Below we’ve collected some of the most common questions New Zealand players have about online casinos, safety, payments, legality and how we rate the brands we work with. If you’re new to online casinos, this is a good place to start – and you can always click through to our guides and reviews for more detail.
1. Is online gambling legal in New Zealand?
Online gambling is a bit of a grey area in New Zealand. Land-based casinos and local operators are strictly regulated, but New Zealanders are allowed to play at overseas online casinos as long as the casino is based and licensed outside of NZ.
New Zealand government to introduce its own gaming license from 1 January 2026
2. Do I have to pay tax on my casino winnings?
For most casual players, casino winnings are not taxed in New Zealand. Gambling is generally treated as entertainment, not as regular income. However, this is not legal or financial advice. If you are unsure about your situation, you should always speak with a professional.
3. How do you choose which casinos to recommend?
We only recommend casinos we believe are safe, licensed, and fair. We look at things like:
- Licensing and ownership
- Bonus terms and wagering requirements
- Withdrawal speed and payment methods
- Game selection and software providers
- Customer support and player feedback
Casinos with a history of serious complaints or unfair terms are not listed on our site.
Learn more about us and how we review casinos
4. What does your rating (1–10) actually mean?
We use a 1–10 rating scale to show how strong we think each casino is overall.
Very simplified:
- 1–4 = Below average / Bronze level
- 5–8 = Good / Silver level
- 8–10 = Top-tier / Gold level
The score is based on the complete picture: safety, bonuses, terms, payments, games, support, and user experience.
Learn more about our score system
5. How do I know if an online casino is safe?
A safe online casino should have:
- A valid license from a respected authority (e.g. MGA, UKGC, etc.)
- Encrypted connection (https)
- Clear terms and conditions
- Transparent bonus rules
- A good reputation among players
We only recommend casinos that pass our own safety checks, but you should always use your own judgment too.
Learn more about safe offshore licenses
6. What payment methods are best for NZ players?
Many New Zealand players prefer:
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal – where available)
- Prepaid / vouchers
- Bank transfers and sometimes instant bank solutions
The best method depends on what you value most: speed, privacy, or low fees.
Learn more about payment options
7. How fast can I withdraw my winnings?
It depends on the casino and payment method. In general:
- E-wallets: often within a few hours after approval
- Cards & bank transfers: 1–5 business days
- Crypto (if allowed): sometimes very fast, depending on the casino
We highlight withdrawal speed in our reviews so you know what to expect before you start playing.
Learn more about fast withdrawal options
8. What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?
If gambling stops being fun and starts to feel like stress, pressure, or a way to solve money problems, it’s important to act quickly.
- Take a break from all gambling
- Use self-exclusion tools at the casino
- Contact a professional support organisation in your country
You are not alone, and there is help available.
Learn more about responsible gambling
9. Can I play at online casinos using NZD?
Yes, many online casinos that accept New Zealand players support NZD as a currency.
At some casinos you might have to play in another currency (like EUR or USD). In those cases your bank or payment provider may charge a small conversion fee.
We highlight currency options in our reviews so you can quickly see whether a casino supports NZD or not.
Check out all safe casinos that accept NZD
10. What is the minimum age to gamble online in New Zealand?
You must be at least 18 years old to gamble online if you live in New Zealand.
Land-based casinos in NZ may have higher age limits, but for overseas online casinos that accept NZ players, 18+ is the standard requirement.
Learn more about the legal age for gambling online
Have more questions?
If you still have questions or need more help, feel free to contact us. Our team is happy to assist and guide you with any NZ online casino queries.