Best Live Casinos in NZ

Best Online Live Casinos in New Zealand

The bustling sounds of machines churning wins, the welcoming smile of live dealers, and the adrenaline rush as you take on the house and players; are all elements that make live gambling the go-to option for New Zealand's most refined gamblers. 

However, finding an online site that delivers this experience without having trade-offs can be challenging. You've had to settle for glitchy software, unfair practices, poor game collections, and bonuses that leave much to be desired. 

We look to change this bad experience for New Zealanders by providing a list of the best online live casinos. You know, sites that deliver Vegas levels of play right from your screen. 

Let's discover these live gambling beauties now, shall we?

How We Choose the Best Live Casinos

Before recommending live casinos to gambling Kiwis, we ensure they tick several boxes, such as safety, live table variety, customer support, fairness, etc.

Safety & Licenses

For starters, we ensure that each live casino on our list has a valid license. These sites must have full licensing from regulatory organisations like the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or Curaçao eGaming.

Payout Percentages

Commonly tagged the Return to Player (RTP), payout percentages refer to the theoretical returns gamblers can expect over a wagering period. 

So, if a game's RTP is 96%, Kiwis should get around NZ$96 for every NZ$100 wagered. 

Payout percentages values on live tables eclipse those of other online casino variations. To ensure you have a chance at profitable winning combinations, place bets on live casino games with RTP values of 95% or more.

Note that RTPs on live games might differ depending on the casino. So, it's up to you to compare the values featured on our listed live casinos and make a pick.

Different Live Casino Tables

Variety is the spice of life. As we review live casinos for NZ players, we compare their live casino segments to hint at the live tables available on each. 

With gambling Kiwis favouring quality and quantity, we prioritise listing live casinos with 100s of tables that denote immersion and fluidity. These tables must also cover popular categories like Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Craps, Baccarat, etc.

Fair Play

Fair play is a vital criterion we consider when sourcing out the best live casinos in New Zealand. Platforms on our listing have the stamp of approval from eCOGRA.

The eCOGRA's Safe and Fair seal on the best NZ live casinos signifies:

• Swift and accurate payouts
• Fair gameplay through RNG (Random Number Generator) and RTP validation
• A secure and safe gambling environment
• The absence of fraudulent and criminal acts
• The protection of customers during disputes
• Prevalence of responsible marketing 

Customer Support

To ensure Kiwis have a seamless gambling journey, we only recommend sites that offer 24/7 customer support. Time and tide wait for no man, and when an issue crops up, you'd want to get back in sync immediately.

However, 24/7 support doesn't tell the whole story. 

Thus, we go further to check the response timelines on available alternatives, agent versatility, and, more importantly, whether issues are resolved or deflected.

Payment Methods

Another aspect we point a "shiny beam" at when listing NZ online live casinos is the range of banking channels available for Kiwis. Also, we take a peek at the charges on these alternatives, the average withdrawal timeline, and the transaction limits on deposits and withdrawals. 

The best live casinos in New Zealand earn a reputation for granting bettors access to many international and local options. You'll encounter options like Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, and PayPal on these platforms.

Mobile

A New Zealand live casino must be in sync with the times to rank among the best. Therefore, we only recommend platforms that promote on-the-go gaming with proprietary apps for iOS and Android devices. 

These apps must be fluid to give bettors an immersive and rewarding gambling experience.

Different Live Casino Games

Except you prefer a specific live casino title, the other segments at New Zealand live casinos should tickle your fancy. The platforms on our list feature the top five categories: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, and game shows. 

However, note that these casinos have the final say in setting RTP values on these games.

Live Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular gambling forms in the world. If you crave the thrill of competing with a live dealer, live blackjack games should be your "go-to."

To understand blackjack, you don't need a certificate in analytics, as gameplay is pretty simple. Here, you're dealt two cards. If both cards exceed "21", you lose. However, if the live dealer goes over this benchmark, you win. It's that simple.

Live blackjack outcomes are based on actual events as a live dealer shuffles the deck to deal two cards to you. You can play these games on smartphones and PCs. 

To ensure immersion, these games are available in "fullscreen" mode. What's more? There's always a table available at the best New Zealand live casinos 24/7!

Live Roulette

Another popular live casino game is roulette. Although roulette gaming might seem tricky on the surface, reading the basics makes it a suitable alternative even for newbie Kiwi bettors. Roulette earns a place in most gamblers' hearts due to its fast-paced nature.

Roulette exists in different formats, including American Roulette, French Roulette, and European Roulette. Albeit a game of luck, you can adopt strategies to draw yourself closer to decent winning combos. The best NZ live casinos make roulette gameplay immersive via HD streams and interactive functionalities like the live chat that allows exchanges between players and the dealer.

Live Baccarat

Famous among Asian bettors, live baccarat has seen a massive following by betting Kiwis due to its low house edge. Therefore, consider this title if you're looking for decent winning combinations. During gameplay, you should encounter close-up shots of the table, cards, and the actual dealer. These views heighten the thrill of gambling.

Live Baccarat might confuse newbies at first. However, with the live dealer setting up the table, all you need to do is choose between the Banker hand or Player hand. 

Live Poker

Unlike poker games played at land-based casinos, you won't get to make that "weird" poker face in live poker. However, this live gambling format is known for its thrill and immersion from start to finish. Although there are many live poker forms available, the standout performer among Kiwis is "Texas Hold'Em."

Texas Hold'Em takes the "exclusive" path by giving you a chance to battle against the dealer rather than other players. During gameplay, you'll get two "private cards" (same as the dealer). To effect a win, you must make the highest poker hand with the private and community cards at your disposal.

Game Shows

Would you like to try something new in the live gaming sphere? You might want to place game shows on your list of "must-try" gambling categories. Since the first game show, Dream Catcher (Evolution Gaming), made its way to the online casino arena in 2017, the craze for similar titles heightened. 

Unlike live poker, you don't need to adopt strategies to play live game shows. Your fortunes are dependent on luck. However, due to the upbeat mechanics integrated into most of these games, gambling responsibly is vital. 

The best New Zealand online live casinos make game shows "part and parcel" of their gaming lobbies. These sites feature popular titles like MONOPOLY Live, Deal or No Deal, Mega Ball, and Crazy Time.

Live Casino Software Providers

Before we place a live casino on our list, we check the quality of live casino games available. The best NZ online live casinos have live titles from top-tier software providers. Besides immersion, the availability of games from these developers signifies fair gameplay and great winning margins. 

Here's a list of our top three providers:

Evolution Gaming

No developer has more history than Evolution Gaming regarding live casino gameplay. They've set the bar so high that other providers are playing "catch-up." Evolution Gaming has so many awards in its résumé, thanks to stellar creations since its 2006 launch. 

Their reputation extends to gameplay as they make it a priority to feature excellent dealers. With "HD streams" against a backdrop of different animations, immersion and excitement prevail on Evolution Gaming titles.

Playtech

Playtech is a developer known for its pokie games. To expand its horizons, they ventured into the live casino scene. This move was a success, and the best live casinos in New Zealand host Playtech titles. 

Compared to Evolution Gaming, Playtech's catalogue is rather small. Nonetheless, it looks like this developer adopts the "quality over quality" tagline as their titles have all been hits so far. 

NetEnt

Besides Playtech, another provider famed for its pokie games is NetEnt. An ambitious and tactful developer, NetEnt has made a mark with its quirky and fast-paced titles. 

Seeking to step things up a notch, NetEnt dived into the live casino market. Although they have several titles available at the top NZ live casinos, NetEnt hasn't attained the level of industry juggernauts like Evolution Gaming and Playtech. 

Regardless, we expect this provider to release some mesmeric titles in the coming months. 

Live Casino Promotions For New Zealand Gamblers

New Zealand online casinos have promotions available for activation 24/7. However, many of these incentives aren't available for live casino games. Fortunately, online casinos are now issuing related bonuses with the popularity of live casino gameplay growing.

But what happens when your choice gambling platform doesn't have a live casino bonus? 

Firstly, opt into a regular offer at your preferred casino. If the site deems the incentive usable in the live casino, you can use it for wagers. However, note that your bets might not count towards wagering requirements.

The second way to collect live casino promotions is by keying into clear-cut live casino offers. Typically, you'll only have access to these perks on certain weekdays. Finally, you can receive a live casino incentive from the gambling platform. 

These are unique offers, and you may need to monitor the "Promotions" section closely to be amongst the first recipients. Here's a list of typical bonuses at the best NZ online live casinos:

• No-deposit bonuses
• Welcome bonuses
• Free rounds
• Cashback offers
• Birthday bonus
• Mobile bonus
• Loyalty and reward points

Irrespective of what live casino offer you choose, note that they'll be subject to wagering requirements. 

So, what are wagering requirements?

These values indicate how often you must wager a bonus before cash withdrawals. 

So, if a live casino offer valued at NZ$250 has a 20x wagering requirement, you must wager NZ$5,000 to collect wins made from the bonus. 

Are bonuses great? Yes. However, they shouldn't be a deciding factor when selecting a live casino site. See them as incentives curated to make your gambling adventure a tad interesting.

Tips to Implement When Playing Live Casino Games

Most gamblers are turning to live casino games due to their high immersion and excitement levels. Although making the transition to live gaming might be difficult at first, these tips should come in handy:

Check Your Internet Connection

Live casino games require a stable Internet connection for smooth sailing gameplay. So, before you get started on your favourite live table, ensure you have the proper Internet setup. 

Ignoring this aspect may lead to a disjointed and boring gambling adventure.

Pick an Excellent Strategy

You'll need to adopt a proven strategy to boost your winning chances. Although you'll have to tweak it to suit the title, going in with a plan ensures that you don't deviate from your original goal.

Gamble Responsibly

Despite the immersion levels on live casino titles, don't exceed your set bankroll when placing wagers.

Don't be overwhelmed by the winning values of others. Stay true to your course and know when to call it quits. 

Have an Eye Out for Promotions

While wagering, keep tabs on the platform's Promotion segment to see time-limited live casino offers. Although promotions are great, always go through their T&Cs to ensure you don't get the short end of the stick.

Virtual Reality: Is This the Future of Live Casino Gaming?

Virtual Reality is upon us. Although live casino gaming came into the picture a few years ago, the VR medium might take centre stage soon.

Virtual Reality will effect numerous changes. Firstly, it'll see gambling Kiwis seamlessly communicate with local and foreign iGamers. VR will make a major difference as live poker fans will finally get to make those strange "poker faces'' to unsettle their opponents.

Although the infrastructure to implement VR is in place, there's one drawback — the astronomic prices of VR headsets. The cost of these crucial add-ons will reduce people's excitement about joining the Virtual Reality train.

However, once these headsets become affordable, the rise of VR gaming will increase.