Best casino games online for real money
There are tens of thousands of online casino games, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Yet, most share one thing in common – you can play them for real money. With so many options available, it is natural to wonder what the best casino games online are.
New Zealand players can now choose with confidence as we’re here to recommend top games to play at real money casinos online from the following options:
Online pokies
Pokies (online slots) are the most popular and common games at online casino sites. They usually make up around 70-80% of a game portfolio. Perhaps the biggest reason slots are so appealing is because they mix simple (automatic) gameplay with videogame-like graphics and design. While the core mechanics of pokies are similar, games come in a massive variety of themes, gameplay mechanics, genres, jackpots, and other metrics.
The average Return-to-Player (RTP) of online slots is 96%, but some pokies will be higher and others lower. Because of their flexibility, pokies are ideal for all types of casino players, no matter what their favourite style or budget. Notable slot games at the best online casinos in NZ include Starburst, Immortal Romance, Book of Dead, Gates of Olympus, Cleopatra, and Knights of Avalon.
Online roulette
Roulette is the ultimate game of luck. It involves a metal ball being dropped into a spinning wheel, and the landing place of the ball deciding if the player wins. All you need to do is pick a number and watch the game unfold. That simplicity makes roulette perfect for beginners who want to move from slots to classic casino games.
Even so, roulette is a game experienced players can enjoy thanks to the complex betting options. Roulette also provides solid chances of success, with European roulette carrying a generous RTP of 97.30%.
Online poker
As one of the most popular games at real money online casinos, poker is available in multiple variants. Texas Hold’em is the most famous, but you’ll also find other variants at our top-rated casino sites, such as stud and draw poker online casino games. Each game has slightly different gameplay mechanics, but the core idea is the same. You will compete against a computer or other players to achieve the best poker hand.
No casino game has the same sense of drama as poker, while this is also a game that requires strategy and skill. Because you have a lot of control over betting and being able to withdraw (fold) hands, it is a good game for players who like to micromanage their bets.
Video poker online
As a unique blend of poker and pokies, video poker is an RNG version of the popular card game. Random number generator (RNG) software ensures all game outcomes are random and cannot be influenced by the casino or software provider.
In terms of video poker, it means you play against the computer instead of players, like in traditional poker. All poker hand rankings remain the same, and video poker games are available in many variants, such as Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, and Joker Poker.
Progressive jackpots
Progressive jackpot slots are unique pokies that have a jackpot that grows every time someone makes a bet until the prize pool is won. A portion of every wager is taken, and while there is a base jackpot, the progressive prize can run into millions of dollars.
Yet, these life-changing sums come with some compromises. For example, progressive pokies will have lower RTPs than standard video slots, while you may need to bet more to play for the main jackpot. That makes progressive slots games for NZ online casino high rollers or players willing to take risks in pursuit of big wins.
Online baccarat
Each baccarat game presents you with three choices, bet on the Player (you), the Banker (house) or a Tie. Both the player and the banker receive two cards, and you can decide which outcome is the most possible from the two hands you see. The goal is to get as close to the value of 9 without going over.
Baccarat involves much more than just random guessing, with complex betting strategies for different hand combinations. The Banker bet has a 98.95% RTP, and with sophisticated gameplay, there’s no wonder baccarat is the casino game of choice for James Bond.
Live dealer casino games
If you want to experience authentic casino gameplay online, live dealer games are just the ticket. These immersive games stream directly from a remote studio, providing high-quality visuals and a real human dealer. You can watch the action unfold in real-time and even participate in chats with players and dealers. Some of the best casino games online are live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and more.
Live casino games are perfect for players who want to feel more connected and have a social experience at gambling sites.
Online bingo
Housie is one of the most popular games, and many NZ online casino sites offer online bingo rooms. Some of these games will have unique themes, and others may offer free bingo with cash prizes. All you need to do during a bingo game is match numbers on your card to numbers called during the game. Despite that ultra-basic concept, bingo is a game of high tension and thrills. If you want a hands-off online casino gaming experience, bingo is ideal, as you can watch the action unfold without too much interaction.
Online sic bo
Sic bo (“precious dice”) is a dice game originating in China and is one of the oldest casino games. Three dice are held in a small box and then shaken. The dealer rolls the dice from the box, and the resulting numbers decide the winning/losing bets. During gameplay online, you will see a sic bo betting table highlighting all available dice combos you can be on. Because it is exciting and fast-paced, sic bo is an attractive option for players who want to have a lot of betting action in a short space of time.
Online craps
An accessible casino site game that newbies can enjoy as well as experienced players, craps is the famous casino dice game. You roll two virtual online craps dice and bet on the potential outcome of the roll. If you want to make craps as beginner-friendly as possible, that’s all you need to know. However, if you want more betting nuance and strategy, there are various rules and bets to use that will appeal to players looking to immerse themselves in craps gameplay.
Online scratch cards
Instant wins are popular casino games that you can play to potentially win… well, instantly. Just like real scratch cards, you can select an online scratch card based on the design and potential payout you want. Scratch away and reveal the symbols or words that tell you if you win. You’ll need to match the specific symbols given on the card to win prizes. Scratch cards are a good option if you are on a quick session or prefer to take the ultimate game of chance at casinos online.
Where to play casino games in NZ?
A closer look at the best casinos for real money games
To make it onto our top-rated NZ casino list for real money games, there must be several things online gambling sites do well. We of course review the games and look for interesting gameplay, quality design, lucrative prizes, fairness, and features.
But we also look beyond this when it comes to the best casinos in New Zealand. We consider gameplay at mobile casinos also and we also ensure that we only recommend regulated online casinos. We want you to have a secure online casino experience.
Either way, each of the top casino games we recommend has been thoroughly tested and fairly rated by our industry experts. All the sites on this page represent the best NZ casinos currently available to play your favourite casino games.
| Rank | Casino | Welcome bonus | Number of casino games | Win rate | Play for real money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1
| Jackpot City Casino | NZ$1,800 | 500+ | 97.84% | |
#2
| Spin Casino | NZ$2,000 | 550+ | 97.59% | |
#3
| Quickwin | 100% up to NZ$1,000 + 200 Free Spins | - | 98.5% | |
#4
| Rizk | EXCLUSIVE $4000 + 50 Free Spins | - | 96.68% | |
#5
| Merkur Casino | NZ$500 + 50 Free Spins | 600+ | 96.08% | |
#6
| Mirax | NZ$1,500 + 150 Free Spins | 8000+ | 97.06% | |
#7
| 7Bit | NZ$5,000 + 100 Free Spins | 7000+ | 97.5% | |
#8
| TonyBet | NZ$1,500 + 120 Free Spins | 4000 | 96% | |
#9
| BetandPlay | NZ$750 + 150 Free Spins | - | 97.53% | |
#10
| Winawin | Up to NZ$6.825 + 1.800 Free Spins | 3000+ | 98.25% |
Features of the top NZ casino for games
At the real-money NZ casinos highlighted on this page, you can expect features that will enhance your online gaming experience. It's not just about having the top gambling games - most online casinos do. Top casino sites look at the entire casino lobby experience both in terms of quantity and quality.
Our team of casino industry experts look for the following features when we review an online casino:
🎮 No. of casino games | 500 – 3,000+ |
🎰 No. of online pokies | 500 – 2,000+ |
💰 No. of progressive jackpot games | 20 – 50+ |
🃏 No. of blackjack games | 10 – 40+ |
🛞 No. of roulette games | 10 – 40+ |
🎲 Other popular casino games | Baccarat, craps, game shows, instant wins, video poker |
🧑 No. of live dealer tables | 50 – 100+ |
⚙️ No. of software providers | 20+ |
⭐ Most popular casino game | Starburst |
🥇 Top software provider | NetEnt or Microgaming (pokies), Evolution Gaming (live casino) |
Real money casino games vs free demos – which are for you?
Real-money games are what online casinos are all about. Each game is built for players to risk their own bankroll in the pursuit of winning cash. So, the idea of free online casino games may seem counter-intuitive. However, there are plenty of benefits to playing games for free, which is why most casino operators offer game demos.
We recommend trying free and real money casinos but it is still essential to know the pros and cons:
| Real-money casino games | Play for real money prizes | Be eligible for casino bonuses | Access live dealer games | You are risking your own money on every bet | Not ideal if you are on a budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free casino games | Test a new game without risking your money | Play for free without providing financial details | Practice betting strategies before using them on real money games | You cannot claim casino bonuses | There is no way to win real money playing for free |
| Real-money casino games | Free casino games |
|---|---|
| Play for real money prizes | Test a new game without risking your money |
| Be eligible for casino bonuses | Play for free without providing financial details |
| Access live dealer games | Practice betting strategies before using them on real money games |
| You are risking your own money on every bet | You cannot claim casino bonuses |
| Not ideal if you are on a budget | There is no way to win real money playing for free |
How we rate the top live casinos
We have helped tens of thousands of players at New Zealand casinos connect with the best games online. Thanks to our vast experience, our reviews can also help you! We carefully select games and online casinos where you can play them.
A lot of work goes into testing and rating a game, with our team using a strict multi-step review process that covers the following considerations:
Quality & quantity of casino games
No two online casino NZ game lobbies are the same, and we understand players look for different things. Of course, casino sites with thousands of popular games are fantastic because they provide the ultimate flexibility. Even so, you can also find NZ online casinos with smaller game portfolios. These sites take game curation seriously and deliver quality over quantity.
Honestly, both approaches work, although smaller portfolios require more attention if they are to be good. We generally look for online casinos with anywhere from 500 to over 3,000 games. Pokies will always dominate the available games, and we like to see between 350 and 2,500 (and even more) options. As live dealer games grow in popularity, top online casinos should provide dozens or hundreds of live options. We will consider recommending sites with smaller selections, but only if they really excel.
Variety of software providers
Behind any high-quality game portfolio is strong support from software providers. There are dozens of casino game developers out there, from major studios to smaller independent providers. To give New Zealand casino players access to the most popular casino games, we choose sites that partner with as many software companies as possible.
Notable names we expect to see at an online casino include NetEnt, Microgaming (Games Global), Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Big Time Gaming, and more. An excellent online casino will have anywhere from 10 to 50 providers on board, giving players as much choice as possible.
Live casino bonuses & tournaments
Here’s the truth about the best casino bonuses: they can be hit and miss. On paper, all promotions look good, but the quality test comes with terms and conditions. If an offer is potentially lucrative but locks you out with harsh T&Cs, it is a pointless bonus. That is why we purposely look for a trusted online casino that get the balance of generous bonuses with accessible T&Cs just right.
Bonuses you can expect to find include a welcome bonus, free spins, deposit match, no deposit bonus, and more. Remember, you should always read the terms and conditions and look for the following information:
Wagering requirement (WR): How much you need to wager the deposit and/or bonus amount before cashing winnings won with the bonus. The average wagering requirement ranges from 35x to 40x, but the best casinos will feature playthrough requirements of 15x or lower.
Game weighting: Games contribute to the wagering requirement by a percentage of your bets going to the WR. Online pokies are usually a 100% contribution, while table games will range from 5% to 30%. Live dealer games and contribute anywhere from 0% to 20%.
Payment restrictions: Some payment methods are not accepted as part of a bonus. Notable common examples are Skrill and Neteller. While you can use these options to deposit funds at compatible casino sites, your deposit will not be eligible for a bonus.
Average payout
RTP (Return to Player) is a metric that details how much a casino or game pays back to players on average for every unit spent. If we use pokies as an example, the average RTP is 96%. This means, on average, for every NZ$1 spent, a game will pay back NZ$0.96. This average is taken from hundreds of thousands of spins, so you may beat the RTP and win on one spin or lose and win nothing.
Even so, RTP is a handy metric for deciding on a casino or game. We select casino sites with a generous overall RTP, meaning players stand more chance of recouping their money. As for games, choosing a higher RTP casino game is helpful. Even so, lower RTP games often have higher prizes, so it is worth weighing up the risk-to-reward ratios for all games.
Games lobby usability
Having easy access to online casino games is essential. When we review a casino online, we always report on how well the website and mobile app work. Game lobbies should be easy to navigate, with sections for different games clearly marked. If a casino operator also provides filters such as “new games”, “top titles”, “choose by provider”, and other metrics, we will award extra points to the overall rating.
Some casino sites provide more access to players once they register. Non-registered visitors will see a more limited UI. Not all operators do this, and our reviews will detail if an online casino restricts access before you sign up.
Safety & game fairness
New Zealand only offers land based casinos under the New Zealand Gambling act. Local online casinos are unavailable, but you can play games at sites regulated by international authorities. When you visit any of the best casino sites, you know that the operator handles your safety and security professionally and to high standards, ensuring fair play. For one, we only recommend casinos that have a license from a reputable regulator such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
We also report on casino operators’ actions to ensure their games are fair and random. For example, we mention which independent testing labs casinos use, such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or Gaming Labs International (GLI). These organisations verify that casinos do not manipulate the outcomes of games. Lastly, we examine the privacy policies and security measures of casinos, such as when sites use technologies such as SSL encryption to protect customer data and prevent unauthorised access.
Overall casino rating
We know that the only way our readers can enjoy the best casino games online is if the overall casino experience is excellent. That is why our review team covers every aspect of a New Zealand casino operator. We dig into most casinos to ensure you have the best experience. Each of our reviews checks payment methods, security, customer support, mobile capabilities, cash-out speeds, and more.
Only when we are done testing all these factors can we provide an overall review based on our findings. Importantly, each review is entirely impartial, allowing us to recommend only the top-tier casino operators for NZ players.
Learn more with our casino game guides
Surely you are now ready to get out there and explore the world of popular casino games. Before you head off to play the latest and greatest pokies, table games, and live dealer games, we have one last helping hand to give. Playing real money casino games has never been easier, and with the following guide, you can be up and running within minutes:
How to play casino games and win real money
- 1Choose an online casino: Compare our list of top online casinos and click the accompanying link for the site that appeals to your needs.
- 2Register with the casino: Click the “Register” button and sign up by providing your personal info (name, address, email, phone, location, etc.).
- 3Open your account: Confirm your account by interacting with the casino email in your inbox. Your casino account is now open.
- 4Deposit funds: Navigate to the “Cashier/Banking” section and choose your deposit method. Follow the instructions and enter how much you want to deposit. Finalise the transaction.
- 5Play online casino games: Head to the game lobby and choose the game you want to play. Click play and read the game rules. Place your bet and start the betting round.
- 6Withdraw your winnings: Congratulations, you are now playing online casino games and can potentially win a real-money prize. If you do, you can cash out winnings. Your first withdrawal will require you to provide ID and proof of address to the online casino.
Real money casino game FAQs
What casino games can I play online for real money?
The complete portfolio of an online casino will be available for real money gameplay, including pokies (slots), live dealer games, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, game shows, instant wins, poker, bingo, video poker, and more. Read more about popular casino games earlier on.
What’s the best online casino game to play?
The best online casino game to play will depend on your style, budget, and personal preference. However, online slots are the most popular and common online casino games. Because pokies are easy to learn, fun to play, and widely available, they are an excellent choice for beginners or experts and budget players or high rollers.
What is the easiest casino game to win real money?
Blackjack is a good choice if you want the best chance of winning. This is because blackjack has an RTP of over 99%, which is the highest average payout rate among casino games. However, you can also find roulette, baccarat, and even slot games with generous RTPs at any of the casinos we recommend earlier.
