinoABC New Zealand to help you find a reliable casino and take a lot of work off your hands.
Bonuses
Bonuses are great because they reduce how much you have to spend on games and help you win more with less. This is why you should always look out for New Zealand casinos with great bonus offers.
Before you register to play in a casino, you should review the type and size of bonuses they have available. Some sites offer matchup bonuses, while others give you free spins. You may also get a combination of both as part of your welcome package. Be sure to review the terms of these bonuses. These include the wagering requirements, qualifying deposit, eligible games, and time limits.
The best New Zealand casinos offer generous bonuses for a small deposit, with low wagering requirements of about 20x your bonus or even less. It’s also great if the casino allows you to use the bonuses on all games. This increases your chances of meeting the wagering requirement before the bonus expires.
Games & software
Before choosing a casino site, check for the number and variety of games it offers. Although it isn’t a sure indicator of quality, the number of games offered by an online casino will determine your experience on the site. A site with over a thousand games from top developers is more likely to offer an enjoyable experience compared to a site with just a handful of games.
In addition to the quantity, you should also consider the variety and quality of games offered. The games should cover multiple categories including slots, table games, scratch cards, instant win games, and so on. This gives you different options to choose from so you can find a game that meets your preferences.
Mobile App Experience
These days, casino sites prioritize mobile gaming because most players access gambling platforms with their mobile devices. While a gambling platform does not necessarily need to have an Android or iOS app, the web platform should be mobile-responsive. This will make the game enjoyable regardless of the screen size of the device on which they’re being played. As an extra, it helps if the site has a smooth, intuitive, and beautifully-designed interface with nice engaging visuals.
Payment Options
As a basic requirement, the online casino should accept deposits in New Zealand dollars. This will make it easier to deposit payments instead of going through the stress of converting funds. The site should also support a good number of payment providers including some of the most popular ones like instant bank transfers, e-wallets like Skrill, and debit/credit cards.
Casinos these days support cryptocurrency payments, you can watch out for this specifically this is your preferred deposit method. In addition to the ease of deposits and withdrawals, you should also watch out for transaction fees and processing times. Beyond what the casino claims on its site, look out for customer reviews about the speed of payout.
You should also check for the deposit and withdrawal limits. If you’re a casual gambler on a small budget, then a low minimum limit should be your priority. Conversely, high rollers should look out for gambling platforms offering high withdrawal limits of up to NZ$10,000.
Customer support
Before you register to play on a casein, always test the quality of customer support. First, the site should provide multiple support channels, including emails and live chat. Phone support isn’t always available for offshore sites, but it’s a good option to have if it’s available. Next, you should consider the responsiveness of the site. The best sites respond to queries within minutes and are available 24/7. Finally, customer support should be helpful. The support agent should have accurate information and must be ready to help you resolve any issues that might arise with their services.
Ease of Use
Consider the general ease of use of the casino site before you register. Every crucial process including registration, claiming bonuses, deposits, and withdrawals should be seamless and straightforward. The casino site should also be organized with search boxes and filters so you can easily sort through games to find your preferred titles.
Conclusion
For a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding gaming experience, you should follow the tips above to select the best online casinos in New Zealand. You can also read expert and user reviews on reliable third party websites to get recommendations. This way you don’t end up on rogue or dubious gambling platforms.