21 Casino is a Kiwi-friendly online casino that stands out for its large and diverse gaming library spanning all popular verticals.
Since launching in 2015, the platform has become a cornerstone across multiple iGaming markets, including New Zealand, due to its flawless reputation and an overall casino experience that is top drawer.
In my 21 Casino review, I will see if the site still has what it takes to sit among the top online casinos.
21 Casino is covered by a licence (MGA/B2C/370/2017) issued by the Malta Gaming Authority to its operator, White Hat Gaming Limited.
That company is one of the most prominent in the MGA iGaming scene, operating dozens of other platforms, including Karamba Casino, Playzee and SlotPlanet.
New Zealand players receive a 100% match bonus up to NZ$500 on their first deposit, followed by 50 free spins on Book of Dead for signing up.
You’re not required to enter a bonus code to claim the 21 Casino welcome offer.
The bonus funds and free spins winnings from the 21 Casino welcome bonus come with a 40x (deposit + bonus) wagering requirement. However, you should note that games have different contribution rates:
Furthermore, there is a $5 maximum bet allowed when using bonus funds. Placing bets or purchasing bonus buy features for more than the amount will break the terms and conditions of the offer.
Offering a combination of match deposits and free spins, the 21 Casino welcome bonus certainly grabs the attention, especially as the spins are on the iconic Book of Dead.
As NZ players must wager the deposit amount as well as the bonus funds, the rollover requirements are far from the best we’ve seen. However, the site gives you a full 30 days to meet those terms, which is longer than you would find on some other platforms.
Overall, the welcome package is worth claiming, but it may prove challenging to convert into real money that can be withdrawn.
✔️ Low Deposit Requirement: Only a minimum deposit of $10 is required to claim the welcome bonus, making it accessible to casual players.
✔️ Long Wagering Window: As bonus funds remain valid for 30 days, you have plenty of time to meet the 40x wagering requirements.
✔️ A Double Bonus - The welcome bonus doubles your first deposit and also gives you 50 free spins on Book of Dead.
✔️ This welcome bonus will suit players of all budget levels, from casuals who want value from a $10 deposit and high rollers looking to claim the full bonus amount.
21 Casino does not offer any ongoing promotions for Kiwis, at least at the time of writing this review. While that is disappointing, we’re certain this will change in the future.
However, there is an invite-only VIP program that rewards the site’s most loyal players. If you’re lucky enough to receive an invitation, you can look forward to personalised bonus offers, priority support, a dedicated account manager, birthday gifts and more across the program's four tiers.
21 Casino supports numerous quick and convenient payment methods for players in New Zealand, including Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, MiFinity, Paysafecard and Jetonbank.
Withdrawal times align with the industry standard, meaning you can typically expect to wait between 1 and 3 days for your payments to get processed.
21 Casino requires you to complete a KYC check before you can request a withdrawal.
You’ll need to provide documentation that proves your identity (passport or driver's licence) and address (recently dated utility bill). In certain cases, the site may require additional documentation.
How long the process takes will depend on whether you sent the right documents and provided accurate information. Typically, if all is in order, you should be verified within two days.
Fans of online pokies are spoilt for choice at 21 Casino, with over 5,900 available across a handful of lobby categories such as ‘Megaways’, ‘Buy Feature’ and ‘Cluster Pays’.
Aside from the number of titles offered, the collection appeals due to the overall quality of the studios contributing their portfolios. Big Time Gaming, NoLimit City, Play’n Go and Relax Gaming are just some that have brought their best work to the platform.
Think of a major progressive jackpot network, and it likely features at 21 Casino. In fact, aside from Playtech’s Age of the Gods, all the big names are there.
You can spin for potentially life-changing payouts on the Mega Moolah, Dream Drop, WowPot, King Millions, Jackpot King and MegaJackpots networks.
We also came across standalone progressives, such as Hall of Gods, Treasure Nile, King Cashalot and Major Millions, that can deliver millionaire-making jackpots.
21 Casino has gone with three of the top dogs in the live casino space, with Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live and Ezugi all contributing to over 200 table games and game shows.
Traditional roulette and blackjack tables are complemented by various other card and dice games delivered in a live format.
On top of that, the casino features all the latest game shows in the market, including the recently released Money Time, Balloon Race and Lightning Storm.
Although email support is available, 21 Casino’s live chat is what most New Zealanders will use whenever issues arise.
During testing, while it was pleasing that there were no chatbots and just human agents, I always found myself in a queue of 6 to 8 people.
In most cases, I had to wait at least 10 minutes to connect with an agent.
Although required under Malta Gaming Authority licensing, it’s always pleasing when an online casino ensures responsible gambling tools are accessible via player account settings. At 21 Casino, you can configure the following from within your profile:
To take more drastic action, you can also request self-exclusion from your account via customer support.
Here are a few key factors to consider before registering at 21 Casino:
Although it might just have been bad timing when I tested the casino, finding no ongoing promotions following the welcome bonus was not something I expected. There is a VIP program, but that only caters to big spending high rollers and not to casual players.
Many players prioritise a loyalty program when choosing a new online casino to sign up for. Unfortunately, 21 Casino currently doesn’t offer any sort of loyalty program rewards to regular players.
21 Casino continues to deliver a well-rounded online casino experience to players in New Zealand.
You can get started with a welcome bonus that, while relatively small and with above-average wagering requirements, can be triggered for as little as $10.
The game selection is top-notch across the board, whether you prefer spinning on pokies, going for huge progressive jackpots or taking in the immersive experiences provided by the live tables.
On the flip side, 21 Casino lets itself down in certain areas. A lack of ongoing promotions or a loyalty program will not help with player retention. Plus, the wagering requirements are a tad high, even if you do get a full month to complete them.
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