best online casinos by iCasinoReviews

Online Poker Real Money NZ

Since New Zealand’s Gambling Act of 2003 was launched, Kiwis have become happier as they can finally play casinos online. It was a big breakthrough for the country and its market at large. Since then, plenty of online casino sites have popped up with an abundance of games and promotions. However, NZ players have been waiting for a long time for this moment to dive into online poker as much as they want.

iCasinoreviews appreciate your eagerness to gamble, but we always recommend you treat it responsibly, as gambling is addictive. Playing poker online should be for fun. And if you want to try it for real money, you should know how to play the game perfectly, master various betting options, and manage funds wisely. About these and more, you will find in this tutorial to update your knowledge and start applying it in one of the top online poker casinos from the list below.

Best Online Poker Casinos in New Zealand

Top 1
Spin Casino

Spin Casino

Bonus

$1000

Payments

Apple PayEcoPayz CasinosInstant Bank TransferMasterCardNeosurfNetellerPaySafecardSkrill (Moneybookers)Visa+5
Review
Top 2
Jackpot City

Jackpot City

Bonus

NZ$1600

Payments

EcoPayz CasinosEntropay CasinosInstant Bank TransferMaestroMasterCardNetellerPaySafecardPOliVisa+5
Review
Top 3
Lucky Nugget

Lucky Nugget

Bonus

150% up to NZ$200

Payments

EcoPayz CasinosInstant Bank TransferMaestroMasterCardNetellerVisa+2
Review
Casino
Title
Bonus
Rating
Payments
Play now
4
Casino Kingdom
Casino Kingdom

Bonus

40 Free Spins + 3 No Deposit FS

Payments

MasterCardNeosurfNetellerPaySafecardSkrill (Moneybookers)Visa+2
Review
5
leovegas casino nz
LeoVegas

Bonus

[25 Free Spins on Sign Up]+100% up to $2000&150 Free Spins

Payments

EcoPayz CasinosMasterCardNetellerPaySafecardSkrill (Moneybookers)VisaWire Transfer Casinos+3
Review
6
casino classic logo
Casino Classic

Bonus

40 Free Spins + 3 No Deposit Spins

Payments

Google PayInstant Bank TransferMasterCardNeosurfNetellerPaySafecardSkrill (Moneybookers)Visa+4
Review
7
rizk casino nz logo
Rizk

Bonus

100% UP TO $1000

Payments

Instant Bank TransferNetellerSkrill (Moneybookers)
Review
8
jonnyjackpotcasino logo
Jonny Jackpot Casino

Bonus

NZ$1000 + 100 Free Spins

Payments

MasterCardNetellerPaySafecardTrustly CasinosVisa+1
Review
9
zodiac casino logo
Zodiac Casino

Bonus

80 Free Spins for $1

Payments

EcoPayz CasinosMasterCardNetellerPaySafecardSkrill (Moneybookers)VisaWire Transfer Casinos+3
Review
10
gaming club nz logo
Gaming Club

Bonus

Double Deposit Bonus up to NZ$350

Payments

EcoPayz CasinosEntropay CasinosInstant Bank TransferMaestroMasterCardNetellerPaySafecardSkrill (Moneybookers)VisaWire Transfer Casinos+6
Review
11
Captain Spins Casino logo
Captain Spins Casino

Bonus

up to $1200 + 260 FS

Payments

EcoPayz CasinosInstant Bank TransferMaestroMasterCardNeosurfPaySafecardVisa+3
Review
12
SG casino logo
SG Casino

Bonus

up to $1000 + 200 Free Spins

Payments

MasterCardVisa
Review
13
spinz casino logo nz
Spinz

Bonus

Up to $1000 + 200 Free Spins

Payments

MasterCardNetellerPaySafecardSkrill (Moneybookers)Visa+1
Review
Show More

How We Rank Online Poker Sites NZ

If you have already picked a casino site, you’ve done well, but it is important to check it thoroughly and learn if it operates legally. This fact is crucial in gambling for real money, especially online poker. You can find many online poker reviews, but still, we recommend you stick to licensed ones that provide relevant info for NZ players. We ensure you that at iCasinoreviews, all data and insights are offered and tested by real professionals in the industry. So, here is how we rank the best online poker sites.

✅ Licenses

Every reliable casino strives to cater to players and provide their services legally. This allows them to expand their business and reach a global audience. So, we always check sites in New Zealand for licenses from MGA, UKGC, and others. Also, we explore the level of protection they have.

✅ Poker Games & Tournaments

It is boring to play only one variation of online poker. The broadness of game selection is an important feature of reputable online casinos. We analyze the room of online poker, estimate the providers they partner with and test the online casino games.

✅ Match Bonuses

Along with security and game variety, there should be a reward system to retain the existing players and attract new ones. When playing NZ online poker, you will surely find some incentive bonuses to spice up your gameplay.

✅ Secure Banking Options

Another thing that worries every player is the payment option in a casino. Is it secure to deposit and withdraw? How long does it take to cash out? These questions are among the most important. We ensure the top online poker casinos in iCasinoreviews provide convenient and fast payment options for NZ players.

Online Poker Game Features

Every game starts with basic rules. The poker game is played with at least 2 players, one deck of cards, and poker chips. There are two ways how you can play: Stud and Draw. The rules for each way are almost similar, with slight differences.

Stud Poker

You are given 5 or 7 cards. Then you should evaluate how strong your hand is and wager real money. A player who bets more money is going to win unless another player matches their wager. If the latter happens, the remaining players place their cards face up and compare hands. The hand with the higher ranking wins.

Draw Poker

The same number of cards is dealt. You need to wager on the hand you were drawn. When the first round of wagering ends, players are allowed to better their hands by turning in cards and drawing new ones. You can trade only three cards in a round, except for having an ace. With an ace, a player can trade all 4 cards.

Wagering options

When it comes to wagering on casino poker online, you have a choice of 4 wagering options. Here they are.

  • Raise: If you think you have the top hand, you can “raise” or increase your wager;
  • Fold: If you are not confident in your hand, you can fold. This will take you out of the round and lose chips.
  • Call: You continue wagering the same amount as the current highest bet;
  • Check: If no one has raised the bet, you can stand by, passing your turn to wager.

Beginning Tips and Strategies in Online Poker NZ

To succeed in online poker New Zealand, just rules are not always enough. That’s why you need to look for strategies and helpful tips to improve your gameplay.

  • Start with small bets

It is always recommended to start playing online casino poker with small bets. By doing this, you will avoid big losses as a beginner who has not much practice.

  • Learn the rules with free online poker

The demo mode of pokers is an excellent option to learn the rules and train your skills. So after, you can start playing your favourite game for real money.

  • Choose a table smartly

Among poker variations, there are tables with fast-paced and multi-tables. If you are in the process of getting into techniques, it is not a good idea to choose such tables. They have more pressure as experienced players join them.

  • Avoid any distraction

Whether you are playing on your PC or smartphone, you should set the time and place for online poker. So there won’t be any distracting factors on the way.

Best Online Poker Variations

online poker versionsFrom the variety of online poker versions, our team singled out the most popular and preferred by most gamblers. So you can read up on the descriptions and choose the one that suits you most. Check them out.

Texas Hold Em

texas hold em poker

It is the most popular version as you can see it on a TV, sometimes. It features “blinds” (big and small) which are basically the bet requirements. Each player gets two cards once the bets are placed, and the dealer pulls out one face-up card, taking the bets afterward. Once bets are placed again, the dealer pulls out three cards on the table, takes bets, and shows the fourth (turn) card and the fifth one (river) ultimately. You are allowed to combine each of your two cards with the ones that are on the table in order to form a winning hand. It is considered to be one of the best poker versions of all time, and almost all Kiwis play it.

Omaha

omaha poker nz

Though not played in the same amount as the previous one, the Omaha gameplay is pretty much the same as in the previous version, with the difference that the dealer gives you four cards. Then you use ANY OF THE TWO cards you have and combine these with three cards that the dealer places on the table. Omaha, popularly called PLOP (pot limit poker), is known for a lot of bluffing, as you have four cards in your hand.

Video Poker

video poker nz

Each player gets five cards and then is required to place bets. Once placed, they have an opportunity to exchange any number of cards in their possession, and once exchanged, the best are placed one more time. In the end, everyone shows their cards. The strongest hands take all. This type of poker was trendy in the past, but it is still played mostly in casinos.

Live Dealers Poker

live dealer poker nz

This is for all genuine players who like the authenticity and genuine gambling experience that is available in land-based casinos. It features the live agent/operator that runs the game, with whom you can communicate. It is usually available in 3 Card, Hold’em, and Caribbean Stud versions, though it is not odd to see many more versions.

Which one is the best for you? You need to determine as each type offers something different and unique. Generally, Hold’em is widely available and perhaps the most popular, but the remaining three are also played in the majority of virtual casinos.

Online Poker for Real Money vs. Free

Suppose there is an opportunity to play poker online for free, why not! This casino game isn’t available for free in all casinos. But if your chosen site does offer it, then you are lucky to leverage this perk. Playing real money poker online is also good for feeling real excitement and hitting wins. So, both poker modes are good solutions, and it’s up to you to decide. We understand that other factors can influence your decision, so we listed the benefits of each mode of online poker.

Free PokerReal Money Poker
  • Ability to learn the game without depositing
  • No stress while playing, you choose your speed mode to play.
  • No risks of losing real money
  • Real cash win is ahead of you.
  • Live poker is available
  • Much excitement and a real-time atmosphere

Online Poker Bonus Offers

Poker is a favourite game for many Kiwis. Its real money mode uncovers many privileges to try and prizes to unlock. In this section, we talk about bonuses you are eligible to claim when playing online poker.

  • No deposit bonus

It is rare to find but still beneficial to use. If your casino offers this bonus, you are the luckier player. You will be granted extra cash you receive for free. So you will have some bankroll for a start. You don’t have to deposit, but you must register to get the bonus.

  • Welcome bonus

The most known bonus in the gambling world. New NZ players shouldn’t miss it. It will credit your minimum deposit with a match bonus of 100% at least and add free spins to try in online pokies. This is the best online poker bonus.

  • Reload bonus

When playing actively online poker, a casino can provide various profitable poker tournaments. As a rule, such tournaments come with prizes and a reload bonus, a match bonus to your deposit. The more you fund your account, the bigger the bonus.

Mobile Poker Online

Many online poker rooms from New Zealand are available via your mobile device, whether it has iOS, Windows, or Android operating systems. Depending on the casino, you will need to log in through a mobile browser or download the application onto your device. There are exclusive offers when you select a certain casino poker app. We recommend you receive the best experience through the apps listed below. They are 100% safe when it comes to your personal information and your money transactions.

Top 3 Mobile Poker Online Casino with  Real Money

CasinoWelcome BonusSupported Devices
888 Poker$888+$88Android, Apple
Poker Star$600Android, Apple
Pacific Poker$400Android, Apple

How to Start Playing Online Poker for Real Money

If you want to play online poker for real money, make sure you find a reliable casino where you will be safe. The first thing that New Zealand poker players should do is to see the available banking methods they can use to deposit, but also to withdraw money. Besides standard banking methods, the most popular ones are Paypal, Skrill, EcoPayz, and Money Brokers, so make sure you have one of these web wallets and they are available in New Zealand. After your search is done, follow the next steps to start playing poker online casino:

  1. Visit a casino website.
  2. Sign up to the platform and create an account.
  3. Verify your account.
  4. Go to the Banking page of your profile.
  5. Enter the bonus code (if available).
  6. Click “Deposit.”
  7. Enter the amount you want to fund your account.
  8. Provide payment details.
  9. Confirm the transaction.
  10. Navigate to the poker room.
  11. Choose the game, place a bet, and good luck.

Your casino balance will be credited immediately. Make sure to learn what is the minimum deposit to claim a bonus and start your gaming path at large. If your bankroll is very low, you can try minimum $1 deposit casinos from our list.

Short FAQ Section

🔒 Is it secure and legal to play real money poker in New Zealand?

Yes, and the Gambling Act from 2003 is proof of it. According to this document, playing online cash poker is safe and legal. While there is no local internet casino that would serve only Kiwis, they can register at any international web casino that provides legal online gambling.

🔎 How to find a reliable real money poker casino?

After verifying you can trust the casino, you should estimate its poker lobby. The best online poker casinos NZ usually offer many poker versions. Also, pay attention to all the bonuses on offer. Explore the terms and conditions to understand how you can meet them.

❓ Can I play online poker for free?

Yes, you can play poker game for free in New Zealand, without depositing any cash. It is the best way to get familiar with the game, rules, and strategies before investing real cash. Whether you want to play Texas Hold Em, a video poker, or any other type of it, the majority of New Zealand-friendly casinos will allow you to play free. Still, the best thrill comes from playing with real money!

Author

Oliver Scott igaming expert
Oliver Scott
Oliver is our gambling guru 🔥 All the texts on our site are written or edited by his professional hands. He played in most of the best New Zealand casinos which are on iCasinoreviews. 10 years in iGaming ❗ Lots of conferences and tournaments. Everything to become the best casino expert for you.