The Casino Rewards network is one of the longest-running loyalty programmes in online gambling, linking a group of casinos that run on online casino software from Microgaming (now Games Global) under one shared set of VIP points and status levels. For players in New Zealand the idea is simple: register at one member site and your loyalty standing follows you across the others, with balances handled in New Zealand dollars (NZD). This guide explains what the network is, how the loyalty scheme and points work, which casinos belong to it, how banking and identity checks are handled, and — importantly in 2026 — how New Zealand’s changing online gambling law affects you. It is an informational overview, not a review or a recommendation to sign up.
Key points
- One account, many casinos: your VIP points and status level are shared across every member site in the network.
- Six status levels: benefits grow the more you play, and status is reviewed on an ongoing basis.
- Tested games: Microgaming/Games Global titles are checked by the independent agency eCOGRA.
- NZD supported: deposit, play and withdraw in New Zealand dollars to avoid conversion fees.
- Low-deposit offers: welcome deals (often $1–$10) carry higher wagering on first deposits — read the terms.
- 18+ and changing law: a licensed New Zealand online casino regime begins rolling out from 1 May 2026.
What is the Casino Rewards network?
Casino Rewards is a centralised loyalty programme that connects a group of online casinos. It launched around the year 2000 — the operator publicly marked 25 years of the programme in 2025 — which makes it one of the more established groups in the market. Rather than each casino running a separate scheme, the network ties them together so that a player’s VIP points and status level are recognised on every member site.
The member casinos are run by licensed operating companies (for example Bayton Ltd) and hold gambling licences from regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. The games themselves come from Microgaming’s catalogue, now distributed by Games Global, which is the same slots and table-game library you will find across many well-known New Zealand-facing sites.
Quick facts
| Network | Casino Rewards (shared loyalty programme) |
| Launched | Around 2000 (marked 25 years in 2025) |
| Member casinos | ~16 brands listed on the network’s site (incl. Zodiac, Captain Cooks, Yukon Gold, Grand Mondial, Golden Tiger, Casino Kingdom, Cosmo) |
| Software | Microgaming / Games Global |
| Loyalty currency | VIP points, shared across member sites |
| Status levels | Six |
| Independent testing | eCOGRA |
| Currency for NZ players | New Zealand dollars (NZD) |
| Minimum age | 18+ |
Member casinos in the network
The network’s own website currently lists around 16 member brands. Several of them have dedicated guides on this site, and a number of them run the low-deposit jackpot offers that are popular with Kiwi players:
- Zodiac Casino
- Captain Cooks Casino
- Yukon Gold Casino
- Grand Mondial Casino
- Golden Tiger Casino
- Casino Kingdom
- Cosmo Casino
Other brands named on the network’s site include Casino Classic, Casino Action, Luxury Casino, Grand Hotel Casino, Quatro Casino, Villento Casino, Players Palace, Blackjack Ballroom and UK Casino Club. It is worth clearing up a common mix-up: Jackpot City is also a Microgaming-powered casino, but it is operated separately and is not part of the Casino Rewards loyalty network.
How the loyalty scheme works
The network describes six status levels. Every player starts at the entry level, and the benefits — such as reload offers, free spins and support priority — increase as you move up. Your level is based on how much real-money play you generate, and the network reviews status on an ongoing basis, so a quieter month can see a player move back down a level.
Earning and redeeming VIP points
You earn VIP points by placing real-money bets on any member site, and those points are pooled in a single account that the whole network can see. Points can be redeemed for casino credit through the cashier. The network does not publish a fixed, universal conversion rate or expiry rule that could be independently verified, so the practical value of a point, the minimum you can redeem and any inactivity cut-off should be checked in the cashier and terms of the specific casino you are using. Treat loyalty points as a small bonus on top of play, not as a reliable way to make money.
Bonuses and bonus codes
Several member casinos are known for low-deposit welcome offers — for example a set number of jackpot ‘chances’ or spins for a first deposit of around $1 to $10. Bonus codes, where they exist, are usually distributed through the network’s newsletters, your player dashboard, or review sites, and are entered on the cashier screen. If you are comparing entry points, our guide to the $1 minimum deposit casinos covers how these micro-deposit offers work in practice.
Wagering requirements
The most important detail on any bonus is the wagering (playthrough) requirement — the number of times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw winnings from it. As a general rule across the industry, first-deposit and welcome bonuses carry higher wagering than ordinary reloads, and a ‘free’ spins or chances offer is not the same as free money. Always read the specific terms attached to a code before you opt in, including game weightings and maximum-bet limits, so your expectations stay realistic.
Banking in New Zealand dollars
Member casinos let New Zealand players hold and transact in NZD, which avoids currency-conversion fees. The exact list of payment methods, limits and timings varies by casino, so the table below shows the typical options and ranges rather than fixed network rules. If payout speed matters to you, compare it against our roundup of the fastest payout casinos.
| Payment method | Deposit | Withdrawal (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa / Mastercard debit | Instant | ~3–5 business days | Widely supported; some banks decline gambling transactions |
| E-wallets (e.g. Skrill, Neteller) | Instant | ~24–48 hours | Usually the fastest payouts; may be excluded from some bonuses |
| Prepaid vouchers (e.g. Paysafecard) | Instant | Deposits only | Cannot be used to receive a withdrawal |
| Online bank transfer (where offered) | Instant to same day | Often deposits only | Availability varies by casino and bank |
| Bank wire | 1–3 business days | ~5–10 business days | Higher minimums; slower to clear |
Identity verification (KYC)
Before processing a first significant withdrawal, a casino’s compliance team must verify your identity to meet anti-money-laundering rules. This ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) check normally means uploading a clear photo of a government-issued ID (such as a New Zealand passport or driver licence) and a recent document confirming your address, like a utility bill or bank statement. Completing it soon after you register avoids delays when you later cash out.
Security and fair play
Member sites use encrypted connections to protect personal and payment data in transit, and the group displays certification from eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance), an independent agency that tests gaming systems. eCOGRA testing of a random number generator (RNG) checks that game outcomes are random and that published return-to-player (RTP) figures are being met over time. This is a meaningful fairness signal, but it is not a guarantee of winning: every casino game is designed to return less than it takes in over the long run.
Playing on mobile
Member casinos run in the mobile browser using HTML5, so there is generally no app to download and no storage used. You open the site in Safari, Chrome or Firefox, sign in with your usual credentials, and the layout adjusts to your screen. The full cashier — deposits, withdrawals and loyalty balance — is available on mobile, and live-dealer streams scale their quality to your connection to limit buffering.
Customer support
Support is offered through the desktop and mobile sites. Live chat is the quickest route for account and login questions, while email suits document uploads and anything that needs a written record.
| Channel | Typical response | Best for | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | Minutes | Account, login and quick banking queries | 24/7 |
| Up to ~24 hours | Verification documents and detailed queries | 24/7 intake | |
| Help centre / FAQ | Instant | General how-to and terms | Always available |
Legal status and responsible gambling in New Zealand
Online gambling in New Zealand is in transition. Under the Gambling Act 2003 it has been lawful for adults in New Zealand to play at casinos hosted offshore, although those operators have not been allowed to advertise here and players have had no New Zealand consumer protection if something goes wrong. That framework is changing: the Government’s Online Casino Gambling regime is scheduled to commence on 1 May 2026, introducing up to 15 licences. From 1 December 2026, operators that have not applied for a licence will be prohibited from offering or advertising online casino gambling to New Zealanders (with a later date of up to 1 June 2027 for those who have applied). The Department of Internal Affairs is the responsible regulator, and the rules will continue to be set out in regulations — so check the current position before you play.
Gambling should be treated as paid entertainment, not a way to make money or recover losses. Set a budget you can afford to lose, keep it separate from essentials like rent and KiwiSaver, and use the deposit limits, loss limits, reality checks and self-exclusion tools built into member casinos. If gambling is causing harm to you or someone you know, free and confidential help is available in New Zealand from the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 (you can also text 8006), 24 hours a day. You can read more in our responsible gambling guide. You must be 18 or over to gamble.
Sources
- Casino Rewards — official network site (member casinos, six status levels, VIP points)
- Casino Rewards Celebrates Milestone Birthday (25 years, 2025 press release)
- Buddle Findlay — Online Casino Gambling Bill: status and commencement dates
- Gambling Helpline Aotearoa — free help on 0800 654 655
- Safer Gambling Aotearoa — public gambling-harm resources
- eCOGRA — independent testing and certification agency
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the Casino Rewards network?
It is a shared loyalty programme that links a group of online casinos running Microgaming/Games Global software. When you play at any member site, your VIP points and status level are recognised across the whole network, so your loyalty standing carries over instead of starting from scratch at each casino.
How many casinos are in the Casino Rewards group?
The network’s own website currently lists around 16 member brands, including Zodiac Casino, Captain Cooks, Yukon Gold, Grand Mondial, Golden Tiger, Casino Kingdom and Cosmo Casino. Despite also being a Microgaming brand, Jackpot City is operated separately and is not part of this network.
How do VIP loyalty points work?
You earn points by placing real-money bets on any member site, and they build up in a single account shared across the network. Points can be redeemed for casino credit in the cashier. The network does not publish one fixed conversion rate or expiry rule, so check the current value, minimum redemption and any inactivity cut-off in the terms of the casino you use.
Can I play in New Zealand dollars?
Yes. Member casinos let New Zealand players deposit, play and withdraw in NZD, which avoids currency-conversion fees. Available payment methods, minimum amounts and withdrawal times vary from casino to casino, so confirm the details in each site’s cashier.
Is playing at these casinos legal in New Zealand?
Under the Gambling Act 2003 it has been lawful for adults to play at offshore online casinos, without New Zealand consumer protection. This is changing: a licensed online casino regime commences on 1 May 2026, and from 1 December 2026 operators without a licence will be barred from offering or advertising to New Zealanders. Check the Department of Internal Affairs for the current rules before you play.