Best Online Roulette Casinos in New Zealand

Best Online Roulette Sites in New Zealand (2023)

When a game has been around the gambling industry circuit since the 18th Century, you expect a deluge of information on it. Roulette is a classic example of such a game, sticking out like a fascinator on an elegant female racegoer’s hat. A standout at the brick-and-mortar casinos, the roulette wheel is mesmerising online platform gamblers nowadays.

Consequently, picking what type of roulette to play on entering the iGaming lounge of an online casino can be quite a daunting task for Aotearoa New Zealand enthusiasts. A game that will make many Kiwis yelp in delight, online roulette’s enchanting appeal is in its ability to entice players who bank on old-fashioned luck. In roulette, there aren’t any right or wrong strategic moves.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t pay to be careless especially when New Zealanders start entertaining the thought of watching the roulette wheel with dollar signs in their eyes. To avoid tripping, we have done some solid groundwork to help Kiwis dramatically reduce their risks. Apart from what online casinos’ virtual playground to choose, we urge New Zealand gamblers to have a ceiling on the amount of money they plan to wager.

Here’s a compact checklist for New Zealanders to follow before banking on a casino operator:

• Safety and security: This is paramount on our list. Start with online casinos that have established a stellar reputation on the foundation of the Malta Gaming Authority variety of licence. Such casino operators also subscribe to an eCOGRA type of third-party auditing whereby game fairness and transparency go a decent way in building trust with Kiwi players for an unforgettable gaming experience.
• Customer service: Kiwis want to be able to reach online casinos without working up a sweat when they find themselves confused or in a spot of bother. They expect the reliable operators to have enough avenues handy to contact them, rather than having someone push them from pillar to post to find the answers. It’s pointless playing on a platform when your stress levels are hitting the roof.
• Payout percentage: Nothing frustrates New Zealanders more than finding out they’ve been wagering on online casino platforms whose games gave them little chance of winning back some of their money, albeit theoretically, should they become lucky. We will put your mind at ease in explaining such variables as the “house edge” and “return to player” (RTPs).
• Payment methods: Again, having registered in comfort it’s a huge killjoy to find certain online casinos have exceptions on carrying out deposit and withdrawal transactions. Trustworthy online casinos only subscribe to payment providers of repute. They also have a finger on the pulse of what Kiwi gamblers prefer, including PayPal.
• Mobile-friendly games: The contemporary Kiwi gambler loves nothing more than to play online roulette on the run. When online casinos cannot guarantee a good percentage of their games will be accessible for a stress-free, interface engagement, then the entire process becomes a futile exercise.
• Variety of games: Online casinos that tick all the other boxes but fail to provide a different variety of games to stave off boredom will lose New Zealand gamblers. Kiwis don’t mind giving something new a go, even if it’s a little unfamiliar. Variety is the spice of iGaming life, too.

What’s online roulette?

Online roulette is based on the brick-and-mortar version of the game. Translated from French, the word “roulette” means “little wheel”. To comprehend how the online roulette functions requires an understanding of the original land-based version. The suspense kicks in from the time the croupier spins the wheel in one direction before flicking the ceramic/nylon/Teflon ball the opposite way around a tilted, circular track on the outer rim of the red-and-black numbered wheel. This spinning process takes an average 30 seconds (10 revolutions) before the ball loses its momentum in the running rail to drop into one of 37 (European or French style) or 38 (American format) pockets.

Players have the option to place a bet in a single slot or multiple ones, based on where they believe the ball will stop. If the ball rests in a slot number a gambler has picked, the croupier pays the player the winning odds of 1-36 (single-number bet), even though there are 37 possible outcomes. That offers the online roulette casinos what is referred to as 2.7% house edge, which translates to the operator claiming more money than it pays out to players in the long run.

For Kiwi newcomers, the house edge is a result of the “0” digit in the green slot or the “00” in the American version. The latter pays out the same odds, but its house edge jumps to 5.26%. That means the American version offers New Zealanders fewer opportunities to claim wins but, should they find luck, they’ll win back less money. Therefore, it’s common sense to opt for the European/French version.

Online roulette mirrors the concept of the land-based game, but the nitty gritty is fundamentally different with the absence of a ball and spinning wheel. It’s quite similar to how the pokies reels operate. Random number generators (RNGs) pick the winning numbers. The second you hit “spin”, the RNGs isolate the winning number from a sequence of digits based on a complex algorithm of probabilities.

What New Zealanders must grasp is that online casinos are business entities, so they are simply protecting their profit margins in exchange for gaming experience. The trustworthy operators make it abundantly clear that their house edge offers them a safety net from losses.

How to play online roulette

Having outlined a basic framework of what is the general thrust of online roulette, New Zealanders must note that online casinos have variants of the game where the rules will differ from one virtual playground to another, depending on the type of games. Single-number wagering is the stock standard proposition.

Kiwi gamblers can place bets in multiple ways on a table that is designed to cater for “inside” and “outside” wagering. They can go for the inside betting of 1-36 red or black slots (or even the green “0” or “00” ones). The other options in this category include corner, five, line betting, single number, split, and street.

The outside betting offers a wider spectrum of choices to New Zealand players who can form groups of colour and number combinations. That includes picking colour betting, dozen betting, even or odd numbers, high or low numbers, placing bets on two numbers simultaneously, or releasing the hand brakes to gun for column bets with the chance of doubling their returns.

New Zealand gamblers should understand that outside betting offers better odds of winning but coughs up smaller returns. Conversely, inside betting pays out handsomely but the chances of claiming a big win are more difficult.

The beauty of online roulette is that it doesn’t discriminate between beginners and seasoned campaigners. All you do is select a game that suits your needs. Here’s snapshot of different types that stem predominantly from the American, European, and French genres:

• 101 Roulette: Primarily, software provider Playtech has boosted the standard 36 numbers on a wheel to 105 slots to ramp up Kiwis’ adrenaline fix for those who have a thing about bigger wheels.
• Age of the Gods Roulette: This takes it to another realm with a progressive jackpot. A 100x multiplier makes the heart race. Kiwis also can eye bonus spins via extra wagering.
• Classic Roulette: An ideal option for beginners wanting a stock standard 36-numbered wheel to have a feel for the game.
• Dragon Jackpot Roulette: A great alternative to the standard European Roulette, this variant has a respectable RTP and bumper bonuses. It’s tailored for low-stake gamblers, offering flexible wagering limits.
• Frankie Dettori’s Jackpot Roulette: This will catch the eye of Kiwi horse racing lovers. It has a respectable 95.72% RTP and the Magnificent 7 progressive features spice up the game. Be careful, though, because the absence of demo games pushes one straight to real-money options.
• Penny Roulette: Exactly what the title suggests — the variant offers NZ1 cent to $NZ20 wagering. The RTP of 97.3% means it’s a low-risk, low returns, fun-filled fare with snazzy 3D graphics.
• Premium Pro Roulette: This Playtech version is slick with a 97.3% RTP. What will delight New Zealanders is the free/demo offer. Players can customise tables and enjoy acute camera angles.

Having selected your favourite game, place the type of bets you prefer, as stated above. Click the “spin” button to lock in your wager before activating the betting round. The rest of it is elementary. All reputable online casinos have tabs and links that give you tips and help menus. We advise Kiwis to become familiar with those outlines before playing.

Types of roulette games

While we have had to touch on the foundation of roulette that has spawned numerous variants, we believe it’s important to offer Kiwi gamblers, especially beginners, a bullet-point breakdown of what the pillars of the online table game are. Software iGaming giants, such as Authentic Gaming, Extreme Live Gaming, Evolution Gaming, Playtech, and Vivo Gaming, are pioneers in making online roulette games that usher gamblers off the beaten track.

• American Roulette: What differentiates this type from the others is its adoption of a double-zero slot added to the single one on the online roulette wheel. Overall, that boosts the American version to 38 slots, as opposed to the standard 37 one. For Kiwis’ benefit, that simply means the higher 5.26% house edge makes it a riskier game.
• European Roulette: A single zero equates to a simple game for New Zealanders. The European breed has an RTP that hovers between 97% to 98%, making it a less risky and more rewarding alternative. This genre tends to have cutting-edge graphics because software providers are trying to emulate the land-based experience.
• French Roulette: This version is remarkably similar to the European Roulette because of the single-zero wheel slot. Where it starts to make a difference is in the wagering department. The French Roulette boosts the even betting (red v black, even v odd, etc) with the “En Prison” and “La Partage” options. For the benefit of New Zealand beginners, that simply means if the wheel grinds to a halt on the zero slot you will have the protection of losing only half the sum of your wager (La Partage) or opt to freeze your bet until the next round (En Prison). Either way, this policy eats into the online casino’s house edge.
• Live Roulette: This is a version that comes closest to emulating the brick-and-mortar casino table game while Kiwis play from the comfort of their iGaming room at home. What will thrill New Zealanders most is losing themselves in a land-based casino atmosphere and interacting with croupiers, thanks to high-definition live streaming and acute camera angles. We gift this version a separate breakdown below.
• Mini Roulette: The name here is a big give away. The roulette wheel shrinks from its standard 37 slots to a 13-cavity version. Like the French escape clause, Kiwis benefit from the La Partage rule of claiming half their betting stakes should the ball nestle into the zero slot. If ball-watching isn’t your forte, this is your game.
• Multi-Ball Roulette: You can always trust the software providers’ think tank to come with enough variations to ensure no Kiwis will ever complain about a stale taste after playing online roulette games. This multi-ball variant can drop up to 10 balls amid a new group of bets coming into play, subject to where the spheres come to roost. Because it’s in a similar vein to European Roulette, New Zealanders shouldn’t have a problem grasping the gist of this game.
• Multi-Wheel Roulette: Like its ball-dropping cousin, this online roulette version isn’t for the faint hearted. It has the propensity to simultaneously bring to life up to eight wheels. Again, the multi-wheel variant has a root system similar to the European Roulette one, so Kiwi players should have few problems comprehending the concepts.

Joys of playing live roulette

The methodology of playing the live casino version of this form of roulette from either the comfort of your lounge or your mobile device while on the go is no different to the standard land-based or online game. A 37-slot wheel beckons Kiwis to place single or combination/group bets. They can then sit back to watch the croupier deftly slide the ball on the rail. Note that some online casinos allow gamblers to place bets while the wheel is still spinning.

The real-time interaction with the croupier and fellow players is priceless because land-based ones don’t offer that much leeway. The layout of professional studios and high-definition camera capabilities mean Kiwi players will enjoy the proximity and attention to details in playing live roulette. Some variants, such as Slingshot, don’t have croupiers. The smorgasbord of live roulette variants means one will be hard pressed to find a dissatisfied customer. Here are some variants:

• Double Ball
• Dual Play
• Immersive Roulette
• La Partage
• Lightning Roulette
• Live American Roulette
• Live European Roulette
• Live French Roulette
• Ra
• Slingshot
• Speed
• VIP Roulette

It’s important for New Zealand gamblers to brush up on the maximum and minimum betting limits that online casinos place on different variants. The minimum tends to float between the NZ50 cents to $NZ5 mark while the maximum ceiling can be levitating as high as $NZ2,000. The odd super variant can accommodate a ceiling raised to high as $NZ15,000.

Demo or free online roulette

The word “free” will capture the imagination of any breed of gamblers in New Zealand. Online casinos offer demo and free games on their mobile sites. It’s something beginners should embrace before embarking on real-money online roulette games. The beauty is Kiwis can access these games instantly, without having to download software or register for an account. It also negates the need to provide details of payment methods.

This no-cost, fun opportunity gives New Zealand players ideal time to not only become familiar with the rules but also work out what variants take their fancy. However, Kiwis must note that live roulette is not a free or demo option.

Time to cash in on some real money

Having grasped the playing concept with demo/free games, it’s time to enter the online casino lobby to cash in on some real money. It’s a different playground with a bigger assortment of games. The entry to the loyalty programme opens the doors to casino bonuses and random prizes. The live roulette table beckons on registering.

Online roulette tips and strategies

When you’re playing a game like online roulette that is built on RNGs, it pays to know that it’s as brutally random as any versions Kiwis will find on entering an iGaming lounge. This is an engaging game, but the returns tend to be smaller if you tread the safer route. Here are some tips that bank on common sense when you’re entering the real-money domain:

• Budget: Jot down your minimum and maximum limits. Adhere to it religiously, especially when online roulette has a fixation with speed.
• Certification: Make sure you pick online casinos that are not only trustworthy but also align themselves with reputable providers, such as eCOGRA auditors and licensing authorities.
• House edge: Know what the RTP is for any online casino operator’s table games. Logic suggests New Zealand gamblers should sidestep the American Roulette tables because of the 5.26% house edge. That also means picking your individual variants carefully because online roulette games don’t have very high RTPs.

This is where perceptive New Zealanders will ask a pertinent question. That is, can you really have any strategies in a game of chance?

We like to think it’s better to see it as taking a methodical approach rather than strategies set in stone. Fundamentally, these methods will help Kiwi players follow a set of guidelines that help minimise losses. Here are some guidelines to keep New Zealand gamblers in the straight and narrow when they play online roulette:

• D’Alembert: Here Kiwis will find a more orthodox approach to online roulette. The stable tactics urge New Zealanders to wager more cautiously after losing a bet. It banks on an even chance method that enables players to place bets on odd/even, black/red, high/low numbers. It’s a low-risk, low-reward scheme.
• Martingale: This is the approach that instils confidence in gamblers to take their foot off the brake. Every time New Zealanders register a loss, the Martingale philosophy is to double their stakes. The theory is that when they eventually strike a win, they’ll recoup all their losses.
• Reverse Martingale: Yes, you guessed it. Just flip the Martingale theory on its head. Kiwis should boost their wagers when they claim a win but tighten their purse strings when they record a loss. This plan requires online roulette players to register a cluster of consecutive wins early before having the composure to bail out with impeccable timing to minimise losses. No doubt, this is geared towards savvy gamblers who have comfortable deposits of money.
• Paroli: This method mirrors the Martingale one but impresses a reverse plan of action. Instead of doubling the stakes after every loss, the Paroli philosophy is to boost one’s bet after every win. The logic with this approach is that Kiwis are gambling with the online casinos’ money rather than their own while waiting to claim a win, so why not go to town.