The internet and smartphones are two of the most revolutionary developments of our time. With the convenience they have brought, we have seen casinos transition from brick and mortar establishments, to online platforms. Online casinos in NZ are seeing an increase in popularity that shows no sign of letting up. The ability to play anywhere, anytime is a big part of its allure.
That said, not all online casinos are the same, especially when it comes to payout rates. Knowing a casino’s payout rates is crucial as it impacts how much you can win as a player. In this article we take a look at everything you need to know about payout rates as well as the online casinos that pay out the most in NZ.
Top Paying Online Casinos in NZ 2024
Welcome Bonus: Up to $7,500 + 550 free spins
Wagering requirements: 50x
Payout Rate: 97.72%
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayID, Maestro, Neosurf, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Bitcoin
Welcome Bonus: Up to $1,600
Wagering requirements: 35x
Payout Rate: 97.63%
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, Paysafecard
Welcome Bonus: Up to $300 + 100 free spins
Wagering requirements: 35x
Payout Rate: 97.58%
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, MiFinity, Skrill, Neteller, Payz, Paysafecard
Welcome Bonus: Up to $5,000
Wagering requirements: 50x
Payout Rate: 97.55%
Payment methods: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, Neosurf, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Bitcoin
Welcome Bonus: Up to $3,000 + 350 free spins
Wagering requirements: 40x
Payout Rate: 97.52%
Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Paysafecard, MiFinity, Rapid-transfer, EcoPayz, Neosurf, Cryptocurrency
Welcome Bonus: 5 FREE SPINS (no deposit), & 100% up to $1,200 + 50 wager free spins
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Payout Rate: 97.49%
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, Paysafecard, Skrill, Apple Pay, EcoPayz
Welcome Bonus: 20 FREE SPINS (no deposit) + up to $800
Wagering requirements: 35x
Payout Rate: 97.41%
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Direct Bank Transfer
Understanding Payout Percentages
In casino games, payout percentages are referred to as Return to Player (RTP). The RTP is the amount of wagered money the casino returns to players in the long term as a percentage of all wagered money over the same period. For example, if the RTP of a pokies machine is 95%, it implies that $95 will be returned to players as winnings for every $100 wagered.
It is a long-term average metric – the RTP for the last $1,000 wagered, could be higher or lower than the game’s stated RTP. However, as the number of wagers pile up over months and years, the payout percentage will average out to the stated RTP.
Why is RTP important? While it does not guarantee that you will receive back your $95 after wagering $100 during a play session, it is a useful indicator of winning prospects long-term. If you intend to play specific online casino games regularly over several weeks, months or years, then the RTP is a helpful guide on what games you have a better chance of winning at.
Factors That Influence High Payouts
A casino’s overall payout rate is the sum total of various factors. These include the following.
Game Selection
Certain types of games are predisposed to high RTPs just like there are game categories with a tendency for low RTPs. For instance, table games like blackjack and video poker both have high RTPs, often well above 98% when played optimally. On the other hand, pokies usually have a considerably lower RTP of around 95% or less.
This difference is partly because table games are not as wholly dependent on luck as slot machines are – player skill contributes to the probability of winning blackjack or poker.
Software Providers
RTP is not always within the power of the online casino’s ownership or management. The online casino software and gaming provider may offer games that have a high or low RTP compared to similar games from other providers. So an online slot machine developed by Microgaming may not have the same RTP as a similar one from NetEnt.
Operational Costs
Online casinos are profit-oriented entities. For long-term viability and sustainability, it’s vital that the business revenue adequately covers expenses such as employee wages and infrastructure costs. The need for this balance is what informs the house edge i.e. the total amount of wagers retained by the business. If a game’s RTP is 98%, the house edge is 2% (i.e. 100%-98%).
If an online casino has high operational costs, then it will need a high house edge to cover these expenses. This effectively lowers the game’s RTP. Likewise, by keeping running costs low, a casino can afford to offer better RTPs to attract more players.
Promotions and Bonuses
The best online casinos in NZ routinely run promotions and offer bonuses to attract new signups and encourage existing users to keep playing. These include welcome bonuses, match bonuses and free spins. They increase the player’s bankroll and extend gameplay. By increasing play opportunities, promotions and bonuses can boost the payout rate.
How to Verify Payout Percentages
As a player, you are always on the outside looking in when it comes to the casino’s internal operations. So how do you know that a casino is not just making up its RTP numbers to entice you? Regulatory oversight and independent audits ensure that online casinos are legit.
If an online casino is licensed by reputable gaming authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority and Kahnawake Gaming Commission, it is required to comply with rigorous transparency and fairness standards. The best casinos go further to regularly subject themselves to credible independent audits assessing overall operations including confirming payout rates. These published reports provide verifiable proof of the casino’s RTPs.
Conclusion
Online gambling can be a fun activity that help you to relax, but it’s more exciting to play when you know you have a better chance of winning. Choosing an online casino with a high payout rate is key to increasing your odds. As you do so though, gamble responsibly. Have a budget, stick to a schedule and seek out help when you feel like you are losing self-control.