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$20+, Get up to NZ$2,000 or 5BTC + 180 Free Spins
    BitStarz Casino Review
    • Bitcoin Games
    • Speedy pay-outs
    • Excellent ongoing rewards
    18+ Play responsibly. Terms and Conditions Apply.

    BitStarz Casino Welcome Bonus – 100% Bonus up to NZ$2000 or 5 BTC + 180 Free Spins

    BitStarz opening gambit to attract new players is a very attractive NZ$2000 or 5 BTC plus 180 free spins. Nice! This opening offer is split across the first four deposits. Here’s how it works:
    • First Deposit = 100% matched up to NZ$400 or 1 BTC plus 180 Free Spins
    • Second Deposit = 50% matched up to NZ$400 or 1 BTC
    • Third Deposit = 50% matched up to NZ$800 or 2 BTC
    • Fourth Deposit = 100% matched up to NZ400 or 1 BTC
    Twenty free spins will be credited immediately on your first deposit. After that, you will receive them at a rate of 20 per day. You will also need to deposit a minimum of NZ$20 to receive the free spins and matched deposit. We’ve highlighted the main terms and conditions for this opening below, but the main one is the wagering requirement or play-through. You’ll need to wager your bonus 40x before you can withdraw any winnings. Any wins from free spins will also need to be wagered 40x. In other words, if you deposit NZ$100 and receive a bonus of NZ$100, you will need to play through NZ$4000 before cashing in.

    Terms and Conditions

    • 40x wagering free spin wins
    • 40x wagering bonus amount
    • Not all games contribute 100% to wagering requirements
    • Free spins are on select slots only
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$1,000 over 3 Deposits
    + daily 10 spins for a chance to win up to NZ$1,000,000
    Spin Casino Review
    • Progressive jackpots galore
    • Big opening offer
    • A feast of pokie goodness
    1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$400 • 2nd / 3rd Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$300 • 10 daily spins to win a Million • New customers only • Min deposit NZ$10 • Wagering & Terms apply

    Spin Casino Welcome Bonus – NZ$1000 Matched Deposit Bonus + daily 10 spins for a chance to win up to NZ$1,000,000.

    Spin Casino welcomes new players with a huge opening offer. Signing up with Spin Casino will see new punters enjoy a massive matched deposit of NZ$1000 to enjoy plus daily 10 spins for a chance to win up to NZ$1,000,000. The offer is spread across your first couple of deposits. Here’s how it works.
    • Your first deposit is matched 100% up to NZ$400
    • The second and third deposit is matched 100% up to NZ$300
    Of course, there are many terms and conditions you will need to be aware of before deciding whether or not to join, and we’ve listed the main ones for you. The biggie when it comes to this opening offer is that there is a x35 wagering requirement on your bonus cash. Meaning if you deposit NZ$10 and receive a NZ$10 bonus, you will need to play through the amount 35 x NZ$10 = NZ$350 before you can withdraw. This is a simple, easy-to-understand opening offer. Plus, the wagering requirement falls below the industry average of x40.
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$123 + 10% Cashback
    Fun Casino Review
    • Fun times for Megaways fans at Fun Casino!
    • Dedicated to premium slots from Novamatic
    • Deposits by Bitcoin for fans of cryptocurrency
    18+ Play responsibly. Terms and Conditions Apply.

    Welcome Bonus

    At Fun Casino, new players will receive a 100% matched first deposit bonus up to $123. The welcome bonus must be wagered 50x within the first 30 days of receiving it before any withdrawal can be made on these funds. When this has been completed, the funds will be converted into cash, and a withdrawal may be made. A minimum first deposit of $10 is needed to activate the welcome bonus. Slots contribute 100% to the wagering requirements, whereas video poker, live casino and table games contribute nothing.
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% Matched Deposit up to NZ$600
    Euro Palace Casino Review
    • Rewards fit for a King or Queen
    • Great Games
    • Generous welcome package
    18+ Play responsibly. Terms and conditions apply.

    Euro Palace Welcome Bonus - Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% Matched Deposit up to NZ$600

    Here at casinos.win, we love an opening offer that is as simple to understand as ABC. And that’s exactly what you get at Euro Palace Casino with their new member offer. This 100% matched deposit bonus up to NZ$600 is split across your first three deposits. Here’s how it works:
    • First Deposit – 100% Matched up to NZ$200
    • Second Deposit – 100% Matched up to NZ$200
    • Third Deposit – 100% Matched up to NZ$200
    Once you redeem your bonus, you will need to wager/play through the bonus x35. That means if you deposit NZ$100, you will need to win and play through NZ$3,500 before you can withdraw any winnings. Simple or what! The wagering requirements are slightly lower than the average of x40 for a new sign-up offer. Plus you will be awarded with ten daily spins for a chance to win a cool NZ$1,000,000.

    Terms and Conditions

    • New players only
    • Seven days to claim
    • Minimum deposit NZ$10
    • x35 wagering on bonus amount
    • Winnings capped at six times deposit amount
    • The percentage attributed to wagering varies depending on the game; check before playing
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$1,600
    Jackpot City Casino Review
    • Big opening offer
    • Great progressive pokie jackpots
    • Lovely loyalty programme
    1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$400 • 10 daily spins to win a Million • New customers only • Min deposit NZ$10 • Wagering & Terms apply

    Jackpot City Welcome Bonus - Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$1600 over 4 Deposits

    This casino certainly knows how to catch the eye and stop you in mid-scroll! Jackpot City offers joiners in New Zealand a whopping NZ$1,600 for new player sign-ups. And unlike many opening offers available online, you don’t need a degree in mathematics to understand it. Here’s how it works: Your first four deposits will be matched by Jackpot City with a bonus of up to $400 NZD.
    • First Deposit = 100% Match Bonus up to $400
    • Second Deposit = 100% Match Bonus up to $400
    • Third Deposit = 100% match bonus up to $400
    • Fourth Deposit = 100% match bonus up to $400
    As always, there are a few terms and conditions to abide by. The main one is a x35 wagering requirement; that means if you deposit $100, you will receive $100 as a bonus, which will need to be played through to the tune of $3,500 before you can withdraw any winnings. A x40 wagering requirement is a good average for the online casino industry, so this comes in under that benchmark. Plus, you’ll get 10 free spins per day for a chance to win a cool NZ$1,000,000.

    Terms and Conditions

    • New players only
    • x35 bonus wagering requirement
    • Minimum deposit $10
    • Seven days to claim
    • Wins capped at x6 deposit amount
    • Not all games contribute the same to wagering requirements; check terms and conditions
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get up to NZ$1,200 + 260 Bonus Spins over 4 Deposits
    Captain Spins Casino Review
    • Over 1500 pokies from global trendsetters
    • Daily bonuses for regular players
    • Over 1,500 pokies from global trendsetters
    18+. New players only. One welcome package per player. Max bonus bet NZ$5 Min deposit NZ$10 1st deposit: 100% up to NZ$300 and 50 bonus spins, 2nd Deposit: 100% up to NZ$300 and 60 bonus spins, 3rd deposit: 100% up to NZ$300 and 70 bonus spins, 4th deposit: 100% up to NZ$300 and 80 bonus spins. All spins are on slot game Book of Dead only. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days and bonus spins within 10 days. Spins winnings credited as bonus funds and capped to the number of spins awarded. Bonus funds separate to cash funds and are subject to 35x wagering and withdrawal requirements. Full Terms Apply. www.gamblingtherapy.org

    Captain Spins Welcome Bonus – NZ$1,200 + 260 Free Spins

    This casino smashes out one heck of a Welcome Offer with a NZ$1,200 matched deposit offer plus 260 free spins for new players. It’s split across your first four deposits as follows:
    • Deposit One = 100% matched up to NZ$300 + 50 bonus spins
    • Deposit Two = 100% matched up to NZ$300 + 60 bonus spins
    • Deposit Three = 100% matched up to NZ$300 + 70 bonus spins
    • Deposit Four = 100% matched up to NZ$300 + 80 bonus spins
    On the face of it, this is a great opening offer but it does come with some terms and conditions you will need to abide by to avoid disappointment. Mainly, you will need to wager the bonus amount 35x before you can withdraw any winnings, which is below the average for most casino opening offers. The minimum deposit is just NZ$10 to redeem this offer, so taking a punt won’t completely clean out your wallet! Wins from free spins are capped at the number of spins awarded and must be played on the slot Book of Dead.

    Terms and Conditions

    • New players only
    • 35x wagering/play-through of bonus
    • Spins expire ten days
    • Bonus expiry is 30 days
    • Not all games contribute equally to the wagering requirement – check before you spin
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  • Deposit NZ$25+. Get up to NZ$300 + 150 Free Spins
    Betamo Casino Review
    • Double the cash sign up offer
    • 100 free spins
    • More than 2,400 games
    18+ Play responsibly. Terms and Conditions Apply.

    Welcome Bonus

    Make mine a DOUBLE. This is a cracking opening offer. Betamo hasn’t held back when it comes to welcoming new customers. Make a first deposit and they’ll double it up to $200 which means if you go all in;  you’ll start with $400 in your balance. Nice! PLUS get 100 free spins. Sadly, the free spins are spread over five days (20 per day) and you can only play them on Bigger Bass Bonanza. But wait for it …because this is double, double delight. Betamo will also match your second deposit up to $200 AGAIN! And they’ll give you another 50 free spins. This time all in one go on Strolling Staxx: Cubic Fruits. Unlike other online casinos the maximum withdrawal from bonus winnings isn’t capped at a measly couple of thousands. It’s much more! Here’s the key info. You need to wager through your own money first before you get to the bonus money. Minimum deposit is $25. All deposit bonuses and winnings from free spins have to be wagered x40. Which means if you deposit $200, you’ll get a $200 bonus which you will have to wager a total of $8,000 before you can withdraw your winnings. Table games, video poker, roulette and poker only contribute 5% to your wagering requirements. Slots are 100%. Certain games are also excluded from bonus promotions. Make sure you check out the list on the Terms and Conditions page. And don’t forget that to receive this bonus you’ll need to type START in your bonus code field, click add and then make your deposit.
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  • Deposit NZ$20+, Get up to NZ$1,000 + 150 Free Spins
    Boo Casino Review
    • Immense welcome bonus
    • 150 Free Spins when joining
    • Stacks of ongoing promotions
    18+ Play responsibly. Terms and Conditions Apply

    Welcome Bonus

    You won’t be terrified of the welcome bonus at this ghost-themed casino because it is SPOOKtacular! New customers can enjoy a whopping $1000 welcome bonus and 150 free spins.  Boo Casino will 100% match your First deposit up to a max of $500 plus 50 Free Spins, a SECOND deposit is matched by 50% up to $200 with another 50 free spins to be played on Super Sunny Fruits: Hold and Wand and a THIRD deposit is matched 100% up to a max of $300. You’ll also get a further 50 free spins. Minimum deposit is $20 and, like all online casinos, there’s a wagering requirement. At Boo Casino you’ll need to wager the bonus AND the deposit 40x . Winnings from bonus spins will need to be wagered 25x and the max withdrawal after that is $100. But be careful with your online wallets. Skrill, Neteller and ecoPayz deposits aren’t eligible for this promotion. There’s also a long list of games that don’t count towards the wagering requirements but they are clearly signposted in the offers terms and conditions so make sure you check before you spin. Once you’ve wagered through the maximum cash out available is $1000.
    DEPOSIT MATCHED BONUS FREE SPINS
    1st 100% up to $500 50
    2nd 50% up to $200 50
    3rd 100% up to $300 50
    This is a fun site that isn’t afraid of a pun so in the spirit of their branding I’m going to say this offer is BOOtiful. Wagering requirements are pretty average for the online casino world but the amount they match really is quality. If this kind of matched cash doesn’t float your boat then I’m not sure what will. The only downside is the cap on the amount you can win.
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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.