All men around New Zealand know how important it is to find fun activities to enjoy during their spare time. The pressures of juggling work, family, and personal life can take a toll, so finding ways to relax is a must. There are some really cool things you could do to unwind after a busy day, and playing casino games online is certainly one of these.

These games are lots of fun to play, easy to understand and help you escape your normal life for a while. The number of casinos that Kiwi players can register with is growing all the time, which means that iGaming is one hobby which is on the up around the country.

Before you give online gaming a go though, you should take some time to find out more about it and how to approach it properly. So what are the essential pieces of information you need to know before signing up with an online casino in New Zealand?

1. Not all casinos are created equal

If you plan to play at an online casino in New Zealand, the first thing you should know is that not all iGaming platforms are created equal. Although many online casinos will have flashy websites and cool designs, this does not mean they all offer the same experience. While the vast majority are legitimate, you should still be aware that a small number of internet casinos are not.

Be sure to look for a casino which accepts players from New Zealand. Although many do, it's worth your while to double-check this first so that you don't waste time trying to sign-up with one that doesn’t.

In addition to this, even safe and secure online casinos in New Zealand will vary in the features they offer, so you'll need to do your research and find one that has everything you want as a player.

2. Finding one which accepts NZD is key

Any Kiwi who wants to play at online casinos should find one which accepts New Zealand dollars. Luckily, there are many safe casinos which accept NZD in 2023 so finding one should be fairly simple.

But why is this something which is worth knowing before playing casino games online?

It mainly comes down to convenience. It is a lot easier to game in your own currency than having to exchange it first into another currency which a platform accepts (such as US dollars or Euros). Converting to a different currency invariably comes with some sort of fee, so by starting out in NZD, you can also save some money.

In addition, being able to play with New Zealand dollars gives a better feel for how much you are staking per hand/spin and how much you have won or lost in a session.

3. Always play at a licenced online casino site

When it comes to any recreational activity, there are some things you should always do in order to keep yourself safe. Caving in New Zealand, for example, should always involve proper route planning, thorough checking of kit before starting, and having a plan for emergencies. Similarly, online casino gaming also comes with certain safety essentials, and only playing at licenced platforms is certainly one of the most important.

You should always play at regulated iGaming sites which hold a valid licence to operate from a respected body such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. You should never be tempted to register with a casino that does not hold an up-to-date licence to operate.

This is important to know because it will help keep you away from scam online casinos and ensure you only play at trustworthy sites. Playing at licenced casinos in New Zealand also means you are more likely to game at sites which are well-run and treat their customers well.

Most importantly, licenced gaming sites are more likely to use the latest security measures to keep your cash and sensitive personal details safe.

4. Bonus offers can vary between online casinos

A big drawcard for online casinos in New Zealand is the cool bonus deals which they give out. These can be in the form of welcome offers for new players (such as free spins or matched deposit deals) or promotions which reward existing players for their loyalty (such as cashback schemes or free spin giveaways).

Welcome bonuses and promotional offers can vary greatly between platforms, so choose the ones that best suit your personal preferences. If slots are your thing, then an offer of 500 free spins on a top slot you fancy trying might be the best option. If you are not a slots fan though, you may prefer a welcome offer of a 100% matched deposit up to 200 NZD.

With this in mind, it is crucial to shop around when looking for a casino to play at. This will help you find the best bonus offer for you personally and also give you the chance to check out the promotions various platforms have for existing players.

5. Customer support can make or break your experience

There are lots of factors to take into account when starting out with iGaming in New Zealand but customer support is one of the most important. Customer support levels can make or break your overall experience of gaming online.

It goes without saying that you should therefore look for internet casino sites which have knowledgeable, fast, and helpful support that is available via a variety of channels, including live chat, social media, email, and phone. It can also be practical to look for a site that offers 24/7 customer support, especially if the site is located in a country in a completely different timezone.

And of course, if the casino you register with is in a country that does not have English as a national language, always be sure that customer service is available in English.

By looking for casinos online which offer the above, you will have a much better iGaming experience and also be able to get the help you need quickly. Checking out online reviews is the best way to gauge how good a casino's customer service is – or you could always try to contact them before registering to see how they perform!

6. Game selection is something to consider

Whether you're an experienced gamer or a newbie, it's worth looking for an online casino which has a large selection of games to try across a number of categories. These include table games, slots, and live games. Finding an iGaming site which has games based on various themes or genres could also be worthwhile, allowing you to combine an existing interest with your gaming.

Choosing an online casino in New Zealand which works with the top developers in the sector is also wise. If the casino you play at carries games from studios such as NetEnt or Microgaming, for example, you can be sure that their games are fair and come packed with innovative features.

7. Mobile play can add an extra dimension to iGaming

The latest gambling statistics in New Zealand always make for interesting reading and show what a multi-faceted sector it is these days. Mobile play is certainly a key part of the industry.

Playing on your tablet or smartphone can really add a fresh new dimension to gaming online. It enables you to game whenever you like and wherever you are. It's a great activity for killing time when commuting on public transport or standing in a queue at the supermarket.

All the best internet casinos which accept Kiwi players cater to the mobile market, either by letting you play from your mobile browser or via a dedicated mobile app.

8. Stick to safe and secure payment methods

Just as sticking to licenced online casinos is a must, only using well-known, secure payment methods is also a no-brainer. It is just not worth compromising your personal details or risking your hard-earned money by using payment options which do not meet these criteria.

The best iGaming sites in New Zealand recognise this and will normally only carry payment methods which are safe to use. These include debit cards, credit cards, bank transfer and e-wallets such as PayPal or Skrill. Some sites for Kiwi players may also allow payment via certain cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin or Ethereum).

If you stick to regulated sites and only use secure, popular payment methods for your transactions, you should find it easy to remain safe when playing online.  

Key things to know when playing at online casinos in NZ

Finding fun stuff to do in your spare time is key for all men across New Zealand. While this might include things such as socialising with friends, playing sports, or enjoying outdoor activities, playing online casino games is also a top choice. It is key to know what you are doing before playing though, and the points above are all things you should take onboard before diving in.