The number of online casinos seems to be growing almost by the minute. In 2021 there is such a wide range of casinos catering to all kinds of players. While having a choice is a good thing, it can also make it challenging to figure out which one to choose. Where does one start, and what do you look for?
No wonder if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. No one could blame you for that. But don’t fret because we’re here to help. We’re constantly trawling the web on the lookout for new casinos, signing up for the newcomers and making sure that the old guard delivers on the same promises that made them popular. We’re doing the legwork helping you find the best online casino in New Zealand.
Different players will have different criteria for what they’re after, so we’ll be listing some of the elements to look for in the following.
How to find the best online casino
Where do you even start when deciding if an online casino is worth your time? A great place to start is with the welcome bonus.
Online casino welcome bonus
More often than not, this is the deciding factor for players choosing the best online casino in New Zealand. A good casino welcome bonus is vital for most players. A welcome bonus is your first introduction to a casino, and you only get one chance at a first impression. That’s why most casinos put time and effort into providing the best possible bonus.
What is a welcome bonus?
A casino welcome bonus is an introductory offer designed to make you sign up and create an account at a casino. It is usually a generous offer consisting of two or more parts. Often it is a deposit bonus that looks something like this: Get 100% extra up to $500 + 200 Free Spins. This is considered to be on the generous side of things, but a good online casino will gladly offer up this to new customers.
So how do we break down this offer? Starting with the first part, the casino will double your first deposit up to a certain amount, in this case up to $500. So if you deposit $500, you get a total of $1000 to play with. It is worth noting that this is the maximum bonus amount and that they will double any amount lower than this. So if you want to dip your toes in with $30, you are free to do so (and will get $60 to play with).
The best part of this bonus is the 200 Free Spins you receive. Usually, you get access to the entire bundle with the first deposit. That would mean that you get to try some of the best online pokies in return for a tiny deposit. This is the best way to get a “feel” for a casino; what better way to familiarise yourself with a new site to spin some of their most popular games for free? These spins are often awarded over several days, too, giving you entertainment for days on end.
A good game selection
If you thought the selection of casinos was extensive, you should wait until you see the available selection of online pokies. There are thousands of different games in all shapes and sizes, catering to every imaginable and individual taste. Choosing a casino that offers an enormous library will be essential for your overall experience.
Do you fancy old-school fruit machines? Perhaps you only play the latest games released, excitingly reading up on the new features and groundbreaking graphics? Maybe you prefer the authentic thrill of a round of blackjack in a Live Casino. Get yourself a casino that offers all this and more. That way you know you can always find something that suits your mood on any given day.
Licensing
Licensing might not be something most players consider, but it’s still essential. If an online casino holds a reputable license, you can rest assured that you are playing in a safe environment. This means that all games are adequately vetted and protected by Random Number Generators, and more importantly, that your funds are secure at all times.
The two most reputable licenses any casino can hold are from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission. If a casino has a license from either of these authorities, you can rest assured that it’s safe to play there.
Customer Service
Responsive and helpful customer service can make or break your experience when playing pokies online. If you encounter any issues, be it with payments or certain games not opening, you’d want that to be resolved promptly.
Choosing an online casino that offers 24/7 Customer Service is especially important for players in New Zealand. Factoring in the time difference to Europe, where most casinos are based, you’d be met with closed doors at a casino that only offers support “during business hours”. Finding a casino that provides English-speaking customer service around the clock ensures that you always get help if you need it.
Payment methods
You should always look for an online casino that offers a wide range of payment options for deposit and withdrawal. This includes popular methods in New Zealand such as bank transfer, VISA and Mastercard and a selection of e-wallets. These are the methods that most Kiwi’s use for playing online, and most online casinos catering to New Zealand will offer these.
You should still double-check what methods are offered before signing up, so that you don’t risk making an account at a casino that doesn’t accept your preferred method of payment.
Once you have double-checked all the things, you are ready to start your casino adventure online. Sign up, make a deposit and take advantage of a casino welcome bonus to play the most popular online pokies.
Make sure to check back on this website regularly to see updates about what’s moving in the casino space for New Zealand.