Best NZ Online Gambling Sites for Poker Tournaments in Late 2021

We’re heading for the last climb before we reach the end of what can only be described as tumultuous year. While 2021 started off reasonably euphoric for New Zealanders, it soon became evident that even the most remote country in the world cannot keep out a pandemic forever.

The government made the decision to introduce a traffic light system under which places of entertainment such as bars and casinos operated. Throughout the year, gamblers and poker players were affected by the closures of their favourite haunts.

Earlier this year, New Zealand’s leading land-casino operator, SkyCity temporarily closed some of its venues in regions that entered COVID-19 alert 4. This left many poker players without venues to enter tournaments or play a hand of their favourite game. To paraphrase a popular NZ saying, the punters were definitely not out in full force.

Taking Your Poker Action Online

COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, and New Zealanders are learning to adapt quickly to a reality that can change from one day to the next. Thankfully, one thing has remained constant – the availability of top gaming platforms that offer online poker and tournaments.

Playing poker at online casinos increased sharply in popularity during lockdown around the world. Kiwi poker fans are now discovering the wisdom of staying home, keeping safe and continuing with their poker action uninterrupted.
Playing poker online means that you’re not dependent on the opening and closing times of the land-based casino, even in non-COVID times.

We’ve put together a list of the best New Zealand online gambling sites that run exciting and rewarding poker tournaments, 24 hours a day.

The Best Online Casinos for Poker Action in New Zealand

These are the best online casinos for some hot poker action in New Zealand. Players have a wide choice, and these are only some of the many available.

888.com

The 888 brand hardly needs any introduction in the world of online gambling. 888.com has won over 50 international awards over the years and is one of the most renowned and reputable platforms in the industry. With decades of experience under its belt, 888.com pays out millions of dollars in winnings each month to lucky players across the board. The 888 gaming platform incorporates an online casino, sports betting and the leading 888Poker.com line.

Join 888 Poker with a free no-deposit bonus and then hit the tables to enjoy a huge range of games. Tournaments, from Texas Hold ‘em to Omaha, PKO tournaments and cash games, run around the clock. 888 offers exciting variants such as BLAST, Jackpot Sit & Go and SNAP fast-fold poker, to name just a few.

This is the ideal site for new players to learn how to play, with simple software and easy-to-follow online guides. Practice in free play mode and improve your games with lessons on poker strategy, online poker tournaments and hand rankings – safely and securely.

Betway Casino

This reputed, experienced and licensed company is eCOGRA certified and guarantees a secure gaming platform. The NZ-friendly Betway includes lots of options under its one virtual roof – fabulous online casino games, sports betting, Live Dealer games, eSport and online poker.

Thanks to the perfect meetup between innovative technology and traditional poker action, Betway Live Casino is able to provide players with the opportunity to join other players to enjoy quality online poker games and tournaments. Let the friendly dealers welcome you to the tables and bulk up your bankroll with generous bonuses.

The online poker platform offers customizable menus, live chat and lots of other tools to make this an enjoyable experience at any time of the day or night.

Betchan Casino

With over 2,000 browser-based online casino games, provided by 12 leading vendors, it’s no wonder that Betchan Casino is such a popular choice for New Zealand online poker fans. Betchan is owned and operated by SoftSwiss and has been online since 2015. The welcoming homepage is quick and straightforward to navigate, and all the categories are mapped out so that you find everything easily.

Among the games you’ll find at Betchan is Live Poker, which incorporates virtual and live table game action using state of the art live streaming technology and human dealers who interact with players. Sit down to play around the table with other players from around NZ and the globe, enter fast-paced tournaments and enjoy top payouts, from the comfort of your own home.