Top 10 New Zealand Poker Sites : Online Poker New Zealand

Find list of best New Zealand online poker sites for 2024 . We have listed the very best and highly rated top 10 NZ poker sites and new player sign up bonuses.

#1 Rated Poker Site

Exclusive bonus

100% upto $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply
Bonus Offer

UK new players only • £20 free bonus: Full T&C apply BeGambleAware• Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • Deposit bonus: Full T&C’s apply BeGambleAware • First deposit only • Min. deposit $10 • The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk • Bonus wins are capped at $500 • Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino • Wagering req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days •

Click here for full terms and conditions

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Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Avatar Author Adrian Sterne
Fact checked by Dusan Jovanovic
Best New Zealand Poker Sites

When thinking of New Zealand, the first images that come to mind are majestic mountains, rolling green hills, and breathtaking fjords, from one island to another. The Land of the Long White Cloud truly has plenty of stunning landscapes to wander through? But you know what Kiwis also have? A thriving poker community.

New Zealanders love a good game of poker, and there is nothing like playing real-money poker in a world-renowned online poker room. The gambling laws in the country, while seemingly strict, allow Kiwis to access all poker networks in the world, except those operating within the country’s borders.

This means that there are a myriad of offshore-based poker operators that provide their services to New Zealand players, offering them astounding bonuses, and a wide range of games to choose from.

Recommended New Zealand Online Poker Rooms Recommended New Zealand Online Poker Rooms

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:
  • 100% Legal & Licensed
  • Verified Bonus
  • Mobile Friendly
  • Advertiser Disclosure

    Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions

  • Must be 18+ to participate.
crown # 1  Poker Site
888poker
5.0
5.0 / 5.0

100% upto $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply
Bonus Offer

UK new players only • £20 free bonus: Full T&C apply BeGambleAware• Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • Deposit bonus: Full T&C’s apply BeGambleAware • First deposit only • Min. deposit $10 • The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk • Bonus wins are capped at $500 • Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino • Wagering req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days •

Click here for full terms and conditions

Regulated by Gibraltar Regulatory Authority

  • A reputable platform in the industry
  • First-Class Software
  • Good Player Traffic
  • Great Selection of Games & Tournaments
Payout speed 1-3 days
Deposit options
Mastercard Visa Paypal Trustly Apple Pay AstroPay +8

Exclusive bonus

100% upto $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply
Bonus Offer

UK new players only • £20 free bonus: Full T&C apply BeGambleAware• Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • Deposit bonus: Full T&C’s apply BeGambleAware • First deposit only • Min. deposit $10 • The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk • Bonus wins are capped at $500 • Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino • Wagering req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days •

Click here for full terms and conditions

Choosing the right poker site can be a daunting task. There are a vast number of them, and a lot of factors to take into account. The fact that these factors are hard to recognize by a casual player makes it even more complicated and time-consuming. And yet they are paramount because there are plenty of rogue poker platforms out there on the web.

Top10pokersites.net will be your guide in your search for the best poker site in New Zealand. My team of avid poker players has screened a plethora of poker operators thoroughly for you. As a result of our investigation, we found a couple of places that we believe will provide you with a first-class poker experience. Feel free to check them out below!

Don’t ring the celebration bells just yet. You have to learn the fundamentals of the online poker industry before jumping into action. That’s what this article is all about.

Let’s get this ball rolling!

Bonuses
Welcome Bonus:

100% upto $1000

Additional Bonus:

+ $88/£20 Free NO DEPOSIT BONUS, No Deposit Required (T&Cs apply)

18+. T&Cs Apply
Bonus Offer

UK new players only • £20 free bonus: Full T&C apply BeGambleAware• Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • Deposit bonus: Full T&C’s apply BeGambleAware • First deposit only • Min. deposit $10 • The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk • Bonus wins are capped at $500 • Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino • Wagering req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days •

Click here for full terms and conditions

Why We Ranked 888poker in Position 1

888poker is one of the biggest poker brands on the global iGaming scene, with two decades of hands-on experience. The platform provides its members with an immersive real-money gambling environment while ensuring the highest protection levels. The famed proprietary software offers casual yet action-packed gameplay with heaps of rewarding promotions and daily tournaments.

On top of that, an $88 no deposit bonus, reliable support, and secure payments further cement 888poker’s position as the NZ online poker scene leader.

Pros

  • Well-known and respected brand
  • Enticing bonuses and promotions
  • Wide range of games from renowned software developers
  • Seamless proprietary software
  • User-friendly mobile poker client

Cons

  • Live chat support only available to registered users
  • 888poker club requires high play volume

Overview

888poker shows its experience in all aspects of the platform. For starters, both the instant play and the downloadable poker clients have a user-friendly design, ensuring smooth navigation. On top of that, the proprietary software offers lag-free gameplay across all devices.

The Promotions section is packed with poker-centered offers, boosting players’ bankrolls and creating more winning opportunities. Besides bonuses, NZ players will uncover a rich selection of classic and exclusive poker variants and game formats, including SNGs, cash games, and tournaments.

Lastly, the licensed and well-respected brand guarantees a secure environment through state-of-the-art encryption and reliable payment methods, while responsive customer support is there to help you 24/7. Below, you can read more about 888poker bonuses, games, and more.

Available Poker Games

888poker knows how to please New Zealanders. The celebrated platform boasts a rich game portfolio that includes classics like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo and exclusive variations like SNAP and BLAST.

Players can choose between downloading a poker client or enjoying the cash games directly from the browser. Each variation is available in different formats — as a cash game, SNG, or tournament. On top of that, all games have player-friendly limits, ranging from $0.01/$0.02 to $25/$50.

Bonuses

888poker players can kick off their gambling adventures by signing up and claiming an attractive $88 no deposit bonus. With such a boost, you can explore the game library and try different games until you find the one you enjoy the most.

That’s not the only welcome bonus awaiting 888poker players, though. Depositing $10 or more and using the code WELCOME100 will trigger a 100% bonus of up to $1,000. Existing members can benefit from referral bonuses, freerolls, and free spins for additional bankroll top-ups.

Customer Service

NZ players in need of assistance can contact the 24/7 customer support via live chat or email using a website form. Unfortunately, the live chat option is only available to registered users. Therefore, if you have any questions before setting up an account, you’ll have to send an email via a website form.

Alternatively, you can consult the comprehensive FAQ section and browse the answers before reaching out to customer support.

Deposit Methods and Payout Speed

Regional players can easily get started with 888poker cash games by depositing via reliable and secure payment methods. The platform supports various options, including credit/debit cards, POLi, prepaid cards, EntroPay, Skrill, Neteller, Ukash, and direct bank transfer.

While all deposits are instant, withdrawals require more time. 888poker processes all requests within three business days, but payment systems need up to five days to complete the transaction. Not to worry — all payments go through private channels and land in your account safely.

Bonuses
Welcome Bonus:

100% upto $1000

(New 18+ customers only)
(T&Cs/wagering requirements apply)

Why We Ranked TigerGaming Poker in Position 2

Despite not being as famous as some competitors, TigerGaming is a fantastic online poker platform with plenty to offer. The company has been active since 1999, catering to its global audience and providing impressive gaming options.

The poker network boasts various cash games and a broad range of tournaments with adjustable limits. That way, players of all levels and budgets can enjoy top-quality poker action on neatly designed instant-play and downloadable platforms. So, if you’ve never heard of TigerGaming, you’re missing out.

Pros

  • Brand with over two decades of experience
  • Downloadable and instant-play poker client
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Cryptocurrencies accepted
  • Broad range of tournaments

Cons

  • Limited availability of NZ-friendly payment methods
  • Not a well-known operator

Overview

TigerGaming has been in the poker game for a while. The operator currently uses the Chico Poker Network, one of the leading networks accepting players from all over the world. The platform is excellent for beginners and experienced players because it offers a fair range of free-play and cash games, including classics like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

What’s more impressive is the brand’s range of tournaments and Tourneys. Players can choose between freerolls, satellites, guaranteed prize events, knockouts, and regular tournaments. Additionally, TigerGaming’s not slacking on bonuses for new and existing members. Deposit match deals, jackpots, and challenges are some of the most appealing promos on the market.

Available Poker Games

The TigerGaming poker lobby works seamlessly on any device, ensuring smooth and immersive play for all members. The downloadable and instant play poker client offer the same cash games and tournaments, such as No Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, and 6+ Hold’em.

Besides cash games, players can participate in fast-paced and rewarding SNGs and tournaments organized daily. You can choose between freerolls, guaranteed prize, satellites, and regular Tourneys, as TigerGaming calls them.

Bonuses

TigerGaming carries an appealing sign-up bonus for new NZ members. Upon registering an account and depositing at least $50, you can claim a bonus of 100% up to $1,000. Don’t forget to use promo code NEWTG. Each time you get $50 in rake, TigerGaming will release the bonus in $5 increments.

TigerGaming also rewards its existing members with various deals, including jackpot offers and weekly challenges. Overall, NZ players who join TigerGaming will have plenty of opportunities to boost their bankrolls and enjoy top games and tournaments.

Customer Service

TigerGaming ensures its members always receive help when needed. Despite lacking an FAQ section, the platform offers 24/7 support via live chat and email ([email protected]). Live chat agents are helpful and provide prompt answers, while email support needs up to 24 hours to respond. Therefore, if you need immediate assistance, click on the chat bubble and ask an agent for help.

Deposit Methods and Payout Speed

NZ players who join TigerGaming will uncover a range of payment options. Besides traditional methods like bank cards (Visa, Mastercard), e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), and prepaid options, the platform supports various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Solana, Tether, and others.

As for withdrawals, TigerGaming aims to approve all payout requests within 24 hours. However, keep in mind that some banking methods require more time to transfer the funds to your account, typically up to five business days.

Bonuses
Welcome Bonus:

Deposit $50 get $100

(New 18+ customers only)
(T&Cs/wagering requirements apply)

Why We Ranked Titanbet Poker in Position 3

Titanbet is the flagship of Playtech, a well-known name in the iGaming industry. Although primarily a sportsbook, the platform covers all verticals, including online poker. Despite the slightly outdated design, the downloadable poker client offers various cash games and tournaments thanks to the famous iPoker network.

Titanbet falls short in terms of poker-related promotions and an instant-play client, which is why we ranked it third on our list.

Pros

  • Easy-to-navigate poker client
  • Broad collection of tournaments
  • Trustworthy and experienced brand
  • Responsive customer support
  • Plenty of banking methods

Cons

  • Mediocre promotion selection
  • Lengthy verification process

Overview

Titanbet, formerly known as Titan Gaming, went live in 2005, just as the global online poker scene began to thrive. After switching gears and adding other verticals, Titanbet started to build its global presence, appealing to New Zealand players with an impressive collection of cash games and tournaments.

Thanks to a globally recognized iPoker network, Titanbet built a loyal customer base. Today, members enjoy premium-quality cash games like Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, and Omaha, and dozens of daily tournaments available for instant play. However, a full range of micro-stake games helped Titanbet stand out from the competition and attract beginners and casual players.

On top of that, the site offers responsive customer support, secure payment methods, and a simple and easy-to-navigate user interface.

Available Poker Games

Titanbet poker software is powered by Playtech, a giant in the iGaming industry with heaps of experience. On top of that, Titanbet is part of the iPoker network, ensuring high traffic volumes and fantastic gambling opportunities.

Despite only featuring a downloadable client, Titanbet Poker offers the most popular games — Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Speed Poker. Additionally, local players can participate in tournaments, including freerolls, guaranteed prize events, knockouts, DeepStacks, and rebuys.

Bonuses

Compared to other poker rooms on this page, the Titanbet promotions collection is underwhelming. Besides the welcome bonus of 100% up to $100, you’ll find monthly reloads and comp point offers. However, there were no poker-specific deals on the table.

On the flip side, Titanbet Poker features a VIP program that offers fantastic perks, such as higher withdrawal limits, faster payouts, personal account managers, and exclusive bonuses.

Customer Service

Titanbet won the 2012 Gambling Reader’s Choice Award for Best Customer Service, and it’s still one of the best in business. NZ members with a Titanbet account can rely on efficient support available via phone, email ([email protected]), and live chat.

Despite not being active 24/7, Titanbet support is responsive and helpful. On top of that, new players can refer to valuable guides and game rules before switching to real-money gameplay.

Deposit Methods and Payout Speed

Upon setting up your account, you’ll be able to make a deposit using your favorite payment method. Titanbet supports various trustworthy banking options, including Visa, Mastercard, Entropay, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and instant bank transfers.

All Titanbet deposits go through within moments, while withdrawals take between three and five business days.

Many people tend to group New Zealand and its rules in with Australia and the same setup. That’s not really the truth though, because while the two countries are close enough to each other, they are run somewhat differently.

This relates to their gambling worlds, too. In New Zealand, gambling is controlled by its Department of Internal Affairs. It’s also the 2003 Gambling Act that regulates the industry, which has been amended on two separate occasions since it became effective.

However, prior to this time, gambling was taking place in New Zealand in a variety of different ways. For example, the first “Art Union” was conducted in the country by the Otago Art Society back in December of 1877.

Individuals and organisations used these as a way of fundraising, making them a sort of lottery game. It wasn’t until 1933 that the first official national lotteries within New Zealand became active and had the “Art Union” name attached to them as well. Lotteries continued to grow through the decades, and it was in 1987 that pokies arrived in the country.

These pokies remain in operation there today, mostly by charitable foundations. They’re often found within bars and hotels for guests to enjoy. Pokies continue to achieve a high rate of success with Kiwis, and the country also has six official land-based casinos operating throughout the country. It should be made known that only the types of gambling mentioned in the country’s 2003 Gambling Act are legal and allowed. These include lotteries, housie, casino and instant games.

Online gambling is another setup entirely though, because it is prohibited within New Zealand at the moment. This is quite similar to Australia’s online gambling laws, which dictate that companies that operate from within the country cannot provide their services to residents. Yet, New Zealand doesn’t allow companies to set up their gambling services within the country and offer games to players from outside as Australia does.

Poker can be played within any of the six brick-and-mortar casinos found in New Zealand. Online poker, on the other hand, is prohibited in New Zealand because you’re not able to actually claim a licence to operate such offerings. Therefore, it is illegal to setup and provide online poker games from within New Zealand altogether. Locals can, on the other hand, access offshore poker rooms without being penalised for it, and this remains as the sole way for Kiwis to indulge in online poker gameplay.

How We Rate New Zealand Poker Sites How We Rate New Zealand Poker Sites

It must be mind-boggling to run across so many poker sites claiming to be the ‘best’. But how can you tell whether the site has what it takes to earn your trust? After all, real money is at stake here, and you’re going in blind, without knowing what lies behind the curtain.

We understand your concerns. We’re aware that there are too many self-proclaimed experts that want to make some easy cash with no regard whether guys like you end up with a safe, and reliable poker experience.

Instead of trying to persuade you that we are the best at what we do, I’m going to show you what we pay attention to when searching for genuinely great poker sites and let our work do the talking.

Here is our unique review criteria which are applied to every potential candidate:

Safety and Security

Safety and SecurityOnline poker is undoubtedly convenient, but it comes with the price of being vulnerable to hacker attacks that could gain access to your personal and financial information. To prevent this from happening, my panel of experts thoroughly examines all the safety protocols that are being used by a particular poker site to prevent breaches. Operators that fail our tests will have no chance of making it to our exclusive list.

A top-notch poker site should use SSL-encryption which provides the highest level of encryption key bits as possible. Other than this, the operator must guard its platform from buffer overflows, unsecured database storage, and unvalidated inputs.

This is due to regulatory bodies requiring licensees to operate under a safe & fair gambling act. All licensing authority operate under the respective country gambling act and as such, enforce and verify the implementation of security and encryption protocols that include firewalls and other industry accepted security software.

My team of expert reviewers always puts players’ protection first. That’s why we only accept poker brands that use top-encryption protocols, namely the SSL encryption, to protect sensitive data. Only if and when we are 100% sure that the operator uses adequate security measures will we consider to put it on our list, and recommend it to our readers.

Apart from security protocols, we look at how well regulated the site is. Any unlicensed or suspicious poker platforms will instantly be disregarded from any further consideration. That said, you can expect to find sites that are certified and verified by an esteemed licensing jurisdiction and an independent agency that oversees the fairness of games.

Subsequently, what this does it allow those with potential problems to negate their chances at spending more than they intended. Almost every poker room and mobile poker app provide services for responsible gambling as it is mandated under their licensing regulations. Those can include programs that help players control their temptations. You can even refer yourself as a gambling addict to the casino, allowing them to remove you from the service if you break your own rules.

Regulation and Reputation

Regulation and ReputationIn certain countries, poker operators must comply with a strict set of rules. These rules were created by respectable licensing jurisdictions to protect online players, and guarantee that they are always being treated respectfully. Some of the leading regulators in this field include:

  • The UKGC
  • MGA
  • Curacao
  • Panama
  • NJ Gaming Commission

If a site is verified by these agencies, then we can recommend it to our readers with peace of mind.

Reputation is also an important factor in our selection process. Before we even consider putting a poker site on our list, we do a thorough background check of its reputation on major review portals. The number of complaints and reports about a poker site give us a clearer picture of how the poker operator runs its business. If it has a pristine track record among the poker community, then we proceed with evaluating other areas.

Quality of Software

Quality of SoftwareOur primary goal is to find you a poker site that works seamlessly on all devices. That includes mobile phones running on Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac operating systems. Our assessments also take into account things like usability and feel of the website. The interface needs to be intuitive and easy-to-use, and the gameplay should be smooth, even if you’re accessing the site via a slower internet connection and a dated mobile device. 

Game Variety

Game VarietyWe know that the game variety is what makes poker sites so appealing. There are several poker variants, and each of them is unique and potentially lucrative. Various betting formats like no limit, pot limit, and spread limit add to the overall excitement, and bring new opportunities to the table.

All in all, a poker site with a versatile game portfolio is an ideal destination for players of all preferences. The more games there are on offer, the more opportunities for fun and winning you’ll have. That’s why we make sure to find a poker operator that can cater to the needs of both recreational and high-skill players. 

Traffic

TrafficBefore giving it a green light, we visit every poker site to see how many players are active throughout the day, and especially during peak hours. If it has strong traffic, that means that it must be doing something right. It also means that you can easily find an open seat at any given time.

We’re also on a lookout for poker sites with softer competition. These places have the fishiest tables which means one thing — easy cash.

Bonuses and Promotions

Bonuses and PromotionsThe competition between gambling sites is fiercer than ever. To gain a competitive edge, poker operators release amazing bonuses and promotions for players. Regardless of the site you sign up with, you’ll encounter bonus varieties like no deposit, welcome, refer-a-friend, loyalty. But they’re not all created equal.

These fantastic incentives come in many forms and sizes. But we look beyond the sheer volume of a poker bonus. As you’re probably aware, these offers come with certain requirements, which represent the evidence of your commitment to a poker site. So, when comparing various bonuses, we look beyond the sheer volume and dive deeply into the fine print of these requirements to determine whether the bonus is truly worth your while. 

Banking

BankingYou shouldn’t change the way you make online payments just because you’re playing on a poker site. Fortunately, you don’t have to with our recommended poker sites. Every poker operator from my list boats a fully stacked Banking section with lots of easy-to-use, quick, and safe payment options.

In an ideal world, withdrawals would be processed instantly, and you could get your hard-earned winnings in a heartbeat. But the reality is that poker sites need time to verify your identity and confirm that you earned your winnings honestly. The quicker the withdrawal processing time, the higher the poker site will rank on our list. Last but not least, we check out the fees associated with deposits and withdrawals. You shouldn’t have to pay a fortune every time you request a payout.

Customer Support

Customer SupportMost of the time, you won’t experience any problems while playing on poker sites. But in some instances, you may need help in figuring out how something works, like a certain bonus, or maybe a feature you’ve never seen before. The best way to get your answers is through customer support.

The poker sites that we favor all excel in customer service, and will put prompt and respectful agents at your disposal 24/7. Customer support representatives can be reached via live chat, email, and sometimes even by phone. If you need assistance with anything related to payments, bonuses, registration, or tech stuff, don’t hesitate to reach them out.

Poker is only considered a legal activity in New Zealand if you’re playing it within a licensed land-based casino or privately.

This means that to actively engage in real-money poker gameplay in the country, you’ll need to make your way to one of the country’s six casino establishments.

New Zealand has a very permissive stance towards iGaming, which extends to online poker too. The gambling laws have certain restrictions, but these pertain to gambling operators, and not the individual players. Namely, the Gambling Act of 2003 makes it illegal for all gambling businesses except NZ Lotteries Commission and TAB to operate within the country’s borders.

In other words, New Zealand doesn’t have any domestic poker operators. However, Kiwis are free to play in reputable international networks, like partypoker, 888poker, name but a few. What’s more, New Zealanders are not required to pay taxes on their winnings. There have been some cases of players that were required to pay taxes, but only because it was determined that they play poker professionally, and their poker winnings were their primary source of income.

If you’re not sure whether this ‘rule’ applies to you, you should contact a tax consultant.

To summarize the legal status of online poker in New Zealand — it’s legal for New Zealand-based players to play real-money poker in offshore poker rooms.

Laws And Regulations In New Zealand Laws And Regulations In New Zealand

The history of gambling legislations in New Zealand is long. The Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1977 was one of the first notable legislations, followed up by:

The last one covers best all issues concerning online gambling such as poker, casino etc.

The Gambling Act is quite clear that gambling over the internet is not illegal even if that website is based overseas. This is the main reason why all poker sites on the internet accept New Zealand players. Even though this act was amended in 2005 and again ten years later, none of these amendments changed the legality of online poker for the citizens. Of course, all of this could change in the future, but it’s very unlikely that it will.

In 2019 the Gambling Commission in New Zealand commissioned a report on problem gambling. The report shows that $60.3 million will have to be spent over three years on strategies relating to problem gambling. While offshore online gambling is illegal in New Zealand, that is under review, but there is no definitive answer as to whether changes will be implemented in 2019.

Poker Legislation in New Zealand has been in effect since the Gambling Act of 2003. However, the gambling act only allows for the New Zealand Lotteries Commission and TAB to offer online gambling in the country. The last time legislation was updated in New Zealand was in 2009 when Player Information Displays were required for all poker games.

However, the Gambling act of 2003 only pertains to online casinos or poker rooms operating in the country. The gambling act doesn’t specify that New Zealand citizens can’t play with poker rooms based outside of the country, but could potentially lead to legal issues and possible fines. With that said, there have not been any cases where individuals have faced prosecution for playing with operators offering services offshore.

New Zealand’s Governing Body For Poker

The Gambling Commission, the Ministry of Health and the Department of Internal Affairs all monitor specific parts of gambling both online and offline.

The Gambling Commission is where gambling operators go when they want to renew their licenses or get a new one.

The Ministry of Health is responsible for protecting those afflicted by problem gambling as well as preventing problem gambling in general. The Department of Internal Affairs is responsible for administering gambling legislation.

However, keep in mind that you will not be protected or subject to the legal system of New Zealand in case you have fallen victim to fraud or unfair practices from an overseas poker site. You will be subject to the laws of the country where the site is hosted.

This doesn’t mean that you are not protected. On the contrary, poker sites that accept New Zealand players are accredited by international gaming authorities. They are also independently audited by third-parties and certified in terms of the transparency, security and fairness. You just have to be careful not to sign up with poker sites that have constantly avoided such measures.

How to Play in New Zealand Poker Sites How to Play in New Zealand Poker Sites

Just because players from New Zealand can’t play poker online from within the country doesn’t mean that there aren’t any foreign-based platforms available to turn to. Quite the opposite actually. Many online poker rooms welcome gamers from New Zealand, even often providing the possibility of depositing and playing in New Zealand dollars as well.

Because there are various online poker rooms in operation today, it can prove to be quite difficult to find one that will cater to you successfully enough. Fortunately, we have put together a collection of the very best poker sites for Kiwis. They’re highly recommended by us, as we have played at them and experienced everything that they have available to players. That’s why we suggest for you to browse through the collection of poker rooms on our site. We’re certain that you’ll find one that will cater to your gaming needs.

Aside from checking out the collection of New Zealand poker rooms that we recommend, you can also read the reviews that we have created about them. These will inform you on exactly what they’re able to provide, what features they incorporate, the payment methods that are available to use, the games within the lobby and more. On the other hand, you can browse through reviews from other players of the poker rooms. Find out if there have been certain issues with platforms that haven’t been resolved properly. After all, why would you make your way towards registering at a poker platform that has problems behind its everyday running?

Registering at an online poker room and then proceeding to deposit there shouldn’t be something difficult, so you need to look at the ease of use of the poker room. Read details about the effectiveness of the support team, how quick withdrawals from the platform are, what the buy-in range is on the games, which poker network the site uses and more. Make sure that you’re fully informed on it before you proceed with your sign-up and deposit.

I know what you’re thinking — ‘why would I need help with something as easy as registering on a gambling site’? And you’re right, you probably don’t need my help to get settled in. But keep in mind that many of my readers have never set their foot on a gambling site and that they’re maybe feeling uncomfortable going through this process alone.

I created this paragraph specifically for rookies in the online poker industry. This mini step-by-step guide will walk you through the whole process of playing on New Zealand poker sites, starting from registration.

Just follow my lead and you’ll be claiming those hefty poker bonuses in no time!

Find the Right Poker Site

The list that you saw earlier features several world-renowned poker brands, all of which accept New Zealand-based residents. But they are all unique in their way and have different qualities, which are appealing to different types of players.

So, for starters, establish your criteria. Think about what your ideal poker operator should look like, which characteristics should it possess. And based on this, choose a site from the list that best fits those preferences.

To show you how to register and make a deposit from New Zealand, I’ve used partypoker as an example. partypoker is one of the biggest poker brands in the world, and once you learn how the registration process works on their site, you can use that knowledge for all other operators — the procedure is more or less the same with all poker sites.

Create an Account

To visit partypoker’s website, just click on the brand’s logo on the list. This will navigate you to its homepage that looks like this.

partypoker Homepage

Now, you have to decide whether you want to play poker via a downloadable client or the instant-play version. If you opt for the instant-play, no download is necessary, and you can go right into the action. If you go with the downloadable version, then you’ll have to download partypoker’s native app to get started.

To begin the registration process, click on the Sign Up button, located in the upper right corner of the homepage.

Following this, you need to submit some personal information regarding your identity and whereabouts.

That’s it guys, you’ve done it! You’ve successfully created an account! On some poker sites, you’ll be required to verify the registration via a verification link that will be sent to your email inbox.

Now, it’s time to make your first deposit.

Make a Deposit

Once you have opened an account in partypoker, a list of all available payment methods will automatically open. To deposit, just select an option from the list.

partypoker banking

You then need to fill out the required fields, namely details regarding your chosen payment provider’s account.

You can use most of the deposit methods for withdrawals too. Just to make sure of it, go to the bottom of the page to check it out

Check Out the Promotions Page

Poker rooms offer players promotions that far exceed the expectations of a casino promotion. Not only are they more flexible in how they can be played and how cash outs can be obtained but it’s also more exciting to use. Poker rooms also design their promotions to be used not just by new players but also by day-to-day players with the brand. These generous gifts can come in many forms allowing for bonus credits to be added into accounts. The guidelines of a poker room bonus usually stipulate that it will be a 50% to 100% match bonus that can be valued up to $500 in bonus money.

We recommend that players read through the terms and conditions of all promotions at their poker room. This is how you will find out what is required to cash out on the bonus and how long it will take for withdrawals to be paid.

Once you have topped your account with funds, you can start playing real-money poker. But before you do that, I suggest that you take a look at the Promotions page. There is always some valuable offer available, and it pays off to check what the operator has in store for you.

It’s not time to join a poker table. Click on the Poker Games tab, and select the type of poker game you want to play.
I wish you all the best in your poker adventures!

Most Popular Poker Games in New Zealand Most Popular Poker Games in New Zealand

While there is a variety of different poker software used online, many operators opt to use software created by established software developers. This includes Evolution Gaming, Microgaming and Playtech. Others will elect to develop their own proprietary software such as that seen at Bet365 or 888poker.

Whether you choose to play a proprietary software or listed software, players will have to experiment with the different kinds of games and software out there. There are two configurations of online poker software, allowing poker rooms to cater to the masses.

Streaming, the most popular form of gambling now comes in the instant play format. It gives players the chance to harness these games directly through their web-browsers. The second configuration of these software’s is the downloadable form-factor, allowing for enhanced security by having the poker room directly downloaded onto your personal computer.

New players always overlook one side of online poker to online poker, and that’s choosing the best time to play. There are those who will consider this odd, but fortune favours the bold. When you have a higher volume of players, generally there will be a higher number of cash tables available, and that can lead to substantially larger pots.

During the peak hours at a poker room, new promotions and daily promotions are likely to be launched. Not everything is rainbows and sunshine during the peak hours at a poker room though; when you play a tournament, there will be an increase of players in the tournament. Consequently, this can make it harder to win the tournaments grand prize. We recommend that during the peak hours in the day at your chosen poker room that you play regular lobby games. This will increase your chances six to one over a tournament.

Texas Hold’em is the most popular variant of poker worldwide, and New Zealand is no different in this regard. Besides Hold’em, Draw Poker (5-card draw), and Stud Poker (5-card Stud, 7-card Stud) are the most commonly spread in New Zealand poker rooms.

Some of the sites from my list also feature other awesome poker variations like Chinese Poker, and Razz, but tables with these formats are usually empty, so you may have to wait for a while for them to fill up.

Mobile Poker in New Zealand Mobile Poker in New Zealand

With the advent of smartphones, it has become possible to play real-money poker even when you’re hiking on the stunning mountain peaks of New Zealand or wandering through the depths of New Zealand’s Fiordland. You can use mobile poker apps to get some poker action, wherever you are! You’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection, though, and a compatible device.

I’m assuming that connectivity won’t pose a problem, since New Zealanders can now use the ultra-fast 5G wireless technology. Compatibility also shouldn’t be an issue, considering the fact that poker sites are accessible via all popular mobile devices and operating systems, including:

Banking on New Zealand Poker Sites Banking on New Zealand Poker Sites

You’re probably worried about how you’re going to transfer money to and from your poker account, but you shouldn’t be. Even though poker sites that accept New Zealanders are not based in New Zealand, meaning that they’re not associated with any local financial institutions, there are several ways for you to deposit and withdraw.

Generally speaking, many of the main payment methods that you can use at online poker rooms are also available to residents of New Zealand to use. Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are probably the largest and most well-known supported payment methods.

Of course, you need to be comfortable with entering your card details into an online gambling site to use this method.

It will provide an instant deposit, although withdrawals can take a few days to complete via card. You needn’t worry if you don’t want to use the card option though, because there are several alternatives.

First of all, you can use the POLi method at some sites, which is available quite exclusively to Australia and New Zealand. With this option, you can transfer money directly from your bank account and through POLi right into your poker room account. Withdrawals via this method aren’t always available at poker rooms though, so if you do deposit with this option, you’ll most likely have your withdrawals sent by bank transfer, which can take longer to process.

One method that we always recommend to poker players to use if it’s supported at your chosen site, is a cryptocurrency. If you hold Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dash or any other cryptocurrency, you can make use of it for both depositing and withdrawing purposes. Cryptocurrencies provide players with speedy transactions that are also free in most circumstances. Because they’re not connected to a central bank or financial institution, there’s very little chance of transactions being blocked. So, if the opportunity is there to make use of a cryptocurrency, we definitely recommend taking advantage of it.

Other alternatives that are on hand at some poker rooms include things like e-wallets from Skrill or PayPal for example, or Paysafecard. The latter of these is a popular option because it happens to be quite the safe option to go for. You’re not exposing any of your personal and private banking details by utilising a Paysafecard. The issue comes when you want to withdraw, as you won’t often find it to be available for such a process. This means that you will need to withdraw via a bank transfer instead.

Of course, you can also make use of a standard bank transfer for depositing purposes as well, if you like. Fast bank transfers may be accepted, although these do also require you to reveal your bank details to the poker room site in the first place. This, like credit and debit card payments, is not something that some players are comfortable with. However, it is there to utilise if you should wish.

Poker Strategies & Advice Poker Strategies & Advice

Grasping the expertise that is required to master online poker can take years of dedicated persistence. Over time with dedication, it is possible to accomplish this goal, but nothing is likely without the help of others.

Rely on the support of the poker community by reading thousands of poker tips and tricks that will let you gain knowledge on how every variation of poker can be won. New players will be taught when it be best to wager low on hands or bet big, what is best to do when they’re in a tournament or what cards create the best hands.

These tips and tricks can be tested on free-to-play poker games, letting users master their skills before entering a real game or tournament.

Conclusion Conclusion

New Zealand’s permissive gambling laws allow Kiwis to join some of the leading poker brands in the world. Household names like 888poker, Tiger Poker and partypoker will receive New Zealanders with open arms, and allow them to claim massive welcome bonuses and other lucrative promos.

You don’t have to waste time looking for the best poker sites in New Zealand — I’ve rounded them up and presented them to you on this page. By clicking on the brand’s logo, you will get instantly redirected to its homepage, where you can set up an account using my step-by-step guide.

If you have any further questions, let me know. I wish you all the best in your future poker endeavors. Don’t forget to gamble responsibly!

Latest NZ Poker Stories Latest NZ Poker Stories

Wellington Poker Championships

Like in December, New Zealand didn’t witness any major poker tournaments in January.

The biggest competitions typically occur at Christchurch Casino, but unfortunately, players will have to wait until March, when this poker hub will host the 2024 Wellington Poker Championships.

On the other hand, small bar- and restaurant-based social poker events are regularly hosted across the country.

One of them, Poker Ape Cafe, organizes Texas Hold’em poker nights every Monday. You can also play poker on the other days. 

Additionally, Pub Poker Open hosted the 15th Bounty Hunted Terminator tournament at Roto Vegas on January 28. The event was limited to 70 players, featuring a $150 buy-in and a $500k prize pool. 

We also didn’t hear much about NZ poker players last month. Hassanim Hashim participated in the 2024 Merit Poker Western Series in Northern Cyprus from January 14 to 25. He climbed his way to the 8th spot in the $3,300 Main Event, which netted him a $330k prize. 

FAQs FAQs

Can I Deposit and Play with New Zealand Dollars?

This is the beauty of New Zealand poker sites. Since New Zealanders are major customers in terms of money and number of players, all major poker sites offer the option to make a deposit in NZD. Moreover, you get to wager in NZD. All of this eliminates problems like losing money due to the exchange rates etc.

What Banking Options are Available at New Zealand Poker Sites?

Based on the above mentioned reasons, major as well as minor poker sites that accept New Zealand players offer banking options that suit New Zealand players. For example, you can use POLi, Australia’s and New Zealand’s most popular online payment system. You can also use methods used internationally by other players too like Skrill, Neteller, Visa, Mastercard and many other depending on the poker site.

Do I Need to Download Poker Software?

No, but it’s recommended that you download it because that way everything’s more convenient for you. Instead of launching your browser each time to play poker, you can access the poker rooms directly from your desktop via shortcut. The graphics and sounds are of higher quality too. However, if you are using a public computer, it’s best to use the no download option.

Do New Zealand Poker Sites Give Out Welcome Bonuses?

Of course, welcome bonuses and subsequent promotions are the backbone of this industry. Welcome bonuses are great because they make for an easier transition into playing on a new poker site. However, always find out about the wagering requirement before you accept any bonus. Some sites offer not so favourable conditions on bonus usage, which later can affect your ability to withdraw your winnings.

Are There New Zealand Poker Sites Optimized for Mobile Devices?

You can’t proclaim your poker site as a top online poker establishment without offering players different ways of accessing the poker rooms. As a consequence almost every poker site that accepts New Zealand players has a desktop and mobile version of the poker client. This makes things more convenient for players that don’t have the time to use their PCs or laptops and mostly spend their time on their smartphones or tablets.

Is It Safe to Play Online Poker from New Zealand?

Online poker is definitely a safe gaming experience, as long as you’re accessing a site that is based outside New Zealand and that holds a valid gambling licence. The former of these points is because of the country’s laws surrounding online poker gameplay from within New Zealand. Meanwhile, we always recommend playing at a licensed poker room, because this safeguards you against the platform doing what it wants with not only your money but your personal details. If it has a set of regulations to adhere to, then there’s less chance of things going awry.

Your safety should be a key concern not only for you, but for the online poker site, too. You should feel safe not only playing at the online poker room, but depositing money there as well. As far as the legal side of things is concerned though, you shouldn’t have any issues with playing online poker at an offshore site from New Zealand.

  Contact Me

Hi, I am the Chief Editor of top10pokersites.net, this site is dedicated to all thing poker. I have been working around the poker industry for the last 15 years, with different brands. The main purpose of this site is to keep you uptodate with the industry and offer you the best deals around.