Live Dealer Casinos NZ

We’ve got the best live casino sites for New Zealanders right here at casinos.win. The introduction of live dealer games has allowed Kiwis to enjoy traditional gaming experiences in an online setting. It also offers a nice bridge for offline gamblers who aren’t fans of the usual mechanics of web casino games.

NZ players are already among the top iGamers in the world. The live casino scene is only expected to grow with the continued development of the iGaming scene. So stay updated with our shortlist of live casinos offering the best range of bonuses, games and software from top developers. Discover the world of live dealer games, how they work and how to play them in this guide.

  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get up to NZ$1,000 Bonus over 3 Deposits + 500 Points
    Christchurch Casino Review
    • A legend of a land-based casino
    • More than 2,000 games
    • Classy casino
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    20+ ● New players only ● Terms and Conditions apply ● Please play responsibly ● GamblingTherapy.org

    Welcome Bonus - Up to NZ$1,000 Bonus Plus 500 Loyalty Points

    This classy-looking casino welcomes new players with a lucrative matched deposit bonus of up to NZ$1,000 plus 500 loyalty points. The minimum amount you will need to deposit to redeem this offer is NZ$10. The joining package is available on your first three deposits. Here's how it works:
    • 1st Deposit - 100% matched bonus up to NZ$200
    • 2nd Deposit - 100% matched bonus up to NZ$300
    • 3rd Deposit - 50% match bonus up to NZ$500
    You will also receive 500 loyalty points on your first deposit. Clearly, you'll need to deposit more by deposit three if you want to max out this opening offer. Players will need to wager or play through both bonus and deposit x30 before it can be turned into real withdrawable cash. For example, if your first Deposit is NZ$10 and your bonus is NZ$10, then the total wagering requirement will be NZ$600.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • X30 wagering bonus and Deposit
    • 30-day expiry once you join
    • Max bet NZ$5
    • Deposits via Skrill and Neteller not eligible
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get up to NZ$1,000 + 100 Free Spins on Legacy of Dead
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    • Quality software suppliers
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    Jonny Jackpot Welcome Bonus - Up to NZ$1,000 Bonus Plus 100 Free Spins on Legacy of Dead

    Jonny is on fire with this opening offer! Not only can you enjoy a matched deposit bonus of up to NZ$1,000 but you’re also rewarded with 100 free spins on the brilliant slot - Legacy of Dead. This opening offer for new players is split across your first three deposits. Here’s how it works:
    • Deposit 1  - 100% match bonus up to NZ$400 + 50 bonus spins
    • Deposit 2 - 125% match bonus up to NZ$200 + 20 bonus spins
    • Deposit 3 - 200% match bonus up to NZ$400 + 30 bonus spins
    This offer comes with a wagering requirement of x35 on your deposit amount, bonus amount and free spin wins. There’s also some other key terms and conditions you need to know about to avoid disappointment.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • Max win on spins of NZ$100
    • X35 wagering on bonus, deposit and free spin wins
    • 30 day expiry
    • Deposit via Skrill & Neteller are not eligible
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  • Deposit NZ$20 to NZ$100, Get 500% up to NZ$500 on Your First Deposit
    Neon Vegas Casino Review
    • Excellent Value For Your Deposit
    • Fun and vibrant gaming experience
    • Colossal number of pokies
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    Welcome Bonus

    Bright lights, big city…welcome to Neon Vegas. As you’d expect from the city of lights this is a glitzy, glowing, vibrant website with a very warm welcome. Join today and enjoy a $500 cash bonus. How does the bonus work, I hear you cry!  Well, it’s quite simple really. To get the maximum of $500 you would need to wager $500 20x. Before you stick your first dime in the one-armed bandit here are a few things you need to know. When you deposit you will need to use the code NEON. Only after the wagering requirement is met will your bonus cash be released. You can make more than one deposit to complete the wagering if required but you’ll only have two days to complete the welcome offer. Once unlocked the money is there as cash which can be withdrawn or gambled. That’s up to you! As you’d expect from a company that takes its name from one of the most hedonistic places on earth this is an indulgent offer. The 20x wagering puts it in the lower end of wagering requirements for online casinos. However, if you want to maximize this offer you would need to wager through $10,000 to unlock the $500 cash. Playing it safer with a $100 deposit 20x would mean wagering through $2000 before realizing $100 cash. Whatever your tactic, be assured that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
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  • Deposit NZ$20+, Get 100% up to NZ$500 on your First Deposit
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    • Chance to Win Big Money
    • More than 1,500 Games
    • Excellent Game Shows
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    7+
    *18+. New players only, Minimum Deposit $20. 50x Wagering in 2 days, Deposit played first, Max Bet $10, Max Win 2x the bonus amount, Certain games excluded. LottoGo.com T&Cs Apply. Gamble Responsibly

    Welcome Bonus - 100% Matched Deposit up to NZ$500

    This special offer from LottoGo is a matched deposit bonus of up to NZ$500. You’ll need to click the associated button in the promotions area of the casino to opt-in before you deposit. Then all you need to do is deposit anywhere between NZ$20 and NZ$500. To receive the bonus cash you will need to lose your deposit and any associated winnings first! In other words if you deposit NZ$30 and win NZ$10 you will need to wager NZ$40 before unlocking the bonus cash. Or lose, and be awarded the bonus. Your bonus cash, once unlocked is then subject to a x50 wager or play through requirement before you can withdraw any winnings. There’s also a maximum win on this offer of x2 your bonus amount.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New player only
    • Minimum Deposit NZ$20
    • 50x wagering in two days
    • Deposit played first
    • Max Bet $10
    • Max win x2 bonus amount
    • Certain games excluded check before you play
    +
  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$2,000 + 200 Free Spins over 3 Deposits
    Leo Vegas Casino Review
    • A great platform from a top Swedish firm
    • Sports fans will delight in antepost markets
    • Claim ongoing rewards from the VIP scheme
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    33+
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    Leo Vegas Welcome Bonus - Up to NZ$2,000 Plus 150 Free Spins

    For a casino with a lion as its mascot, this opening offer is simply paw-fect! Leo Vegas welcomes new players with a huge 100% NZ$2,000 matched deposit bonus plus 150 free spins. Here’s how it works:
    • First Deposit - 100% matched up to NZ$1,000 plus 50 Free Spins
    • Second Deposit - 100% matched up to NZ$500 + 50 Free Spins
    • Third Deposit - 100% matched up to NZ$500 + 50 Free Spins
    To release the cash and free spins you will need to wager your deposits 20x. This is excellent value for an opening offer in an industry where 40x is the average. Clearly, if you want to max this offer out, you’ll need to deposit the full NZ$ amount but don’t worry if you haven’t got that amount to play with. The minimum deposit to redeem this offer is just NZ$10. Lastly, because Leo Vegas is also a sportsbook, live casino and online bingo room there’s a choice when it comes to opening offers including:
    • Bingo offer up to NZ$250 plus 50 Free Spins
    • Matched free sports up to NZ$50
    • Up to $2,000 Cash Live Casino
    But remember you can only pick one! We recommend always reading the terms and conditions of any offer but because we’re nice we’ve listed the main ones below for you.

    Terms and Conditions

    • Minimum deposit of NZ$10
    • 21 days to claim following registration
    • Free spins have no wagering requirements
    • You must wager the deposit 20x before receiving your bonus
    • Free spins must be played on Gold Blitz
    • Only select slots contribute 100% to wagering requirements - check games before spinning
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$100 + 10 free spins per day for 7 days
    Sky City Casino Review
    • Access great benefits online and bricks & mortar
    • Optimized for superior mobile output
    • Crammed with the latest pokies releases
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    Deposit required for triggering reload bonus and additional Free Spins. Bonus of 100% up to a max of $100. 35x bonus wagering req. in 30 days. 70 Free Spins awarded on eligible games, 10 per day valid for 24h.

    Sky City Welcome Bonus - Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$100 + 10 free spins per day for 7 days

    When you sign up to Sky City Casino online and make a minimum $10 deposit you can instantly claim a 100% matched deposit bonus of up to $100. Not only this, but you also qualify for seventy free spins - with ten offered every day for a week. Best of all, wins from free spins come with no wagering. What you win, you win! To be able to withdraw any wins that are associated with the matched deposit bonus you are required to meet the wagering terms that Sky City sets out. To do this, you must make bets that total x35 the bonus that you claim. However, 100% of all stakes do not count towards this effort for all gambling products, check which games contribute 100% before playing.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • X35 wagering on bonus
    • Wins from free spins x0 wagering
    • Minimum deposit NZ$10
    • Max amount matched NZ$100
    • Free spins must be claimed within 24 hours
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  • Deposit NZ$20+, Get up to NZ$1,000 + 300 Free Spins over 3 Deposits
    Use code NITRO1
    Nitro Casino Review
    • MGA licensed
    • High octane welcome bonus
    • Quality slots offer
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    14+
    18+ Play responsibly. Terms and Conditions Apply.

    Welcome Bonus

    Nitro Casino is the high octane gambling site that will make you feel that you have instantly come to the right place. This edgy car racing themed casino certainly knows how to get from 0-60 in a hurry. They welcome new players with a $1,000 matched deposit and a massive 300 free spins. Here’s how it works: Enjoy 100% up to $200 + 30 Free Spins on John hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen after your first deposit, 50% up to $300 + 70 Free Spins on Sweet Bonanza after your second deposit and 25% up to $500 + 200 Free Spins on Wolf Gold after your third deposit.
    DEPOSIT %MATCHED MAXIMUM FREE SPINS BONUS CODE
    1st 100% $200 30 NITRO1
    2nd 50% $300 70 NITRO2
    3rd 25% $500 200 NITRO3
    But before you press the pedal to the metal, there’s a couple of things you need to know. The wagering requirement is 50x the bonus money credited and bonuses must be completed within 21 days The minimum deposit to claim this Welcome Bonus is $10 and the 200 free spins are awarded at a rate of 20 per day over 10 days. Free spins will only be awarded upon completion of each deposit wagering requirement. Put on your seatbelt and get ready for some action because this casino starts off in full throttle. This is a very generous opening offer. The wagering requirement is slightly higher than the industry average of 40x but it is confined to the bonus money alone and doesn’t include the deposited cash.
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get up to NZ$1,000 over 2 Deposits + 200 Free Spins
    Wildz Casino Review
    • Brilliant bonuses and ongoing promotions
    • More than 2,500 games including live dealer
    • A casino that packs a punch
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    x35 wagering on bonus x35 wagering on wins from free spins Max bet NZ$5 per spin Minimum deposit NZ$10 60-day expiry. 18+ Play responsibly. Terms and Conditions Apply.

    Welcome Bonus - Up to NZ$1,000 Plus 200 Free Spins

    This casino has gone WILD with its opening offer to attract new players. You can enjoy a magnificent matched deposit offer of up to NZ$1,000 when joining Wildz Casino, plus 200 free spins. This opening offer plays out over your first two deposits. Here’s how it works: 
    • First Deposit - 100% matched deposit up to NZ$500 plus 200 free spins
    • Second Deposit - 50% matched deposit up to NZ$500
    Your bonus cash will need to be wagered x35 times before you can withdraw any winnings. In other words, if you deposit NZ$100 and receive a NZ$100 bonus, you will need to win and spin at least NZ$3,500. Free spins are awarded at a rate of 25 per day for the first eight days following your deposit. You will also need to wager any wins from free spins x35 before making a withdrawal. This is a lovely opening offer that comes with wagering requirements that are slightly less than the industry average of x40.
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    Spinz Casino Review
    • Live 24/7 Streaming
    • Epic Bonuses
    • More than 2,000 Games
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    15+
    New players only x35 wagering requirement Free spins on select games Not all games contribute 100% to wagering requirements - check before you play

    Welcome Bonus - Up to NZ$1,000 Plus 200 Free Spins

    This casino’s opening offer will leave you in a right spin! Spinz Casino welcomes new players with a whopping matched deposit bonus of up to NZ$1,000 PLUS 200 free spins. Nice! Simply sign up and deposit anywhere between NZ$10 and NZ$1,000, and Spinz Casino will match your deposit as a bonus. Free spins are awarded at a rate of 25 per day for eight days. You will need to wager/play through your bonus amount x35 before you can withdraw any winnings. Any wins from free spins will also need to be played through x35 before they can be converted into cash. In an industry where an average wagering requirement is x40, this is a very nice opening gambit to attract new players. There are a couple of other terms and conditions you will need to bear in mind when playing, which we’ve listed below.

    Terms & Conditions

    • Minimum deposit NZ$10
    • X35 wagering requirement on bonus and free spin wins
    • Max bet for wagering is NZ$5
    • Games contribute different percentages when wagering - check before you play
    +
  • Deposit NZ30+, Get 100% up to NZ$10,000 + 100 Free Spins on your First Deposit
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    • Cashback galore
    • Great games
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    New players only  One account per household/IP address Bonus wagering x40 Free spin wagering x40 Max bet when wagering NZ$8 Winnings capped at NZ$15,000 Not all games contribute the same to wagering - check before you play

    Welcome Bonus - 100% Bonus up to NZ$10,000 Plus 100 Free Spins

    There are only two words to describe ZotaBet's opening offer - ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE! Their bid to attract new customers sees them offering a phenomenal matched deposit bonus of NZ$10,000 plus 100 free spins. You'd be hard-pushed to find a bigger opening offer anywhere else. So, how does it work? You simply have to deposit anywhere between NZ$30 and NZ$10,000, and they will match it. Of course, there are some terms and conditions you will need to abide by. The main one is that the bonus awarded (and any wins from free spins) will need to be wagered x40 before you can withdraw any winnings. This is bang on average in terms of wagering, so spin away! This is one heck of an opening offer.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • One account per household/IP address
    • Bonus wagering x40
    • Free spin wagering x40
    • Max bet when wagering NZ$8
    • Winnings capped at NZ$15,000
    • Not all games contribute the same to wagering - check before you play
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author-image

Author:

Anne Ifeanyi

Last Updated:

07/11/2023

Table of Contents

What are Live Casinos?

Live casinos are gambling sites that feature live dealer games. The idea of live dealer gaming is that players are faced with human dealers and croupiers rather than just a software algorithm. The action at live casinos replicates the traditional brick-and-mortar experience because games are typically broadcast from casino studios or actual land-based lobbies. At the same time, you enjoy the convenience of playing from your own home. It highlights the best aspects of land-based and online gaming.

The Live Casino Experience

These three aspects best define the live casino experience and what it entails:

Real-Time Interaction with Dealers and Players

The presence of live dealers is the main differentiating factor between a live online casino and a regular online casino. Dealers add a human element that replicates playing in a physical casino. They interact with players, enabling a social environment. The dealer also does the job of the RNG, shuffling and dealing cards, spinning the wheel and throwing dice. Everything is done before your eyes rather than behind the scenes.

High-Quality Video Streaming

Live online casinos use advanced video streaming technology to broadcast games directly to players’ devices, be it a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This involves using multiple high-definition cameras from different angles to capture all the aspects of the game. Video streaming is the reason why you can interact with these games in real time from the comfort of your own home. High-quality video streams will ensure that every detail of the game is visible and clear, contributing to a more immersive and realistic casino experience.

Range of Games Available

The range of games available at a live casino are typically table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, etc. There are also live game shows, which are a modern addition to live casino sites. Besides the obvious video streaming aspect, live casino games function similarly to regular online casino games. The interface of a live dealer game has the same controls and display of betting options.

How Live Dealer Casinos Work

The technology behind live casinos involves three major elements – HD cameras, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Game Control Unit (GCU).

Live casinos use multiple high-definition cameras to capture every angle of the game, from the dealer’s actions to the cards being dealt or the roulette wheel spinning. Some games even allow players to change the camera angle for a more personalised experience. OCR technology then translates the physical transactions made by the dealer, such as card dealing or roulette spinning, into data that can be displayed on the player’s screen. The Game Control Unit is a small device roughly the size of a shoebox that is attached to every live casino table. It assists the dealer in running the game by encoding the video broadcast and helping in the translation of the game data.

How to play live casino games?

It’s easy to get intimidated by the idea of playing live dealer games, but the sophisticated technology and processes are limited to the back end. On the player end, it’s just as easy as any regular casino game. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Sign up with a recommended live casino for New Zealand.
  2. Make a deposit and claim your bonus.
  3. Navigate to the live casino section and select a live dealer game you’d like to play.
  4. Check the paytable to familiarise yourself with the game rules and specifics.
  5. Join in right away or wait for an available seat. You can watch ongoing game rounds before you bet.
  6. Place your bet when the betting window opens for a new round.

How to Choose the Best Live Online Casinos

Live casinos used to be a novelty and relatively uncommon, but not anymore. Live dealer games are practically a requisite for top NZ online casinos nowadays, so the best sites will provide a range of live casino titles to play. There’s no scarcity of these live casinos, so the objective is to make sure you’re playing at sites that offer top-class entertainment quality and the best experience. These are the testing criteria our experts use to determine the best live casinos in NZ:

Security

Safe gambling is necessary whenever you play at an online casino. Live online casinos that aim to offer the best value will ensure safety and fair play through licensing, robust encryption protocols, and third-party auditing. They’ll also employ the safest payment methods for transactions.

Range of Games

You’ll want to have a good variety of quality games at any site you choose to play at. There should be several live dealer options to choose from with wagers of all sizes, and they should be from quality software providers, too.

Quality of Video Streaming

A lot of the entertainment value of live casino games is in the video stream quality. The best sites should allow HD streaming with stellar audio and visual experiences.

Bonuses and Promotions

Most casino bonuses are reserved for slot and table games. However, the best live dealer sites should also have bonuses that are playable on live casino games. This will boost your betting power and add value to your experience. 

Mobile Accessibility

Players shouldn’t be limited to the desktop display when playing live dealer games. Just as the best online casinos are mobile, a complete live casino experience includes mobile accessibility.

Live Casino Studios

Live casino studios are the providers responsible for the range of games players in NZ can enjoy on these sites. When assessing the best live casinos, we typically look out for companies known for providing the best live casino titles. Evolution Gaming is the most recognised live casino provider and also boasts the largest repertoire of live games. Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Playtech, Ezugi, Authentic Gaming, Microgaming, BetGames, and Extreme Live Gaming are some of the other live software providers with quality games. Let’s introduce some of them:

Evolution

As the market leader for live casino games, Evolution boasts dozens of titles broadcast from more than 8 dedicated studios worldwide. Evolution powered live dealer casinos are hands down the best destinations for authentic gaming as the developer delivers top-quality HD streams, elegant and professional dealers, and fair games. They’ve also been consistent award winners since launching in 2006.

Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play is another big name in the live casino scene. They’ve started out as slot developers and have seamlessly transitioned to table games, bingo, sports, and live dealer games. The Pragmatic Play Live unit offers innovative live games across table games and live game shows. They have their state-of-the-art studio in Bucharest, Romania, and provide many branded, exclusive gaming environments.

NetEnt

When innovation comes calling, NetEnt is always ready to answer. Arguably the most innovative game company in the industry, NetEnt has revolutionised the slot scene with hits like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest. They maintain the same quality standard with their venture into the live casino realm. They’ve got a relatively small library, but their games boast stellar features like chat option with fellow players, super intuitive UI, smooth playability, and more.

Playtech

Playtech is a stellar mobile game developer that brings some of the best mobile live casino experiences. Many of the top live casino games are courtesy of this provider, and they have a variety of tables with accommodating bet ranges for both low and high rollers. Several Playtech live dealer games are also supported in multiple languages, solidifying their position as a global leader.

Ezugi

Ezugi is an exclusive developer of live casino games founded in 2013. Now a subsidiary of Evolution, the company maintains its unique image with an enviable range of games. They were one of the first to provide live games in the US market and are just as widespread across the globe, including at top NZ live dealer casinos. Their library spans a range of live table games to live keno and the lottery-style Live Bet on Numbers.

Live Casino Games

The games available at live casinos in New Zealand are plenty. Although live dealer games were limited to just blackjack and roulette at the start, many different casino games are now available in a live format. So far, there are live dealer options for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, craps, sic bo, keno, etc. Let’s introduce the most popular ones below:

Live Blackjack

Live dealer blackjack is about the most popular game you can play. It follows the standard blackjack rules of beating the dealer’s hand without going over 21. At the live casino, there are lots of variants, including those with side bets or without side bets, limited or unlimited sitting, and even jackpot prizes.

Live Dealer Blackjack GameDeveloperFeatures
Lightning BlackjackEvolution– Up to 25x multipliers
– Unlimited seats 
MultiPlay Blackjack LiveAuthentic Gaming– Early cashout
– Seven side bets
Live Blitz BlackjackNetEnt– Dedicated tables
– Unlimited players 
Free Bet BlackjackEvolution– Free Doubles and Splits on some totals
– Side bets 
Speed BlackjackPragmatic Play– Fast gameplay
– Bet behind 

Live Roulette

This exciting classic wheel game has seamlessly transitioned to the live casino. The fast-paced and simple gameplay that players love is even more thrilling within an authentic environment. Roulette is already popular for having multiple variants in American, European, and French Roulette. Live roulette takes it to a whole new level with the addition of some of the most innovative elements, such as multipliers, jackpots, and even more betting options.

Live Dealer Roulette GameDeveloperFeatures
Lightning RouletteEvolution– Lucky numbers
– Multipliers up to 500x
Double Ball RouletteEvolution– 1200: 1 jackpot prize
– Doubled payouts on outside bets
Age of the Gods Bonus RoulettePlaytech– 4 progressive jackpots
– RNG bonus round
Speed RouletteEvolution– Super-fast game rounds of 25 secs
– Betting occurs during spin
Quantum RoulettePlaytech– Multipliers up to 500x on straight-up bets
– European roulette wheel

Live Baccarat

The elegant game of baccarat is another popular option at live online casinos. Live baccarat rules may seem confusing if you haven’t played before, but it’s actually quite simple. You should be able to view the game rules using an appropriate icon on the user interface. Baccarat is all about betting on which hand gets a closer total to 9 between the Banker and Player, and a live casino setting with a human dealer and fellow players allows you to enjoy the social camaraderie that comes with a winning hand (or a losing one).

Live Dealer Baccarat GameDeveloperFeatures
Baccarat SqueezeEvolution– Standard baccarat gameplay
– Dealer squeezes on cards during the reveal 
Lightning BaccaratEvolution– Up to 8x card multipliers
– Stunning user interface 
No Commission BaccaratEvolution– No 5% commission on Banker bet
– Offers Super 6 side bet 
Progressive BaccaratPlaytech– Progressive jackpot side bet
Bet on BaccaratBetGames– Side bets available
– Plenty of prop wagers 

Live Poker

Poker comes in different kinds, from Casino Hold ’em to Texas Hold ’em, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, etc. The live casino has them all. Poker is the one casino game originally designed to be played against other players rather than against the dealer; in this regard, it’s probably the best live casino game. Nowadays, adjusted rules on several variants like Three Card Poker and Casino Hold ’em will see you face off against the dealer. Skill, jackpots and the occasional bluff are all part of the excitement when you play live casino poker.

Live Dealer Poker GameDeveloperFeatures
Casino Hold’emEvolution, Playtech, Ezugi– Five card poker gameplay
– Optional side bets
Live Caribbean Stud PokerEvolution– Unlimited number of players
– Bonus side bet
Live Texas Hold’em Bonus PokerEvolution– Bonus side bet
– Progressive jackpot side bet
Live 3 Card PokerEvolution– Played with 3 card hand
– Side bets available 

Introduction to Live Game Shows

Live game shows are a category of games taking the live casino scene by storm. They combine elements of traditional game shows with online gambling, providing alternative live casino entertainment. They feature live hosts or presenters who run the game and interact with players in real time via a video stream. Live hosts often add an element of fun and excitement to the proceedings.

Visually, live game shows are always a fantastic time. They are produced in professional studios with high-quality sets, lighting, and sound, creating a polished and immersive experience that replicates the feel of a real TV game show.

A wide variety of live game shows are available, from classic game show formats like “Wheel of Fortune” or “Deal or No Deal” to innovative new options designed specifically for online casinos. Many live game shows feature a giant prize wheel which awards real money prizes and immersive bonus rounds with augmented reality. These games are often predominantly chance-based but also allow a bit of strategy, making them appealing to a wide range of players.

Here are some of the most popular live game shows you can try in New Zealand casinos:

Live Casinos and Pokies

So far, slots are the only games unavailable in a live format. However, some innovative games like Crazy Coin Flip include a slot element in the gameplay. This evolution title features a segment with a 3×3 reel slot that boasts special symbols and multipliers.

Pokies, by design, are electronic gaming machines based on RNG software. So, we don’t expect them to become available in live dealer formats. However, most live online casinos also have regular casino games as well, so you’ll find plenty of real money pokies available to play at these sites.

Bonuses for Live Dealer Casinos

Many players look towards bonus offers when signing up at new online casinos. The benefits of bonuses range from boosting your gameplay time to increasing your chances to win, plus players simply love free stuff. As long as there are reasonable wagering requirements and other terms, a bonus is a must-have. Unfortunately, live casino bonuses aren’t a given at many sites. Bonuses are typically available for pokies and regular table games, and it’s often expressly indicated in the bonus terms that live casino gameplay is not valid.

On the bright side, the best live casinos, like the ones we recommend here at casinos.win, will have bonuses playable on the live casino. For new customers, there may be a regular welcome bonus you can use on live casino games or a special deal dedicated to the live casino. Because live dealer games are always only available for real money, you’ll hardly find no deposit bonuses for the live casino. If you do stumble across one, it’s a real gem, and you should take advantage after going through the terms and conditions.

That said, these are the most common live casino bonuses:

Deposit Match

A deposit match bonus will typically reward you with a portion or the entirety of your deposit as bonus funds. For example, a 100% deposit match of up to $100. This means if you deposit $100, you receive an additional $100 in bonus funds. You then have $200 in total to play with.

Cashback

Cashback bonuses refund a percentage of losses incurred over a specific period or on a particular game. Imagine a 10% cashback on live roulette losses over the weekend. If you lose $50 playing live roulette during that period, you will receive $5 back as a cashback bonus. This helps cushion the blow of losing and gives you an incentive to try out games or continue playing.

Cash Drops and Leaderboard Tournaments

Cash drops are random bonuses awarded to players. A casino might decide to drop a certain amount of cash into player accounts randomly, giving players a pleasant surprise when they log in. Leaderboard tournaments, on the other hand, rank players based on specific criteria, often their wins or wagers on certain games over a defined period. Players climb the leaderboard by meeting these criteria, and those at the top by the end of the tournament period receive prizes. The Pragmatic Play Live Casino Tournament is a perfect example. These incentives encourage regular play and add a competitive element to the live gaming experience.

It’s worth noting that clearing a bonus is much easier to do with slots than with live dealer games, owing to the latter’s lower game contribution percentage. So, even with a live dealer bonus, you’d be better off playing pokies in order to complete the wagering requirements.

Mobile Live Casinos

The best live dealer casinos are mobile, so you should be able to access your favourite games on your smartphone or tablet and get the same quality experience as you would on a desktop. Players can enjoy live dealer games directly on-site using a mobile web browser or via dedicated apps. In New Zealand, mobile browser gaming is prevalent as many operators are choosing to optimise their web offerings rather than invest in app development. An optimised website is just as convenient as app gameplay, with the added benefit that you don’t have to download any software.

Some casinos do still provide a dedicated app. The advantage of an app is that you don’t have to sign out and back in every time. It also enables push notifications about casino updates such as new bonuses, new games, etc.

Live Dealer Casinos vs. Regular Online Casinos

Feature/AspectLive Dealer CasinosRegular Online Casinos
Gaming ExperienceReal-time interaction with live dealersGames are powered by RNG (Random Number Generator) without human interaction
AtmosphereClosest to a real casino with a human touch, ambient sounds, and real-time chatMore solitary experience, often with computer-generated graphics and sounds
Game SpeedDetermined by the live dealer’s pace and real-time gameplayTypically faster and can be controlled by the player in many games
Game VarietyMostly limited to popular table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and some game showsVast variety including slots, video poker, scratch cards, and table games
InteractivityPlayers can chat with the dealer and sometimes with other playersInteraction is typically limited to the game interface itself
Trust FactorPlayers can see the game unfold in real-time, often perceived as more trustworthyTrust is placed in the RNG and software, certified by third-party agencies
Technical RequirementsRequires a stable and faster internet connection due to video streamingGenerally less demanding on bandwidth
AccessibilityMost modern devices support live dealer games, but the experience might be better on larger screensAvailable on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets
BonusesSpecific bonuses tailored for live dealer gamesWide variety of bonuses across all games

Live Dealer Casinos FAQ

Where are live dealer games streamed from?

Live dealer games are streamed either from dedicated game studios or directly from land-based casino lobbies. Top providers like Evolution and Pragmatic Play have proprietary studios of their own. Others, like Authentic Gaming, use third-party studios or stream from land-based establishments.

Can I play live dealer games for free?

Live dealer games are typically reserved for real money bets because the presence of human dealers and physical locations makes it more cost-intensive. This is why you’ll hardly find no deposit bonuses for the live casino. You can try the RNG versions of live table games for free to familiarise yourself with the gameplay.

Are live casinos available on mobile?

Yes, live casinos are mobile-compatible. You can play your favourite games using your mobile web browser or via mobile apps where available.

Are live dealer games safe?

Live dealer games are safe and secure, especially at licensed NZ casinos. Besides being powered by state-of-the-art technology, they play out in real time. You don’t have to blindly trust the casino’s integrity because you can see how the game progresses with your own eyes.

Are table games available at the live casino?

Almost all table games have live casino variants. These include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, sic bo, casino hold ’em, Caribbean stud, and more.

Are live casinos legal in New Zealand?

Although it is illegal for gambling sites to operate from within New Zealand, it is legal to play at foreign online casinos. Kiwis can play at any live casinos that accept NZ players. We recommend you only stick to licensed and regulated live casinos, like the ones we’ve highlighted, for the best experience.