Bitcoin Casinos NZ

The legality of Bitcoin casinos in New Zealand

New Zealand’s gambling regulations prohibit crypto casinos in the country. That stems from the fact that the government does not regard Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as legal tenders. Hence, you cannot use them for transactions.

The country has, however, not banned betting in offshore online casinos (those outside the country). That includes BTC casino platforms and other betting platforms that support cryptocurrencies. You can enjoy casino games and deposit and withdraw cryptocurrency without infringing the country’s laws.

This same approach goes to using e-wallets. Nevertheless, you must be watchful to sieve out sub-par platforms and get the best casino sites. Continue reading to see our best recommendations with tasty crypto bonuses to begin your day.

If you own Bitcoin, whether from an online casino or not, you may have to pay capital gains tax. More information about online gambling taxes can be read in this article.

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency

Bitcoin holds the leading position among cryptocurrencies in the world. It has proven to be an alternative means of payment to fiat currency. Although not legal in New Zealand, it is in other parts of the world, such as El Salvador.

This decentralized digital currency requires no bank or administrator to function. It works according to a so-called peer-to-peer network that does not require central hubs. Transactions take place between users without traditional intermediaries.

In that respect, the setup of Bitcoin is comparable to torrents, where you also exchange information directly with other users.

Satoshi Nakamoto (a pseudonym for an unknown person or group) founded Bitcoin in 2010. To this day, we can’t say who is behind the digital currency.

It's value has been instrumental in its rise in the online casino industry. From a modest $13 to cross the $80,000 mark (2024). Although fluctuations still occur, many players still prefer it over fiat currency.

Let’s go over a bit of a crash course on cryptocurrencies. These digital currencies work through a computer network. They don't rely on any central authority, like a government or bank.

Cryptocurrencies can be used as alternatives for regular currencies, such as the US and New Zealand dollar. They are stored on a blockchain, where a system records data and keeps a public ledger of all transactions. Also, data on a blockchain is stored in blocks, basically lists of transactions and other data.

In addition to Bitcoin, Ripple, Ethereum, and Litecoin are also well-known cryptocurrencies. There are just over 22,000 cryptocurrencies or ‘'digital assets,” each with specifications and goals.

What is a Bitcoin casino?

Bitcoin casinos are gaming platforms that accept this coin and other cryptocurrencies as deposits. They can also be called crypto casinos. These gambling sites share many similarities with traditional betting platforms, with the currency being the primary difference.

Besides the currency difference, BTC casino platforms often have better privacy and transaction efficiency. We will see more when we discuss their advantages over traditional casinos that accept fiat currency.

Types of crypto casinos

Bitcoin gambling can be done in two ways. You can use it directly, or the casino site will convert your crypto deposit to fiat currency. Hence, we have two types of crypto casinos, as follows:

Hybrid crypto casinos: These online gambling sites do not rely entirely on blockchain technology. Instead, they operate like mainstream casinos, supporting crypto deposits and withdrawals. All bets are done in fiat currency.

This group is where most Bitcoin casino sites fall. They feature mainstream games.

Pure crypto casinos: These rely entirely on blockchain technology. You cannot access them without the blockchain; the games are only available on the network. They are fewer than the hybrid BTC casino platforms.

Your choice of the best supported casino site will come from either side. Pick hybrid crypto casinos if you enjoy mainstream slots and classic table games with spicy deposit bonuses. Conversely, pick pure platforms if you are a cryptocurrency enthusiast who prefers blockchain-based crypto games.

How to play at Bitcoin casino sites

Most operators require registration before you can play, including the free version. Fortunately, registering through account funding and loading online casino games is easy.

The process is similar to that of mainstream online casinos, except for the monetary aspect. That is, if you pick hybrid platforms. We’ll take you through the steps before you load those slot games.

Playing at legit crypto casinos is the most essential thing. Many casino sites will throw instant payouts and large progressive jackpots at you. However, you must verify their licenses.

We do our best to provide licensed Bitcoin casinos online. You’ll also find generous bonuses to start your adventure.

Registering with a Bitcoin casino

Some crypto gambling sites may have peculiar requirements for new players. Nevertheless, you’ll get ahead with the steps below. They apply to sports betting platforms and online Bitcoin casinos.

With that in mind, here’s how you can register at BTC casinos:

	Choose a Platform: Pick an online BTC casino from our recommended list.
	Register: Click the registration button. Note that some platforms might automatically direct you to the registration page when selecting a game or the deposit option.
	Enter Details: Fill in the necessary information. Some sites may ask for an active phone number for added security and verification.
	Verification Code: If required, enter the verification code that the casino sends to your provided contact details.
	Promo Codes: Some crypto casinos offer promotional codes that grant enticing deposit bonuses. Enter the code if you have one.
	Confirmation and Agreement: Verify your age and agree to the casino's terms and conditions to finalize your registration.

The best crypto casino sites have swift registration processes. They won’t demand details that will violate your privacy.

Once registration is complete, you can explore the free games or fund your account. Note the casino’s minimum deposit for the welcome bonus. However, there is something more essential to your gaming sessions.

You need a crypto wallet to access these crypto gambling sites. That is how the Bitcoin casino payments will happen.

Opening and funding your crypto wallet

Several crypto wallets provide reliable services. Some even have direct links to online casinos for faster Bitcoin transactions.

Pick a secure wallet and register with it. Then, buy your preferred cryptocurrency to fund the wallet. That is where crypto exchanges come in.

Some exchanges provide secure storage for cryptocurrencies. However, having a decentralized wallet gives you full ownership of your cryptos.

Once you purchase the Bitcoin from the exchange, transfer it to your wallet. Store it there until you complete registration at the crypto casino.

The best sites offer direct crypto purchases on their platforms. Hence, you don’t need an external wallet and can use your debit card directly. Log into the crypto casino and click the option to buy crypto.

Enter the amount you want to purchase and confirm the transaction. These crypto transactions are quicker and more integrated into the gameplay. Nonetheless, we still recommend having a wallet to store your coins.

Funding your casino account

Funding your account on a Bitcoin casino site is similar to traditional online casinos. While some online casinos provide direct crypto wallet addresses, others use a third-party payment service. Either way, the following process applies:

• Log into the crypto casino
• Go to the cashier section. You can also click “Deposit” on the homepage. This button is often at the top.
• Select the cryptocurrency. The best crypto casinos will feature several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Dogecoin, Solana, Cardano, etc.
• Some use a third-party crypto payment service.
• Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet to get the casino’s wallet address. If the QR code is unavailable, copy the address to your wallet.
• Transfer the amount you want.
• The transaction should be instant.
• Confirm the funds in your casino gaming account.

If the Bitcoin casino offers deposit bonuses, ensure you transfer the minimum deposit or more to unlock them. We’ll see more about casino bonuses soon.

Playing Bitcoin casino games

A funded account allows you to play games and win real money. The same applies to sports betting, where your bets are now funded. Winnings will be available in your account for withdrawals.

We’ll address how to find casino games at a typical Bitcoin casino. Layouts may differ on your preferred platform, but they are often intuitive. The best Bitcoin casinos categorize their games for easy navigation.

Finding games

Crypto casinos will display several games and different categories on the homepage. That gives you quick access to any title. Click anyone, and you’ll be in the game instantly.

If you need more exploration, you can go into the game lobby. This is where the top crypto casinos show their prowess. The casino games will be well categorized.

Click on the category you want, and the online gambling site will take you there. You can scroll down the lobby or use the search bar. We recommend the second option, as the best crypto casinos often have thousands of games.

A provider filter can also help you find casino games from your favorite providers. Select the providers you want, and the online casino will trim the results.

Types of games at BTC casino platforms

Typical games in BTC casinos include the following:

• Slot games
• Table games
• Live casino games
• Bingo
• Scratch cards
• Progressive jackpots
• Instant-wins like Aviator

Provably fair games are also available in Bitcoin casinos. These titles allow players to verify their fairness. However, very few crypto casinos offer them.

Besides the games, you can also join tournaments. Poker tournaments are common with large prize pools. Other Bitcoin casinos would instead host slot tournaments.

Live casino games are rarely available for tournaments, even though most online Bitcoin casinos offer them. Instead, you will enjoy real-time live dealer games without tournament prize pools.

Some cryptocurrency casinos host their poker tournaments separately from other contests. You’ll compete against players from different parts of the world.

Withdrawing your winnings: what you must know

Many Bitcoin casinos support crypto withdrawals. You can withdraw your winnings directly into your crypto wallet through the following steps:

• Go to the cashier section
• Click “Withdrawals” to see the supported cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
• Click a cryptocurrency and enter how much you want to withdraw. Some crypto casino sites will display your balance in fiat currency (NZ$, CAD, etc.).
• Enter your wallet address. Ensure you type it in correctly, as any money lost is not refundable.

Most Bitcoin casinos require player verifications before approving withdrawal requests. This verification process often involves reviewing and comparing specific documents to your registration data. They include IDs, utility bills, and bank statements.

Ensure you have no pending wagering requirements on the bonuses before requesting a withdrawal. This can void even the best Bitcoin casino bonus.

How does Bitcoin compare to other payment methods?

Many online casinos support deposits through a debit, credit card, or bank wire transfer. E-wallets / digital wallets may also be available.

Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter, and Paypal are a few well-known e-wallet examples that belong to the Paysafe Group.

Paypal is a popular method for deposits and withdrawals at online casinos. However, many online casinos accept Skrill, Neteller, and MuchBetter.

Let’s see how cryptocurrency transactions in Bitcoin casinos compare to other payment methods.

• Cryptocurrencies often support the lowest minimum deposit requirements
• Instant deposits and withdrawals are available with cryptocurrencies.

You can create an account with these companies and get a new digital wallet account. Then, deposit Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies at Skrill, Neteller, and MuchBetter.

That way, you can first convert your Bitcoin to New Zealand dollars with your e-wallet and then use your e-wallet to deposit at the online casino of your choice. It is important to note that these e-wallets charge hefty fees for depositing or converting Bitcoin to other currencies.

While it is not a recognized form of payment in New Zealand, it is neither illegal nor regulated. Hence, creating an e-wallet can be a better approach.

Bonuses at BTC casino platforms

The best Bitcoin casino operators often back up their services with bonuses and promotions. You can get a generous casino bonus on your way in and weekly promotions to maintain the flow. Even those that offer sports betting services add bonuses and promotions.

Besides enjoying these deals in cryptocurrency, a Bitcoin casino bonus shares many similarities with mainstream offers. You can get a welcome bonus, free spins, deposit matches, reloads, cashbacks, etc. Some even offer no-deposit starter packs for new players.

Free spins give you a fighting chance with slot machines. Deposit matches cover table games and other titles, except live dealer games. Most Bitcoin casinos rarely offer bonuses for live dealer games.

These bonuses make playing the games more exciting. However, you must consider their wagering requirements. An online crypto casino with a mouth-watering deposit match shouldn’t sway you immediately.

Most Bitcoin casinos start with a welcome bonus. Then, they progress to weekly and periodic promotions. When considering these offers, consider the following:

• The minimum deposit for activation
• The maximum win
• The maximum bet

These apply to sports and casino games. Also, consider the eligible games. This is essential for free spins.

We have picked the best crypto casino deals with a low minimum deposit. You’ll find free spins, deposit matches, reloads, cashbacks, etc. in our recommended lists. Most importantly, these Bitcoin casinos offer quick deposits and withdrawals.

Should you trust a Bitcoin gaming site?

Bitcoin gambling has its challenges the same way sports betting does. Many scams litter the internet, promising spicy welcome bonus deals, free spins, cashbacks, etc. There’s more to playing gambling games with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Our yardstick for getting the top Bitcoin casinos begins with their licenses. Although New Zealand prohibits these platforms, other regulatory bodies still grant them licenses.

The Malta Gaming Authority and Curacao eGaming are prominent licensing bodies for the top Bitcoin casinos. Their license numbers bring a certain confidence. However, they don’t entirely keep casinos safe.

eCOGRA brings an extra layer of testing and certifications. The body ensures fair gaming and responsible operator conduct. Hence, the best crypto casino platforms proudly display their approval seals.

Licensing bodies and independent testing agencies keep BTC casinos safe for players. They also conduct periodic inspections to ensure the operators keep up with new regulations.

We will do our best to recommend only the best Bitcoin casinos. However, you should always check for licenses and the eCOGRA seal before registering. You can also check our reviews to learn more about these sites, including their welcome bonus, registration, games, etc.

Which countries support Bitcoin gambling?

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has been testing the Bitcoin casinos’ legal framework to accept crypto for some time now. This will boost the licensing process and increase acceptance in more countries.

Furthermore, the Gambling Commission in Great Britain also allows license holders to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The regulator in Curaçao is also sympathetic to the use of cryptocurrencies at its licensed online casinos.

This accommodating stance allows more players to join from more countries. Jurisdictions that permit these licenses will allow Bitcoin gambling.

Like New Zealand, you may only access the offshore Bitcoin casino market. That means registering and playing games on sites outside your country. Most countries do not recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tenders.

Bitcoin and mobile gaming

Playing games on mobile has gained traction among desktop users. Fortunately, many casinos have mobile websites and applications accessible on smartphones and tablets.

Many Bitcoin gaming platforms are available on mobile devices. You can register and fund your account the same way you would with your laptop. Also, the crypto mobile wallet can integrate seamlessly to ease transactions.

What to consider when picking a Bitcoin casino

In summary, consider the following:

• The license, certification, and reputation of the site
• The security features (SSL encryption, firewalls)
• The fairness of the games (look for the eCOGRA seal)
• The layout
• The types of games
• Supported cryptocurrencies
• Mobile compatibility
• Transaction charges

Advantages of Bitcoin gaming sites

Why would you play with Bitcoin if you can also play with NZ dollars? Playing at the best crypto casinos has its advantages. These include:

Quick transactions: Cryptocurrencies are the surest way to make instant withdrawals. While most fiat payment options allow instant deposits, they often fall short of instant withdrawals. Some take one day to process transactions, while others (credit cards) can take up to three days.

Crypto-to-crypto transactions are faster. The only delays you’ll deal with are the approval times. Some Bitcoin gaming platforms can take up to 24 hours to approve a withdrawal request.

It can be completely anonymous. High-end Bitcoin gaming sites offer anonymous betting. You could sign up with a different name at a BTC casino because the payments are anonymous.*

BTC gaming sites that offer anonymity often have no KYC procedures. There’s no request for IDs, utility bills, or bank statements. Instead, they only need a username, an email for communication and your deposit.

We don’t usually recommend such platforms. Nevertheless, you can play on them, provided they are licensed and certified against game fairness.

Bitcoins are 100% safe. They are stored in your wallet, so you ultimately control them. Even sites that offer online wallets provide adequate encryption. Blockchain technology is a hard nut to crack for many hackers.

Cryptocurrencies often have high withdrawal limits. High rollers will appreciate the best Bitcoin casinos for their high withdrawal limits. Most sites will have higher withdrawal limits if you use cryptocurrencies than fiat options. If you love placing large bets, these platforms should top your list.

Players often enjoy higher payouts. Lower crypto transaction fees allow operators to offer higher payouts. This higher percentage is also possible because of the higher-paying games onboard.

Provably fair games are available. You can check the fairness of the games. This function is absent on gaming platforms that support fiat currencies only. Although the provably fair games are not always much, their presence enhances the experience.

* Over the last years things have changed. Most site do ask for KYC and ID before you can play.

Disadvantages of Bitcoin gaming sites

The advantages of a BTC casino may seem attractive, but playing with a decentralized currency also has disadvantages. These are what you should keep in mind when playing games on crypto gaming platforms:

• New Zealand prohibits Bitcoin gambling within its borders. Hence, no casino in the country offers gaming support for cryptocurrencies.
• Bitcoin is volatile. Its value can change drastically within a short time. Hence, you can start with a large amount and end your gaming session with less value.
• Some casino operators may charge high transaction fees if they host a wallet on their backend.
• It is challenging to address transaction disputes if you send crypto to the wrong address.
• Some sites may use a higher exchange rate for converting fiat currency to cryptocurrency.

Conclusion

Playing games with Bitcoin is a step ahead of traditional online gaming. However, it comes with the challenge and anxiety of keeping up with market volatility. Also, most countries do not support cryptocurrencies.

Play on closely regulated sites or keep to eCOGRA-endorsed platforms. Check out our recommendations for the best welcome bonus deals and other promotions for crypto deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bitcoin casinos