If you’re looking to take your gambling kicks to the next level, then you’ll want to check out our top New Zealand land-based casinos of 2025. But where to go? On this page, we’ll tell you. Put your trust in us because all these casinos have been visited and played in by our team of experts.
"Step away from your screen and dive into the live action at a land-based casino. You won’t be disappointed."
With its huge array of gaming options, countless eateries and watering holes, and two hotels, you’ll want to make a trip out of this popular gambling joint.
Queenstown’s Steaming Wharf is the perfect setting for this compact, glitzy casino. It’s the perfect size for new players.
Enjoy round the clock play on all your favourite games, plus a bowling alley if you fancy a different kind of fun. Eating and drinking outlet options are vast too!
Located in the heart of the city, this lively casino is open daily until 4am. There’s also a great restaurant and bar to refuel at.
Get closer to that big win with great weekly bonus programs and state-of-the-art games. The on-site parking’s also a pro!
This cosy casino is the perfect place to splash your cash and get rewarded for it. Enjoy loyalty bonuses and great live entertainment every week.
When it comes to playing at a live casino vs playing online, it can be tough deciding which is better as each offers a unique experience. Here are the main differences:
Online casinos aren’t legal in New Zealand; however, Kiwi citizens can get around this law by playing at overseas sites. You’ll also be able to play in your local currency at most sites, but it is still illegal for any of those sites to advertise via NZ media.
Your winnings are tax-free, unless you’re a professional. Many believe gambling winnings are tax free because the casino has already paid tax, however, it’s because gambling is classed as a recreational activity.
You must be at least 20 years old to enter a casino in New Zealand. In other countries, you can be as young as 18. It’s normal to be asked to show valid ID to prove you’re old enough.
Our team of gambling experts carefully assess land-based casinos based on the following criteria:
Your safety as a player is our top priority, so when we rate a casino, we want to make sure you’re playing in legitimate venues. At our rated casinos you can expect to play in secure environments with regulated game machines ensuring fair play.
When we rate a casino, we assess the various games on offer – be it machines or tables – the range of difficulties, what the payout percentages are and if there are worthwhile bonuses and progressive jackpots.
We make sure wherever we rate has an easy and fair system when it comes to the most important part of your visit – cashing in your chips. Transactions should be secure and fast, with a variety of popular payment methods on offer.
The quality of customer service can really make or break your experience. Our team look for friendly, readily-available and efficient staff.
We hunt down casinos with the best opening hours. Though not all have 24-hour licensing, we only recommend those open as late as possible, so you get your money’s worth.
This depends on what you decide to spend inside. There’s no entrance charge on any of our recommendations but you’ll need some money to buy chips if you want to play. There are often on-site dining deals for gamblers, but otherwise it’s a similar cost to the local area. We advise setting yourself a limit to avoid getting yourself into any financial problems.
New Zealand gambling laws state that you must be a minimum or 20 years old with a valid ID to enter and play in a land-based casino.
The staff working on the floor and in the customer service team are there to answer any of your queries. You’ll be able to ask them for advice on games and they can point you in the right direction if you need advice for gambling addiction.
You can’t play any games for free in a land-based casino, but there’s a whole range of free games online! Whether you’re looking to try out a new game, hone your skills, or just have a play around without the pressure of involving your money, at our top-rated sites you can do just that.
Most casinos operate a smart-casual dress code, so you don’t need to panic about going in black tie. You’ll be turned away if you show up in ripped or dirty clothing, flip flops, and generally, you’re not allowed in with hats unless they’re religious. Sunglasses are reserved for the poker room only.