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Read our guide from top to bottom, as you’ll find everything you need to know about playing online poker in NZ, including the list of places you should visit if you’re looking for a top-notch poker experience. Read on!
Legal New Zealand Online Poker Sites
After thorough research, we’ve compiled a list of the best online poker sites for Kiwis. Our picks have been tested inside out for:
- Security
- Regulation
- Bonuses
- Games, and other relevant aspects
Every operator from the list below accepts New Zealanders with open arms and offers them fantastic bonuses and a perfectly safe environment to hone their poker skills.
By all means, help yourself!
| Rank | Rooms | Expert Score | Signup Bonus | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
5/5 Read Review
|
 |
104 user ratings |
100% up to $1000 (T&Cs apply, 18+) |
Get Bonus! |
|
2
4.4/5 Read Review
|
 |
87 user ratings |
200% up to $1000 (T&Cs apply, 18+) |
Get Bonus! |
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Is Online Poker Legal in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a friendly stance towards iGaming, and this pertains to online poker as well.
According to the Gambling Act of 2003, Kiwis are allowed to play poker online for real money.
Neither the Gambling Act nor any other regulation forbid NZ-based poker players from joining offshore poker sites and participating in their tournaments and SNG games.
In other words, New Zealanders have complete freedom when it comes to online poker sites, much like their Australian colleagues.
What’s great about Kiwi poker aficionados is that they are not required to pay any taxes on their poker incomes — they get to keep all of their hard-earned winnings!
How We Created the List of the Best New Zealand Poker Sites
To reserve a spot on our exclusive list, every operator must pass our rigorous audits. We carefully examine every aspect of a poker site and then rank all the candidates according to our strict set of criteria.
Only when we’re 100% sure that a certain poker site has what it takes to cater to the needs of every poker player in NZ do we recommend it to our readers.
Keep reading to learn more about our selection process.
Why You Can Count on Legal Gambling
Because we have a team of adept poker experts with vast experience in the industry. We know our way around poker sites and we are utterly confident that we can help you find an ideal match.
Our tremendous experience helps us recognize a potentially fraudulent poker website from a long way off.
On top of that, we know which characteristics a top-notch poker room should have, and are able to separate the wheat from the chaff, leaving only the finest options.
How We Make Sure That Poker Sites Are Legal and Safe
The first thing we do when evaluating a poker site is checking out its license.
When an operator possesses a license from a corresponding regulatory body, this tells us that players will be treated with respect and that they can enjoy playing in a safe and fair environment.
Aside from licenses, our recommended poker sites must use top-notch security measures to ensure maximum protection of players’ data. Some of the industry-standard protocols in this area include:
- SSL encryption
- DPO (Data Protection Officer)
- Advanced firewalls
What We Pay Attention to When Reviewing New Zealand Poker Sites
Once we perform our thorough security checks, we move on to assessing other essential aspects of a poker site. Naturally, we make sure that the selected candidate accepts players from New Zealand and offers them its full suite of games and bonuses.
When we make sure that the site is NZ-friendly and safe, we analyze its games portfolio. Every poker room must feature a solid range of SNGs and tournaments for players of all skill levels.
Furthermore, we try to choose only the most rewarding operators — those who provide the best bonuses and promotions for newcomers and existing players.
Next, we make sure to include only poker sites that support at least several payment methods that are accessible and used by players from New Zealand.
Last but not least, we test the efficiency of customer support. If an operator doesn’t provide live chat and email as contact means, it goes off the table.
Blacklisted Poker Sites in NZ
Naked Poker
- Stalled withdrawals
- Terrible customer support
- Unlicensed poker site
ProPoker
- Owners playing on their own site?
- Rigged games
- Delayed payments
CardSpike Poker
- Slow payments
- Inadequate security measures
- Unresponsive customer support
The Poker Industry in New Zealand
Poker is vastly popular in New Zealand and can be found in all casinos in the country.
The game has been present in NZ for centuries, ever since it was first played on steamboats. If you’re a recreational poker player, New Zealand is a great place to visit due to relatively lax poker laws.
The biggest live poker tournament in the country is the New Zealand Championship (NZPC). The event has a field of 80 players and a buy-in of NZ$1650.
Popular Online Poker Games in New Zealand
Texas Hold’em is hands down the most popular poker variant among New Zealanders.
Other poker formats that avid poker fans like to try out include:
- Stud
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- Stud
- Razz
- Draw Poker
The majority of poker sites from our list feature all these games, in both SNG and tournament-format.
Mobile Poker in New Zealand
With the onset of smartphones, the popularity of mobile poker in New Zealand has skyrocketed.
All our sponsored sites have mobile-friendly gaming platforms, allowing players to play their favorite poker games on the game, whenever they wish, wherever they are.
These virtual poker establishments are optimized for all popular mobile operating systems, including iOS and Android.
Some of them even have dedicated gambling apps, with lots of cool and exciting features.
Popular Payment Methods for Online Poker Sites in New Zealand
NZ poker sites that we presented on this page feature commonly used payment methods in New Zealand, including credit cards, and e-wallets like:
A number of Kiwis also use EntroPay to make payments on poker sites.
Bitcoin is becoming an increasingly popular tool for depositing and withdrawing money to and from New Zealand poker sites. It’s one of the most convenient payment methods for Kiwis due to its security, anonymity, and ease-of-use.
Responisble Gambling
Most Kiwis play poker for fun, but there are some that can’t control their gambling habits. Problem gambling is a serious addiction, and if you know anyone that suffers from severe addiction, you should tell them to seek help from the following organizations:
- PGF Services — A group that offers professional counseling, support, and help for those who suffer from compulsive gambling behavior in New Zealand.
- Gamblers Anonymous — An organization offering fantastic programs and therapy that can help people overcome their gambling addiction.
Final Thoughts
Kiwis can enjoy playing poker online in some of the most reputable poker platforms in the world. There are no laws or regulations in NZ that prevent players from this country from playing online poker for real money. Of course, you have to be careful when choosing the right poker site because there are plenty of rigged operators out there.
If you don’t know how to find a trustworthy poker site, feel free to pick one from this page — all these operators have been vetted by our expert poker team.
Remember to always gamble responsibly, and we wish you all the best in your future poker adventures!
David Nugent Editor
First off, I want to say hi and wish a warm welcome to all gambling aficionados out there! My name is David Nugent and I am editor-in-chief of LegitGambling.com. I have always enjoyed various sports, primarily soccer, as I am a die-hard Everton fan.
Over time, I learned more about sports betting and discovered the fascinating online gambling industry. Eventually,...
