The iGaming industry offers a wide variety of experiences, from fast-paced gameplay to complex strategies. It can also provide the potential for real winnings. However, if you are new to the space, the competing operators, bonus structures, and unique industry terminology may be overwhelming.
But don’t stress – gambling through an online casino is simple, as long as you know what to look out for when starting out. Below, we outline the key things you should know and walk you through the registration process that should work for most operators.
Is Online Gambling Legal in New Zealand?
Yes, online gambling is legal in New Zealand – but there’s a caveat. While New Zealanders can gamble to their heart’s content, the Gambling Act of 2003 expressly prohibits any operator from providing gambling services or running within the boundaries of the country. So, as long as your operator is based outside New Zealand, it is perfectly legal for you to gamble online.
Finding an Online Gambling Operator Outside New Zealand
The first step to gambling online is to find an offshore operator you trust to handle your money. Doing so, whether on a PC or mobile, is relatively easy because there is one non-negotiable qualification you must look for: proper licensing.
All online casinos need to have a license to operate issued by a governing body in their home jurisdiction. For example, the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulate online gambling and issue licenses to operators in Malta and the UK, respectively. These bodies ensure that operators adhere to safety, fairness, and ethical standards and do not take advantage of players – particularly newer ones who are less experienced.
If a casino has a valid operating license, it should be prominently displayed in the footer of their site. Clicking on it should also take you to a page where you can verify if it is legitimate and still valid. This is a step you should always perform, as some unscrupulous operators pretend to have a license or display one that is expired, invalid, or has been revoked.
In addition to finding an operator with a valid license, you should choose one that has a good online reputation and is known to treat players fairly. Many review platforms, like casinos.com, provide extensive lists of licensed and trustworthy online casinos.
How to Register at an Online Casino
Once you have found an operator you would like to gamble through, the next step is registering a player account. For the most part, this process is the same irrespective of what casino you choose. However, some operators may vary the order of steps or require additional information.
These are the five steps you’ll normally take to register:
1. Begin Registration
To begin your registration, look for the call-to-action button on the operator’s site. Usually, it will say something like “Play Now,” “Click Here,” “Register,” or “Sign Up;” either way, the call to action will be self-explanatory.
2. Provide Your Details
While completing this form, you will need to input some basic information, such as your name and contact details. You may also need to provide a personal identifier, like your identity number.
All this information is required – often by law – so that operators can fulfil their duty of knowing who is accessing their services. This information is stored in case of investigations into fraud or money laundering, against which most casinos have active policies and protection measures.
3. Verify Your Account
Once you have submitted your information, many casinos let you start playing immediately while giving you a deadline to submit verification documents. These prove your identity, address, and, sometimes, banking details. Requesting these documents is a standard procedure that’s part of casinos’ Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.
4. Claim Bonuses
As part of the registration process, most casinos will offer you a welcome bonus. This is a unique incentive that grants offers like deposit matches or free spins. When used correctly, these significantly improve your gambling experience and stretch your bankroll (the funds you have set aside for gambling) further.
Most bonuses you’ll come across will be self-explanatory, listing the sum they’re limited to, how to activate them, and the benefits they afford. All bonuses also come with comprehensive terms and conditions that outline specific clauses, including wagering requirements, time constraints, and withdrawal limits. These all affect the way you benefit from a bonus.
Wagering requirements, for instance, determine how much of your own money you must spend before being able to withdraw winnings gained by using a bonus. If you receive a $100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement, you will need to spend $3,500 of your money to claim any winnings.
So it’s in your best interest to read and understand the terms and conditions before accepting any offer, no matter how great it seems. If you know you can’t meet the conditions, it’s better to not claim the bonus.
5. Make a Deposit
Unless you’re offered a no-deposit bonus, which allows you to start playing without first depositing funds, the next step after registration and verification is to deposit money into your player account. Most top operators cater to local currency and payment methods to make this step easier, so you should be able to pay in New Zealand dollars.
To make a deposit, navigate to your player account and click on “Deposit Now” (or something along those lines). From there, select your preferred payment method between Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Paysafecard, or POLi, depending on what is available through the gambling site.
After that, follow the onscreen prompts to complete your deposit.
Start Gambling
Once you have made your first deposit, you are ready to begin playing the game of your choice. Whether you choose slots with unique themes and bonus rounds or tables that provide a more authentic casino experience, the real fun comes from choosing what suits you best. May Lady Luck be on your side!
