About NZ Casino Guide
We are passionate researchers and experienced journalists dedicated to bringing New Zealand players honest, thorough, and actionable casino reviews.
Our Mission
NZ Casino Guide exists to empower Kiwi players with the knowledge they need to make informed gambling decisions. The online casino industry moves fast, with new platforms launching constantly and existing ones evolving their offerings. Navigating this landscape without guidance can lead to poor experiences, unfair bonus terms, or worse—unlicensed operators who may not protect your funds.
Our team personally tests every casino we review. We create accounts, make real deposits, play real games, and attempt real withdrawals. This hands-on approach reveals truths that surface-level reviews miss. We time customer support responses, document verification processes, and evaluate mobile experiences across multiple devices.
What Sets Us Apart
Unlike generic review aggregators, we focus exclusively on the New Zealand market. We understand local payment preferences, regulatory nuances, and what Kiwi players actually value. Our reviews consider timezone-appropriate support hours, NZD availability, and games that resonate with local tastes.
We maintain strict editorial independence. While we earn affiliate commissions when readers sign up through our links, this never influences our ratings or recommendations. We have declined partnerships with casinos that failed our standards, and we regularly update reviews to reflect changing conditions—both positive and negative.
Our Review Process
Every casino review follows our comprehensive evaluation framework:
- Licensing Verification: We confirm active licenses and check regulatory standing before anything else.
- Account Creation: We register accounts to evaluate the signup process, KYC requirements, and initial user experience.
- Deposit Testing: We test multiple payment methods popular with NZ players, noting speeds and any hidden fees.
- Game Evaluation: We play extensively across pokies, table games, and live dealer to assess quality and variety.
- Bonus Analysis: We read every term thoroughly, calculating realistic value after wagering requirements.
- Support Testing: We contact customer service with genuine questions across multiple channels.
- Withdrawal Processing: We request payouts to verify processing times and any complications.
- Ongoing Monitoring: We revisit casinos regularly to ensure standards remain consistent.
Our Team
NZ Casino Guide is powered by a dedicated team of gambling industry professionals based in Auckland and Wellington. Our combined experience spans over 40 years in iGaming, journalism, and player advocacy. We bring diverse perspectives—from professional poker players to former casino floor managers—to deliver well-rounded insights.
Our lead analyst, Marcus Thornbury, has been covering the New Zealand gambling scene since before smartphones existed. His experience provides historical context that helps identify truly exceptional platforms versus clever marketing. Learn more about Marcus and his approach to casino evaluation.
Contact Us
We welcome feedback, corrections, and suggestions from our readers. Whether you have spotted outdated information, experienced something different than we described, or simply want to share your casino experiences, we want to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +64 9 555 0147
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm NZST
Responsible Gambling Commitment
We take responsible gambling seriously. Every review includes information about deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and support resources. We refuse to partner with casinos that do not provide adequate player protection tools or that market aggressively to vulnerable populations.
If you or someone you know struggles with gambling, please contact the NZ Problem Gambling Foundation at 0800 654 655 or visit their website for free, confidential support available 24/7.