Best Live Dealer Casinos New Zealand 2024

The fundamental property that is pertinent to any live game is that a remote player opposes a real human dealer, not a random number generator. A live game provider (Evolution, Playtech, etc.) arranges live tables in a hall specially designed and decorated like a real casino. Alternatively, a provider can broadcast from a land-based casino, which further adds to the realistic effect. It is clear that a player needs to place a real money bet on a table of the selected game and this is done due to the augmented reality technology implemented in every live dealer game. The table is a physical object, while casino chips that a player can see as well as marked areas on the table are virtual objects. The player clicks on chips (or drags and drops them) and places them on desired table sections.

A live table is captured by one or more cameras, the picture is then processed in real time and after that is broadcasted to all connected players; everything goes smoothly and live as if on-air news. In some live dealer tables, a player may alter camera views switching between a general front and zoomed-in table view. Cameras also change their focus and angles automatically at certain game phases, for example, when the dealer puts cards on the table in blackjack, the focus is shifted on dealer’s hands; or when the ball lands on a numbered slot in roulette, the player can see this moment in detail due to a close-up view.

Almost every live casino online game has built-in settings enabling one to lower down video quality in case of poor connection, view statistics (history of the last 100 or 500 rounds) and customise other game elements. Note that you can play any live dealer game for real money only.

Every avid casino player always uses a set of standards to determine the top online casinos. Before bringing any of these operators to your attention, we thoroughly examine each and every one of their features and capabilities. Here’s how we pick the best live dealer casinos in New Zealand:

Diversity of games and providers

Gambling at online casinos live isn’t a one-trick pony. In the world of online gambling, game variety is one of the things that keep players coming back. The ability to switch tables whenever they want is something that players want. We ensure that any casino that makes our pick provides players with many live gaming options. There are plenty of well-known classics like live roulette, live baccarat, and live blackjack available, thanks to fierce competition amongst i-gaming operators.

Flexible payment options

Playing live casino games to win means being able to place bets with real money. However, handling transactions on such platforms might be a challenge if you can’t find flexible payment options. We look through the banking section of every casino that we recommend here. On these sites, we look out for payment alternatives that are friendly to players from New Zealand and those that work well for deposits and withdrawals. Some of the payment alternatives at casinos online live sites that might be useful include e-wallets, credit cards, and even crypto payments.

Great mobile compatibility

These days, the ability to play at the best live casinos sites on the go is a crucial feature for a platform to have. We seek casinos that are mobile and tablet friendly for this reason. The majority of the top NZ live casinos function flawlessly on all current operating systems and browsers, so registered users can take advantage of live games from anywhere, anytime.

Security

It’s crucial that you feel safe and secure while playing casino games. All the live casino websites we suggest are secure, honest, and safe. They are all licensed by reputable jurisdictions worldwide and are required to follow the regulator’s strict security-related rules.

There is no doubt that the world we live in is a technology-driven one, and online live casinos serve as a reminder of this fact. The best live dealer casinos provide options for players who want to have a genuine casino experience. Having the opportunity to converse with other players and dealers is an important part of the allure of participating in live casino games. Some players tend to overlook the importance of dealers when selecting a table. When it comes to dealing cards, would you rather use a human or a machine? Being able to interact at will with a live dealer, share a laugh, and get a smile while playing online casino games adds a whole new dimension to your gaming experience.

Another consideration for the best online live dealer casinos is the variety of games they have to offer. Online pokies, for example, don’t seem to be the best choice for live sessions. This is not to say live slots do not exist, but they are less popular. You’ll typically find live versions of the following games: roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. But even among these options, there might be different variants to try. Below is more information on each type of live dealer games you might come across.

Live blackjack

Live dealer blackjack is based on traditional rules: a Player wins if the total score of his hand is higher than dealer’s without exceeding 21. In live blackjack, a dealer handles cards manually by picking cards one by one from the shoe on the table. A regular blackjack table rooms seven players but actually many tables have a Bet Behind feature enabling one to join the table in which all seated places are occupied and place a bet on top of other player’s bet. At the best live blackjack casinos, a player normally has around 15 to 30 seconds to make a game decision (Stand, Hit or other). If the bet is placed but no decision is made, blackjack software makes the most adequate decision for the player automatically.

Depending on online live casinos and a specific blackjack game, bet sizes start at NZ$1 per deal and may reach hundreds of dollars. Players have access to statistics of the latest rounds, percentage of dealer/player wins and also other information enabling one to play and bet in the most efficient way. Players who have joined the table may use a live chat to talk to the dealer and each other. Some of the most popular choices preferred by New Zealand players are Blackjack Party (Evolution), blackjack by Vivo Gaming and a lineup of blackjack tables from Playtech.

Fair gaming in live blackjack casinos is ensured by a few approaches. First, every card has a barcode that is scanned when the dealer extracts the card from the shoe and then puts it on the table. Second, the decks that participate in the game are shuffled by a shuffle machine to avoid repetitive sequences. Finally, all software providers are regularly audited for fairness by independent bodies.

Live roulette

As the NZ gambling market has very few restrictions for offshore companies, almost every globally acknowledged software provider is available to players from New Zealand. This means local players may pick from a vast variety of casinos live roulette tables powered by Evolution, Extreme, Vivo, Ezugi, Playtech and many other providers that create state-of-the-art roulette tables. A typical roulette in live dealer casinos shows an authentic table with a bet grid. A dealer stands or sits close to the table and communicates with players, greets newcomers and announces winning numbers. On a virtual user interface, a player can see casino chips with a few face values and a couple of buttons for controlling the course of the game.

A pause between spins normally lasts between 15 and 45 seconds, depending on a live casino game. During this break, a player can make a bet, watch stats or ask the dealer a question by typing it in a live chat. When the time expires, the ball is released onto the table and begins spinning and once it stops, the dealer speaks out the number that has won. It’s worth noting that some online live casinos accept bitcoin bets. To find Bitcoin casinos, players are advised to read casino reviews published on this website.

Bet types and real money payouts in live roulette online casinos are the same as in classic roulette. Moreover, some games feature a race track for placing side bets. The best live casinos offer some of the most popular roulette tables including Immersive Roulette (Evolution), Quantum Roulette (Playtech) and a few slot/roulette hybrids from Extreme Live Gaming.

Live baccarat

Originated in Asia centuries ago, Baccarat is a very simple and fun-packed game with no skills required as everything depends solely on luck. Live casino baccarat is played against the dealer and is sometimes accompanied with an intriguing Squeeze technique in which the dealer reveals a facedown card very slowly, corner by corner, keeping players in ignorance of a card value to the last.

In live Baccarat, a player first places a real money bet on Player, Banker or Tie that usually has the same payouts as classic Baccarat: 1/1/8, respectively. The dealer then takes cards from the shoe and puts them onto the table. All the action is captured by cameras and shown to remote users. Desktop and mobile casino versions have a friendly user interface that enables one to show current balance, adjust presentation of roadmaps, see table limits, etc. Some live online casinos in NZ have live Baccarat with side bets. 

Top live casinos have gotten to where they are today by relying on industry-recognized software providers. There are those that excel at developing graphics and improving streaming quality, while others strive to provide a wider range of games. This is typical. The most well-known gaming software providers for live online gambling will be briefly examined in the following sections.

Evolution live games

This software provider, Evolution, is the world’s most well-known name in live dealer gaming. In 2006, it was one of the first software companies to introduce a live platform. Since then, Evolution has become a global leader in this field, with studios in several locations across the world. A few hundred tables are run by Evolution, some of which can be found in real-world gambling establishments around the globe.

For players who prefer to play in a live casino, Evolution is one of the best options, especially for high-quality live streams. Its live tables include Dragon Tiger Baccarat, Lightning Roulette, and Live Blackjack, just to name a few of the more popular options available. The Evolution platform is present in many online casinos in NZ because it is well-established and provides some of the best gaming experiences possible.

Pragmatic Play live games

With their high-quality games earning them a spot among the best of the best, Pragmatic Play recently launched their live dealer section in 2019. Of course, that’s a short time compared to other well-known brands like Evolution, but you can now find them across a number of casinos. The acquisition of Extreme Live Gaming was Pragmatic Play’s first step toward a live casino. They made the decision not to further expand the already successful brand but to improve on its games. Some of the popular live games from the provider include Bonanza Sweet CandyLand and  Dragon Tiger.

Bonanza Sweet CandyLand: this is a fantastic mash-up of traditional Money Wheels which are very common in brick-and-mortar casinos, and Pragmatic Play’s slot machine, Sweet Bonanza. Also, it has two thrilling bonus games, Sweet Spins and Candy Drop. This title is a live casino game of chance that is entertaining and has distinctive elements that will excite pokie enthusiasts and other casino players. It has the authentic feel of a TV game show blended with a video game and offers a genuinely immersive playing experience.

Dragon Tiger: Pragmatic Play’s live casino game, Dragon Tiger, is a simplified version of Baccarat. A single card is dealt to each hand, and players wager on which card they believe will be the better value. Dragon and Tiger bets in this game payout evenly. Two glass tiger statues and attractive Chinese motifs make up the game’s aesthetics.

Playtech live games

It’s safe to say that Playtech has a great deal of experience in the gaming industry because the software provider was founded in 1999. Playtech also supplies software for slots and other types of games in addition to its live dealer library. High-quality live casino games are made possible by cutting-edge software developed by this company. Playtech’s software has been used by some of the most popular online gambling platforms in NZ. Some live dealer games from this provider include Age of Gods Roulette and Speed Roulette.

Age of Gods Roulette: When the world’s most popular table game and a legendary progressive jackpot slot are combined, what do you get? A completely unique casino game, Age of the Gods roulette, features aspects of online slots, game shows, and live dealer roulette in one package. The sole difference between this title and a conventional roulette game is the inclusion of four Age of the Gods progressive jackpots.

Speed Roulette: This fast-paced version of roulette is a favourite of many Playtech casino players who prefer a quick pace to their gaming experience. Compared to a standard roulette table, players have just roughly 10 seconds to put their bets, and the dealer allows 35 seconds between spins.

LuckyStreak live games

LuckyStreak, a well-known live dealer game provider, was founded only in 2014 but now has a solid reputation. The player-first mentality has won them many fans worldwide and helped them gain entry into a number of best live online casinos. This provider has a small number of live dealer dealer games including Live Auto Roulette and live European Roulette.

Live Auto Roulette: A variation of traditional European roulette that can create 60 games per hour is called Live Auto Roulette. There are no live presenters necessary because the game is entirely computerised. Although the action is live, it is completely automated, making it ideal for high rollers seeking nonstop activity.

Live European Roulette: With entertaining and knowledgeable live dealers that create a distinctive online gaming experience, LuckyStreak’s Live European Roulette is aired live in a 16:9 frame. Players can enjoy this game using the same rules as standard European Roulette. Popup hints are another tool that players can use to make the game even simpler to play.

Vivo live games

Vivo Gaming is one of the most well-known live casino brands. It offers gamers cutting-edge tech and the most genuine experiences because it specialises in creating famous live casino table games. Some of the top-performing live casino table games available today are in its portfolio. The games you’ll find include titles like Dragon Tiger, live craps, and more.

Dragon Tiger: It’s common to refer to Dragon Tiger as a baccarat variant. The table arrangements, however, distinguish them. To create its version of the Dragon Tiger, Vivo Gaming combined cutting-edge technology with a classic setting.

Live Craps: You may get a terrific glimpse of what to expect when you visit a genuine land-based venue to play Craps, thanks to Vivo Gaming. The gameplay is the same as playing physically with little or no additions. Vivo is one of the few software developers who was able to create a respectable Live Craps simulation.

As their name suggests, live casino bonuses are bonuses for those who prefer to play live dealer games. They’re not as frequent as free spins for slot games, though. So, locating them would necessitate more digging.

Some casinos may offer welcome deals to encourage new players to try their hand at live casino table games. As with standard welcome deposit match offers, you’ll receive these rewards based on your initial deposit up to a specific amount. Depending on the casino, the amount can be significantly diverse. Asides from this, you’re more likely to enjoy promotional deals like cashback and reload bonuses which we will discuss shortly. Even though welcome bonuses for live casino players are not so common, you’ll have access to other interesting deals at NZ casinos. Below are some frequently found kinds of bonuses you’ll spot as a live casino player:

• Reload bonus: Similar to some signup bonuses, they are awarded based on the amount of money you deposit. Reload bonuses are claimable weekly or monthly, depending on the online casino you choose. Also, they may be part of a company’s loyalty program. Many reload bonuses can be wagered on live games.
• Cashback bonus: The cashback bonus offer must be one of the most common types of bonus deals for live casino players in NZ. It is a common way to remind players that losses aren’t always bad as they can be rewarded with extra money to keep playing. With a cashback bonus, you can cover your losses up to a certain amount specified by the online casino where you play. 
• Rewards: Depending on where you play, online casinos run various promotions from time to time. These promos have special rewards attached to them, but you must complete specific tasks to get rewarded. Sometimes, your reward could be bonus money to play a live dealer game.
• Loyalty bonus: If you play at an online casino long enough, you may reap the benefits of staying loyal. Some casinos will have you join their loyalty program the moment you sign up, while others will send you an invite if they feel you’re qualified to become a member. Regardless of how you get into a loyalty scheme, there are several amazing perks to be enjoyed, one of which could be an increased rate of comp points accumulation when playing live games.
• Tournaments: Occasionally, live casinos might host tournaments on games like Live Poker or Blackjack. In these tournaments, you can compete against other players in order to rank on the leaderboard and claim a share of the competition’s prize pool. Depending on the casino, either a bonus or a cash award is up for grabs.

Online casinos have seen an increase in the number of players eager to try their hand at live dealer games since they first became available. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and disadvantages of playing at a live casino:

Pros:

• Playing against real dealers: The most apparent advantage of live dealer games is that you’re not playing against a machine but against a real person. It brings the experience to life and gives it a unique feel even as you play remotely. Interacting with the dealer as you play and seeing their actions in real time is possible.
• Play on mobile: Online casinos are great because they allow you to play whenever and wherever you want. Live casinos are the same. You can play live roulette on a desktop or mobile device whenever and wherever you want. Thanks to the instant play platform, you don’t have to install any software. Your favourite mobile live casino is waiting for you, so all you have to do is log in and start playing.
• Cutting-edge tech: In a live casino, you can enjoy cutting-edge tech and the most immersive gambling systems that take gaming to a new level. High-definition streams provide a new perspective on the action. Also, you may chat with the dealer and access everything via a virtual panel.

Cons:

• Technical problems: Live casinos are dependent on strong internet connections and specifications of a device used to play live games. As a result, players may experience technical issues from time to time. In order to play in a live casino and enjoy a good experience, players must have reliable and fast Internet access, like 4G. Even if your internet connection is stable, it is possible that you will experience technical difficulties.
• Limited game library: When it comes to live dealer games, you won’t find as many options as you would with online pokies. There are only a handful of games to choose from in most live casinos, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and live shows. You’ll have to stick with these casino games for the time being, but the selection is gradually expanding. 

The level of engagement offered by live casino games is unmatched by other types of games. You can play a wide variety of live casino games. The streams are of the best quality, the cams are clear, and the games are often varied. Some players who are accustomed to playing in actual casinos regard the fair play aspect as being of utmost importance. They might not like playing virtual games because they can’t see the cards being dealt or shuffled. However, with Live Dealer casino games, you don’t have this issue. Everything that happens can be observed, including the ball being inserted into the Roulette wheel, and the cards being dealt from the Blackjack shoe.Compared to a virtual game, games at live casinos in New Zealand are more of a group experience where many players can enjoy the gameplay at the same time. With the Live Chat feature available on most streams, you can communicate with the dealer and other players to discuss strategies and even share advice like you would in a physical casino.