The Best Live Casinos in New Zealand
Do you want to play casino games in real-time without leaving your home? Live dealer casinos make this wish come true for all Kiwi gamblers. We have made a collection of the best live casinos in New Zealand, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know before registering at one.
Our team is consistently on the lookout for new NZ casinos with live dealer games that will meet our criteria, and we also regularly update our ratings and data to provide accurate info for our readers from New Zealand.
TOP 10 Live Casinos NZ
For all live casino games enthusiasts, we have selected and made a list of the top 10 live casinos that are safe and secure for Kiwi players.
These New Zealand casinos have undergone our strict examination and are deserving of their place on the list due to their security and diversity of live games.
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#1
SkycrownA brand new site launched in 2022, Skycrown offers lots of pokies, tables, cards, and live games by 50+ software providers. |
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SkyCrown Casino Review |
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#2
Stay CasinoAnother new addition to the gaming industry, Stay Casino provides games by 50+ software providers and many bonuses. |
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Stay Casino Review |
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#3
Joo CasinoLaunched in 2014 and licensed by Curaçao, Joo still offers top casino games and generous promos. |
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Joo Casino Review |
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#4
Tsars CasinoTsars is a safe casino site licensed by Curaçao that offers a substantial prize of NZ$2,000. |
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Tsars Casino Review |
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#5
Casino RocketRewarding players since 2020, newcomers at Casino Rocket can spin the fortune wheel for an amazing start. |
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Casino Rocket Review |
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#6
Golden CrownGolden Crown offers more than 2,500 games for all Kiwi gamblers, and it is licensed by Curaçao. |
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Golden Crown Casino Review |
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#7
TangiersTangiers Casino is a Kiwi gambling site with many games on disposal, and it has actively operated since 2016. |
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Tangiers Casino Review |
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#8
N1 CasinoImpressive online casinos for first-time players with nice bonus offers and loyalty program. |
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N1 Casino Review |
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#9
Hell SpinAnother new site, Hell Spin, portrays a great welcome pack and games by 60+ software vendors. |
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Hell Spin Casino Review |
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#10
Ricky CasinoLicenced and regulated by multiple supervisory bodies, Ricky Casino is exceptionally risk-free and also fun to gamble at. |
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Ricky Casino Review |
What are live casino games?
Live casino games are a special type of online game that enables gamblers to play, wager, and communicate with other participants in real time. These live casino games are hosted by a live dealer, which guides all participants throughout the process, announces results and controls the gameplay, similar to what a croupier does in land-based casinos.
The most appreciated thing about live games is the fact that Kiwi gamblers can feel the thrill of playing at a land-based casino, having no need to get out of their cozy homes. Moreover, they get to interact with real people, both participants in the game and the live dealers themselves.
Consequently, casinos that offer a wide range of live games are called live casinos, and these online websites offer several tables to enter, where a live dealer casino will greet you and guide you through the gameplay.
How Live Casino works – basic principles
For an NZ site to be classified as a live dealer casino, there are several principles to be followed.
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The casino needs to provide a setting where all the live games will take place and be streamed back to players. This setting is usually a dedicated studio or a separate premise in the land-based casino itself, where live dealers and their tables are located, along with several high-definition cameras for a spotless stream.
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NZ players then watch a stream of the game and the table, having a transparent view of the whole table.
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To participate in the game, players need to use virtual cards or chips and follow the rules set by the dealer.
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The dealer follows the game and participants’ bets on a dedicated screen, thus ensuring the process is smooth and easy for everyone.
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The designated live chat serves for communication between game participants and the live casino dealers, simulating a real-life experience close to an actual gambling establishment.
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Fair play is guaranteed when playing live dealer games because a game happening in real time cannot be rigged.
How to find the best NZ live casino
The vast choice of live casino online lobbies and the number of games they have on offer make it even more complicated to select a legitimate and scam-free casino with live dealers. When searching for the best live casino, there are several factors that every NZ gambler needs to consider, and we present the most important ones below.
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Read online reviews – We advise you to stick to reputable reviewing sites like ours and select from the casinos we recommend since they are all checked and approved by our team.
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Diversity of live games – A wide range of live games to choose from is vital when playing this type of games, so never skip checking out the lobby and the variety before registering.
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Promotions linked to live games – The best live casinos will have bonuses that are specially tailored for Kiwis who play live casino games, such as a dedicated Live Welcome Bonus or some reload promotions.
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Table Limits – Another point to consider is the table limits for live games and whether there are tables that offer enough diversity when limits on bets are in question.
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Payment alternatives – Never skip visiting the Banking section of a live casino to ensure that payment methods are included that are suitable for your needs.
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Game Providers – Collaborating with many software providers, but also quality ones, is imperative for a casino that offers live games, so always pay attention to the game developers present.
How we choose our recommended live casinos
Our selection process for casino live websites is founded on several criteria and strict parameters, which we consistently recheck and update to suit the advancements of the market. The following are our points of consideration when choosing a live casino for our recommendations list.
Fast download of games
We analyze the live games presented in the lobbies of casinos and can confirm that they are fast loading and quickly download all the features and data necessary for a well-functioning live casino game. Moreover, we test the quality, which shouldn’t be disputed, as these games bring a similar experience to Kiwi players as playing in a land-based casino.
Accessibility from mobile devices
A great number of players from New Zealand prefer playing live games from their mobile devices. So, we check whether online live casinos have, at least, the majority of their games optimized to be played via Android and iOS devices, as well as collaborate with providers who produce mobile live games for the convenience of gamblers on the go.
Minimum Deposit
Our team also checks whether these casinos have a fair minimum deposit required to play live dealers casino games. There are Kiwi gamblers who are beginners in playing live games, so they need the ability to start off low-key without depositing too much in the beginning.
Stable connection
We check if live casino websites provide stable online platforms for Kiwi gamblers and games that will be reliable and constant, without glitches or interruptions. Live games require a steady connection and constant surveillance of the gameplay, so that’s another point our team pays attention to when making the selection.
Friendly dealers to help you with your problems
We always join a live table to check the behavior and assistance of live dealers. Since live dealers are the central role of this type of casino game, they should always be friendly, helpful and attentive to all participants in the game. NZ players, especially beginners, who are in need of assistance should be able to get it from the live dealer at any point during the game.
Real Chance to Win
Transparency and fairness of the games is of utmost importance, and players should feel confident that they stand a real chance to win when playing live dealer games. The games should be fair and not rigged in any way, so we also inspect whether Kiwis have an equal chance to win as if playing at a land-based casino.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of the casino itself are indisputable when we are choosing a live casino NZ. All the casinos on our recommendation list are licensed by an official regulatory body and hold advanced security certificates.
Live Casino Promotions
We pay attention to the existence of promotions related to live casino games. Gamblers who prefer playing live dealer games should also be rewarded with several promotions that are specially created for this type of game, some of which are a Live Welcome Bonus, cashback on live games, and other reload bonuses.
Types of live casino games
Online live casino websites feature several types of casino games. Registered Kiwi players can choose to play between a live version of the table and card games, such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat.
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Live Roulette
Live Roulette is a well-known game among Kiwi players, and seeing the ever-so-popular wheel spin in real-time brings extra excitement for gamblers. Casinos offer different varieties of Live Roulette, and NZ players can choose to play American, European, French, or other types of live roulette in our recommended casinos.
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Live Blackjack
Blackjack is always a top choice among Kiwi players, and this popular card game is also present in the lobbies of the best live casinos. 21 is an important number in Blackjack – players should make a combination as close as this number, but never exceed it – all in real-time on any of our recommended live dealer casino websites.
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Live Poker
Live Poker is only for the most experienced gamblers, as it comes in many variants, and its rules can alter depending on the type. The most common variants that can be found in live lobbies at NZ sites are the live versions of Texas Hold’Em, Caribbean Stud, and Let It Ride.
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Live Baccarat
The most common variants of Live baccarat are Punto Banco and Dragon Tiger, and these can be found in the lobbies of many NZ live dealers’ casinos. The rules of this game involve the gambler wagering against the live dealer, which is another reason why Live Baccarat is among the most played live casino games on online NZ casinos.
Popular Live Dealer Casino Games in New Zealand
It isn’t possible to play every type of casino game in real-time, which is why some game types are more present in live lobbies than others. The most popular live casino types of games are card games, table games, dice and specialty games, and the wheel of fortune.
Almost every type of these has its most played live game by Kiwi players, and below, we’ll share the current most popular live casino games in New Zealand.
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Deal or No Deal – An exciting live specialty game that has a theoretical RTP of 96.42% and three bonus rounds.
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One Blackjack – This game is a famous variant of the Blackjack card game that makes it possible to win 2,000x your wager.
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Lightning Roulette – This game is the most played version of Live Roulette and offers extra rewarding numbers and payouts up to 500x your bet.
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Mega Wheel – This self-explanatory game involves a wheel of fortune that spins and distributes miscellaneous prizes, offering the possibility to win up to 500x your bet.
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Andar Bahar – A mega-popular card game that allows players to win up to 4,000x their wager.
Top live dealer casino providers in NZ
When we talk about live games, we cannot skip but mention the best providers that produce live dealer games for NZ casino sites. There are hundreds of software vendors that NZ casinos collaborate with; however, we portray the best of the best in the table below.
| Provider | Description |
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Evolution Gaming |
Founded in 2006, Evolution Gaming produces live slots, live table games, live game shows and many other casino games for Kiwis. |
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NetEnt |
NetEnt is a reputable software provider that has produced hundreds of quality live casino games for online casinos in New Zealand. |
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Microgaming |
Among the biggest names on the list, Microgaming offers live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, sic bo, and many other table games. |
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Playtech |
Since 1999, Playtech has delivered top-notch live games for NZ sites, including live baccarat, roulette, poker, and others. |
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Lucky Streak |
Concentrating mainly on producing live casino software, live games of Lucky Streak are available at almost every NZ active casino site. |
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Vivo Gaming |
This live games software producer is among the leading names present at online casinos in New Zealand, producing live games since 2010. |
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Ezugi |
Ezugi is focused on producing quality live games software only, and it has done so ever since 2012. |
Playing with mobile apps and mobile versions
The best live casinos offer a selection of live games for mobile players too. The recommended NZ sites on our top lists have all adjusted their live games to be able to function and load easily on mobile devices.
- Kiwi players can access the live lobbies via the mobile versions of the official websites.
- Consequently, NZ players can use their mobile browsers on Android and iOS devices and visit their preferred sites to play live games.
- Another way is to access the games via a dedicated mobile app if the casino has developed one.
- Not all casinos produce mobile apps, but also not all Kiwis can dedicate additional spaces in their phones for additional downloadable software.
In the end, it doesn’t make much of a difference – all live games that are mobile-optimized work equally well on the mobile version of the sites as well as the mobile apps of certain casinos.
Live Casino Bonuses
Registered Kiwi players who create an account at the top live casinos will sometimes have the chance to claim several bonuses that are uniquely created to be used on live casino games.
Some of the most commonly found live casino bonuses on NZ sites are signup offers, live cashback, and deposit bonuses, on which you can read additional details in the table below.
| Bonus | Description |
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Welcome Live Bonus |
The welcome bonus is targeted to be claimed by new players only, and it often provides various prizes such as deposit bonuses, free money, or free chips. If the welcome bonus is tailored for live games, gamblers will always be informed about this in the bonus terms. |
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Live Cashback |
Cashback is a portion or a specified percentage of the deposited money that the casino returns back to players after they’ve lost it. When the cashback is for live games, only losses that occurred while playing live games will count for the bonus. |
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Deposit Bonus |
NZ sites offer deposit bonuses that help players play with an increased deposit, usually by 100%, 150% or even 200%. The deposit bonus Kiwis get is sometimes restricted to be used only on live dealer games present in the lobby. |
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Free Chips |
Free chips are to table games what free spins are to slots – a type of no-deposit bonus that can be used on specific games only. Casinos usually reward players chips that they can claim and use to play live games with. |
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Live Daily and Weekly Drops |
Prize drops can sometimes give out awards for live dealer games. These prizes that can happen on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis can give out chips to be used on live games, deposit bonuses for live games, and similar prizes. |
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Reload Bonuses |
Kiwi live games players can claim to reload bonuses which are specially created for regular depositors at a certain casino. The reload bonuses may include chips or deposit bonuses. |
Pros and Cons of live dealer casinos
Being as popular as they are, casinos with live dealers have their benefits we are all aware of, but they also have some downsides.
| Advantages |
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| Emerging in the games in real-time |
| Interaction with other players and live host |
| A special kind of gambling experience close to playing at a land-based casino |
| Tables with different bet ranges, also suitable for high-rollers |
| Easy communication via live chat |
| Special live casino bonuses |
| 24/7 availability of games |
| Disadvantages |
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| Require stable and speedy internet connection |
| Live games are significantly lower in number compared to others |
| Ease of access can cause gambling addiction issues |
| Not all live games allow to play demo |
Live dealer vs classic pokies – which is better?
If you can’t decide whether you are a fan of live games or pokies, we are here to clarify the differences and make a verdict.
Classic pokies have a steady fanbase of NZ players because they allow the gambler to relax and take their own time when playing without having to communicate with other people at all. Another considerable benefit is that online slots can be stopped and resumed playing at all times and also be tested via demo mode for free.
On the other hand, live dealer games are much more engaging and interactive, involving other people and a live dealer who you need to follow and communicate with during the game. Moreover, the confidence and the chances of winning in these games are higher because the sheer possibility of unfair play is non-existent.
The best part about live dealer games is that players receive the real-life interaction they crave, and they bring the excitement of playing at a land-based casino right to your doorstep.
Nicole Goodwin
FAQ
Can I play live casino games through my cell phone?
Yes, absolutely. The top NZ online casinos have optimized their live casino games to be perfectly functional on mobile devices too. You can play via the mobile version of the casino’s official website or the mobile app if the particular casino has developed one.
Can I get a bonus to play live casino games?
At some online casinos from New Zealand, yes. Plenty of bonuses are created to be used exclusively on live dealer games. Live casinos offer live welcome bonuses, live cashback, free chips, reload promotions and daily drops of prizes for live games.
Do I need to download software to play live casino games?
No, it’s not necessary to download any additional software if you prefer to play live games. You should only visit a casino site, register, and open the lobby to search and choose the best live dealer game for you.
Is live gaming legal in NZ?
Yes, it is. Live Dealer casinos are allowed to offer services to Kiwi players, provided that they operate outside of the country and are licensed by an international license issuer. To avoid legality problems, always stick to playing on the best live casinos we mention in our reviews.
Can I win real money playing live dealer casino games?
Yes, of course, you can. In fact, most of the live games at NZ sites can be played on casino for real money. Since it’s not possible to play all the games for fun, every time you enter a table, you are in for actual money gameplay provided you haven’t requested to play for fun.
What is the best strategy when playing with a live dealer?
No particular strategy will guarantee a certain win when playing live dealer games. The best you can do is play at a certified and reputable online live casino, make sure to have a stable internet connection at all times, and never chase losses during the game.
Can live dealer games in NZ be rigged?
No, they can’t. If you play at one of the verified and approved live casinos from our list, you can rest assured that the live games you play aren’t rigged in any way. These are all provided by esteemed software providers who ensure secure settings for Kiwi gamblers.