Online Gambling in New Zealand - Complete Guide

Understanding Wagering Requirements

This is the most critical part—read carefully.

Almost every bonus comes with wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements). This is the number of times you must wager the bonus before you can withdraw winnings.

Example:
• You deposit $100 and get a $100 bonus
• The wagering requirement is 35×
• You need to wager: $100 × 35 = $3,500
• Only after wagering $3,500 can you withdraw winnings from the bonus

What's reasonable:
✅ 20-30× — Good, achievable
⚠️ 35-40× — Standard but challenging
❌ 50×+ — Very difficult, often not worth it

Other Key Bonus Terms

Game Weightings:

Different games contribute different amounts toward your wagering requirements:

• Pokies: Usually 100% (every $1 bet counts as $1 toward wagering)
• Table Games: Often 10-20% (every $1 bet counts as $0.10-$0.20)
• Live Dealer: Sometimes 0% (doesn't count at all)

This means: If you have a $1,000 wagering requirement and play blackjack at 10% weighting, you actually need to wager $10,000 worth of bets.

Maximum Bet Rule:

Most bonuses limit your bet size while the bonus is active—typically $5-$8 per spin. Exceeding this can void your bonus and winnings. Always check the terms.

Time Limits:

Bonuses usually expire within 7-30 days. If you don't complete the wagering requirements within this window, the bonus and any winnings from it are forfeited.

Maximum Withdrawal:

Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw. For example, free spins might have a $100-$500 maximum withdrawal limit, regardless of how much you win.

No Deposit Bonuses

Free money just for signing up—what's the catch?

No deposit bonuses give you free credits or spins without requiring a deposit. They're great for testing a casino risk-free.

Typical offers:
• $10-$30 in bonus cash
• 20-50 free spins on specific pokies

The reality:
• High wagering requirements (usually 50-60×)
• Maximum withdrawal caps ($50-$100 typical)
• Verification required before withdrawal
• Often need to deposit before you can cash out

Are they worth it?
✅ Yes—for trying a new casino without risking your own money
❌ No—don't expect to withdraw big winnings; treat it as a test drive

Best Bonus Strategies

How to actually benefit from bonuses:

✅ Do:
• Read the full T&Cs every single time
• Compare wagering requirements—lower is always better
• Check game restrictions (make sure your favorite games count)
• Watch maximum bet limits (easy to breach accidentally)
• Complete one bonus before claiming another
• Track your wagering progress in your account

❌ Don't:
• Chase impossible offers (60× wagering on $1,000 bonus is a trap)
• Mix deposits while a bonus is active
• Assume all bonuses are good—sometimes playing without restrictions is better

Most Popular Options

Credit & Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) - The most straightforward option. Works with all major NZ banks, including ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, and Kiwibank. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals take 3-5 business days. Protected by 3D Secure verification.

POLi Payments - Kiwi's favorite for instant deposits. Connects directly to your online banking with no registration needed. Works with all major NZ banks. Perfect for quick deposits, but not for withdrawals.

E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter) - Popular with regular players. Fast withdrawals usually within 24 hours, added privacy as gambling doesn't show on bank statements, and it works across multiple casinos. Small setup required.

Cryptocurrency - Growing in popularity. Super fast with transactions in 10-30 minutes, maximum privacy, and no banking restrictions. Requires a crypto wallet and some familiarity with digital currencies.

Bank Transfer - Most traditional and secure option. Works with every NZ bank, ideal for large amounts, but slower with 1-3 days for deposits and 3-5 days for withdrawals.

💡 Quick Tips

For instant deposits, use POLi or credit cards. For fast withdrawal, choose e-wallets or crypto. For large amounts bank transfer is most secure. For simplicity, stick with credit/debit cards.