You’ve probably heard players talking about using Bitcoin to play pokies online. It’s not just tech showing off anymore – heaps of Kiwi punters are getting into crypto casinos these days. In fact, around 14% of New Zealanders have owned some form of cryptocurrency (up from 10% in 2022). So it’s no surprise that crypto casinos are gaining traction among local gamers.
We’re the 101RTP crew – basically a bunch of Kiwi players who’ve been grinding through online casinos for years. We’ve tested hundreds of platforms, run loads of slots and even pulled over €1 million in profits using our tools and strategies. The point is, we know what works in the industry. And lately, we’ve been seeing more and more players asking about crypto casinos, so figured it’s time to share what we’ve learned from our own sessions.
Why Crypto’s Good for Gaming
Once you try crypto for casino deposits in New Zealand, going back to traditional banking feels like playing on dial-up. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
Fast Payouts. Remember waiting three days for your bank to process a withdrawal? Yeah, nah. With crypto, your winnings hit your wallet in minutes.
Proper Privacy. You don’t need to hand over your entire life story to play. No bank statements, no explaining to ANZ why you’re depositing at an online casino. Your crypto wallet doesn’t care what you’re buying.
Minimal Fees. Traditional banking loves taking its cut. Crypto transactions usually cost bugger all, especially compared to international bank transfers. More money stays in your gaming account where it belongs.
All this just makes more sense when you want to focus on the pokies instead of stuffing around with payment dramas.
Popular Cryptocurrencies Kiwis Use
Not all coins are created equal in the eyes of online casinos. Kiwi players tend to stick with well-known cryptocurrencies. Some of the favourites include:
- Bitcoin (BTC). The granddaddy of crypto. Pretty much every casino that takes crypto will accept Bitcoin.
- Ethereum (ETH). Second most popular, faster than Bitcoin usually. Think of it as the newer, shinier version that most places are keen on.
- Litecoin (LTC). Often called the silver to Bitcoin’s gold, Litecoin offers faster transaction times and lower fees. Many New Zealand players use this for quick deposits because it doesn’t muck around.
- Stablecoins (USDT/USDC). These are tied to the US dollar, so they don’t bounce around in value like other crypto. Good if you want your $100 deposit to still be worth $100 tomorrow.
- Other Altcoins. Some casinos take Dogecoin, TRON, and other altcoins. Usually super cheap fees, but not as widely accepted.
No matter which coin you choose, the process is similar. You’ll need a digital wallet for your crypto, and the casino will provide a wallet address for you to send your funds to.
Using Crypto to Access Offshore Casinos
New Zealand’s gambling laws mean you won’t find any online casinos based on our shores, but overseas casinos are fair game. It’s like how you can buy stuff from overseas websites – same deal.
Any winnings you score aren’t taxed by our government because the gambling happened offshore. Pretty choice loophole if you ask us. But sometimes banks get funny about overseas casino transactions. They might block your card or ask awkward questions. Crypto sidesteps all that drama – no bank involved, no questions asked.
Word of Warning
Crypto values can be a bit mental sometimes. If you’re not using a stablecoin, the price of Bitcoin or other crypto might rise or fall between the time you deposit and withdraw. Most experienced players either use stablecoins or just accept that crypto prices do their own thing.
Also, stick to proper licensed casinos. Look for ones with Malta or Curacao licenses – basically anywhere that has actual oversight and won’t disappear with your crypto overnight.
Conclusion
Crypto gambling has become pretty mainstream among Kiwi players. Faster payouts, better privacy, and easy access to overseas casinos that treat NZ players well. It’s like upgrading from a basic controller to a pro gaming setup. Once you try it, going back feels rubbish.
Just remember to play smart, stick to licensed sites, and don’t bet more than you can afford to lose. Crypto or not, gambling’s still gambling. But if you’re already into online casinos and you’ve got some crypto sitting around, you’re basically already set up for a better gaming experience.