On this page
- New Zealand-facing casinos on our list
- 1. The First Pokies Were Found in an Auto Shop
- 2. Casinos Can Chuck You Out for Card Counting – Even Though it’s Legal
- 3. Nevada State Prison Had its Own Casino
- 4. A Casino Operates in the Back of a London Cab
- 5. Roulette is Known as the Devil’s Game
- 6. English Casinos Hired Professional Dice Swallowers
- 7. Casanova Built the First Casino
- 8. Citizens of Monaco Can’t Gamble in their Famous Casino
- 9. The Casino Industry Works to Keep Lottery Banned in Nevada
- 10. The Sandwich Was Invented by a Gambler
In fact, casinos are much more interesting places than just their visitors or games would have you believe. Here are just a few strange facts about casinos that you may find a little unexpected.
New Zealand-facing casinos on our list
These 14 sites take New Zealand registrations. Bonus sums, minimum deposits and wagering come straight from the operator terms, last read on . How every brand is checked.
- 01SlotLounge CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package350% up to NZ$22,500+ 350 free spinsMin depositNZ$30Wagering40xOnline since2025Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 350%
- Up to: NZ$22,500
- Free spins: 350
- Minimum deposit: NZ$30
- Wagering: 40x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2025
- Deposit options include Bank Wire Transfer, Jeton, Paysafecard
- Balance held in NZD
- 02SlotsMafia CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package350% up to NZ$37,500+ 350 free spinsMin depositNZ$20Wagering50xOnline since2024Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 350%
- Up to: NZ$37,500
- Free spins: 350
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 50x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2024
- Deposit options include Bank Transfer, Paysafecard
- Balance held in NZD
- 03DragonSlotsChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package460% up to NZ$8,000+ 700 free spinsMin depositNZ$20Wagering40xOnline since2024Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 460%
- Up to: NZ$8,000
- Free spins: 700
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 40x
Why it is on the list
- Listed by 1 independent review sites we track
- Trading since 2024
- Deposit options include Apple Pay, Bank Transfer, Binance
- Balance held in NZD
- 04Godz CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package300% up to NZ$15,000+ 300 free spinsMin depositNZ$25Wagering35xOnline since2026Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 300%
- Up to: NZ$15,000
- Free spins: 300
- Minimum deposit: NZ$25
- Wagering: 35x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2026
- Deposit options include Bank Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, Ethereum
- Balance held in NZD
- 05Joo CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package200% up to NZ$3,000+ 200 free spinsMin depositNZ$30Wagering50xOnline since2018Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 200%
- Up to: NZ$3,000
- Free spins: 200
- Minimum deposit: NZ$30
- Wagering: 50x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2018
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, AstroPay Card, Bank Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 06SlotRaveChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package400% up to NZ$5,000+ 150 free spinsMin depositNZ$10Wagering40xOnline since2025Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 400%
- Up to: NZ$5,000
- Free spins: 150
- Minimum deposit: NZ$10
- Wagering: 40x
Why it is on the list
- Listed by 1 independent review sites we track
- Trading since 2025
- Deposit options include Apple Pay, AstroPay, Bank Wire Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 07Zotabet CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$2,000+ 300 free spinsOnline since2022Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$2,000
- Free spins: 300
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2022
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include BLIK, Bank Transfer, Bank Wire Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 08N1Bet CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$10,000+ 200 free spinsMin depositNZ$30Wagering50xOnline since2021Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$10,000
- Free spins: 200
- Minimum deposit: NZ$30
- Wagering: 50x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2021
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, Bank Transfer, Binance Pay
- Balance held in NZD
- 09All Slots CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$1,500Read our All Slots Casino reviewMin depositNZ$5Wagering35xOnline since1999Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$1,500
- Minimum deposit: NZ$5
- Wagering: 35x
Why it is on the list
- Listed by 1 independent review sites we track
- Trading since 1999
- 29 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include Abaqoos, Apple Pay, Bank Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 10Casino FridayChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$500+ 200 free spinsMin depositNZ$20Wagering40xOnline since2020Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$500
- Free spins: 200
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 40x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2020
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include Aktia, Alandsbanken, AstroPay
- Balance held in NZD
- 11Rizk CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyOnline since2016Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$2,000
- Free spins: 50
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2016
- 25 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include A-bon, Aircash, Apple Pay
- Balance held in NZD
- 12Betway CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$2,000Read our Betway Casino reviewMin depositNZ$20Wagering50xOnline since2006Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$2,000
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 50x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2006
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, BLIK, Bank Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 13TonyBet CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$1,500+ 150 free spinsMin depositNZ$35Wagering30xOnline since2009Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$1,500
- Free spins: 150
- Minimum deposit: NZ$35
- Wagering: 30x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2009
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, Bank Transfer, Bitcoin
- Balance held in NZD
- 14BitStarz CasinoChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$2,000+ 180 free spinsMin depositNZ$20Wagering40xOnline since2014Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$2,000
- Free spins: 180
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 40x
Why it is on the list
- Trading since 2014
- 26 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, AstroPay Direct, Bank Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
Order is ours and the operators listed pay us a commission when you open an account; that does not change the figures above, which come from the operator pages and are re-checked on the date shown. Gambling is entertainment, not income: play with money you can lose, 20+ only. Free, confidential help in New Zealand — Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655.
1. The First Pokies Were Found in an Auto Shop
The first pokies weren’t designed for people to gamble on – they were time wasters. Built by Charles Fey, a San Francisco-based car mechanic, who put them in his shop to keep his customers occupied while they waited for their cars to be ready. Casinos decided this was a good idea and bought them so that players who were waiting for a spot at a table game would have something to do, and so that wives and girlfriends could wait for their men and have fun at the same time. Needless to say, Pokies are now the most popular game in any casino.
2. Casinos Can Chuck You Out for Card Counting – Even Though it’s Legal
You probably think that card counting in Blackjack is illegal, especially after actor Ben Affleck was banned from a Las Vegas casino in 2014 for doing just that. But, it’s actually not ( not in New Zealand, anyway) – casinos just plain don’t like it. If you’re caught counting cards, you’re likely to be asked to leave and receive a lifetime ban – as in, for forever.
3. Nevada State Prison Had its Own Casino
Everyone knows that gambling is a big deal in Nevada, but did you know that prison inmates had their own casino from 1932 to 1967? As you might expect from the state housing Sin City, inmates could play Blackjack, poker, craps and even place sports bets until it was shut down after 35 years.
4. A Casino Operates in the Back of a London Cab
The smallest casino in the world opened in 2016 in the back of a London cab. This nameless casino has no fixed address, and (unsurprisingly) travels around the city. Players can go anywhere within London, provided they make a charitable donation. While they’re at it, they can enjoy a gaming table with a dealer, online gaming facilities, TVs screening sports games and a bar.
5. Roulette is Known as the Devil’s Game
All the numbers on a roulette wheel add up to 666 which, as Iron Maiden fans know – is known as the ‘Number of the Beast’ and is likely responsible for Roulette’s nickname: ‘The Devil’s Wheel’. However, some people choose to look at this in a different way, believing there’s a strategy to be had by using the 666 to help improve their odds – by placing bets on pretty much all the numbers.
6. English Casinos Hired Professional Dice Swallowers
In 18th century in England, casinos (otherwise known as ‘houses of sin’) were subjected to regular police raids. To keep the dice away from the eyes of the police and to help hide their illicit activities, the casinos hired professionals to swallow the dice in case the police appeared.
7. Casanova Built the First Casino
If you think a casino is a place for romance, there might be some truth to it. Casanova built the first casino in Venice, Italy in 1638 as a place for some summer activities. Clearly, his idea caught on – and how!
8. Citizens of Monaco Can’t Gamble in their Famous Casino
Surprisingly, it has been illegal for citizens of Monaco to gamble in the famous Monte Carlo Casino. In the mid-1800s, Princess Caroline decreed that all revenue from the casino must come from foreigners. However it’s not all bad – citizens can enter the casino, just not the gaming areas.
9. The Casino Industry Works to Keep Lottery Banned in Nevada
The gambling capital of the world doesn’t have a state lottery. This is because the casino industry has lobbied hard to keep it outlawed so there is no competition to the state’s main industry.
10. The Sandwich Was Invented by a Gambler
In fact, this might just be an old wives tale, but it’s believed that sandwiches are named after John Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich. As he was engrossed in a casino game, rumors have it he told his servants to bring him some meat in bread so he wouldn’t have to stop playing while eating his meal. We bet the dealers didn’t appreciate crumbs on the playing tables.