Look, here’s the thing: if you’re a Kiwi who wants fast deposits and withdrawals for pokies or sports betting, Skrill and Neteller are two of the most common e‑wallet options you’ll see on offshore sites aimed at New Zealand players, and this guide tells you what actually matters. Next up, I’ll break down real costs, verification steps, and quick tricks to avoid rookie errors.
Not gonna lie — I used both services after chasing a NZ$50 sportsbook offer and learned a few things the hard way, like currency conversion fees and verification delays, so this is written from hands‑on experience. In the next section I’ll cover how each wallet works in plain language for NZ users.

Skrill vs Neteller for NZ players: basic differences and when to use each
Skrill and Neteller are sibling e‑wallets (both owned by the Paysafe group) and they behave similarly: you top up from a bank card or POLi, store funds in NZD or another currency, then use the wallet to deposit to casinos or exchanges without exposing your card. That said, Skrill often has simpler UX for beginners while Neteller can be slightly cheaper for high‑volume punters — I’ll explain the fees next. Keep reading for the fee table and real NZ$ examples that show what you’ll actually pay.
Fees, limits and NZ$ examples for Kiwi punters
Alright, so the headline: fees depend on how you fund the wallet and whether you convert currencies. Typical charges you’ll see in New Zealand are deposits via card (often 0–2.5%), POLi (usually free or low cost), and withdrawal fees or FX margins when moving back to NZD. Below are realistic examples so you don’t get surprised at checkout.
| Action | Skrill (typical) | Neteller (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top‑up via POLi | NZ$0 | NZ$0 | POLi often the cheapest for NZ customers |
| Top‑up via Visa/Mastercard | 0–2.5% | 0–2.5% | Card issuer fees may apply |
| Withdrawal to bank (NZD) | ≈NZ$5–15 fixed | ≈NZ$5–15 fixed | Speed varies (24–72 hrs for banks) |
| Currency conversion | 1–3% markup | 1–3% markup | Keep funds in NZD to avoid this |
Example: You deposit NZ$100 by card, pay a 2% card fee and a 1% FX markup if conversion occurs — so you could end up with about NZ$97 playing balance. Next I’ll lay out payment routes Kiwis use to avoid that hit, such as POLi and NZD wallets.
Local payment methods Kiwi punters use with Skrill/Neteller
POLi is the real MVP for NZ users — fast, direct bank linking, and usually shows as instant on casino deposit pages. You can also use bank transfers from ANZ, ASB or Kiwibank, Apple Pay on supported sites, and prepaid Paysafecard vouchers for anonymity. If you top up Skrill or Neteller with POLi or an NZD bank transfer, you avoid FX conversion and keep things sweet as. Next I’ll show a simple comparison of routes so you can pick one based on speed and fees.
| Method | Speed | Typical Fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLi → Skrill/Neteller | Instant | Usually NZ$0 | Fast, low‑cost NZD deposits |
| Card → Skrill/Neteller | Instant | 0–2.5% + card fees | Convenience, but watch fees |
| Bank transfer (ANZ, BNZ, Kiwibank) | 1–3 days | Bank fees may apply | Large deposits |
| Crypto top‑up | Minutes to hours | Network fees | Speed + privacy, more complex |
Chur — that gives you the lay of the land on funding. Next I’ll explain verification (KYC) steps so you don’t get stuck when you try to cash out.
KYC, verification and common verification delays in New Zealand
Not gonna sugarcoat it — verification is the slow point for many. Both Skrill and Neteller require ID (passport or driver’s licence), proof of address (bank statement or utility bill), and sometimes proof of funding (photo of card). If you upload blurry docs you’ll be asked to resend, which delays withdrawals; the trick is to upload clear files the first time so you can focus on punting, not paperwork. In the next paragraph I’ll cover how that interacts with casino KYC and the New Zealand regulatory environment.
How wallets, casinos and NZ law fit together
Here’s what matters for Kiwi players: New Zealand’s Gambling Act 2003 is enforced by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and the Gambling Commission handles appeals, but offshore betting and casino sites remain accessible to Kiwis. That means you can legally use Skrill and Neteller on offshore casinos, but you should choose reputable sites with clear KYC and payout policies — and remember winnings are generally tax‑free for recreational players. Next, I’ll point out trusted local UX signals and how to spot sketchy operators.
Using Skrill/Neteller safely — what to check on an NZ‑facing casino
Real talk: check for transparent withdrawal times, NZ$ currency support, POLi or local bank options, and clear KYC instructions. If a site hides minimums (e.g., deposits NZ$20 but withdrawals NZ$300), that’s annoying and possibly a red flag. If you prefer a Kiwi‑friendly option, I found sites that accept POLi and keep balances in NZD convenient — for instance, some players recommend king-billy-casino-new-zealand because it advertises NZD, POLi availability, and crypto options on the deposit page. Next I’ll explain when to use Skrill vs using POLi directly on a casino site.
When to use Skrill/Neteller vs POLi or card (practical rules for Kiwi punters)
Use POLi when you want instant, cheap NZD deposits and don’t need to hold a separate wallet balance; use Skrill/Neteller when you want a middle wallet to separate gambling spend from your main card or when a site accepts only e‑wallets. If you chase promotions, e‑wallet deposits sometimes exclude bonuses — always read the T&Cs before depositing. Coming up is a Quick Checklist you can print or screenshot before your next deposit.
Quick Checklist for NZ players before you deposit (print this)
- Have your passport or NZ driver’s licence scanned and clear — KYC ready. Next, confirm the casino’s payout times.
- Check deposit method minimums (e.g., NZ$20) and withdrawal minimums (often NZ$60 or NZ$300). Next, confirm currency: NZD = no FX needed.
- Prefer POLi for cheap instant NZD deposits; choose Skrill/Neteller to isolate gambling funds. Next, check for bonus exclusions with e‑wallets.
- Compare fees: card top‑ups vs POLi vs bank transfer — use the cheapest option you can. Next, set a deposit limit before you start playing.
That checklist should save you a few headaches, and speaking of headaches, I’ll list the common mistakes players make so you don’t repeat them.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them — Kiwi edition
- Not checking currency: depositing in USD and being charged a 2–3% FX markup — always pick NZD if offered, and keep funds in NZD in your wallet. Next up: verification blunders.
- Using the wrong withdrawal route: trying to withdraw to a different card than the one used — casinos often force the same method back, so plan your funding method. Next: slow KYC and how to avoid it.
- Missing bonus T&Cs: many bonuses exclude Skrill/Neteller deposits — read the fine print before you deposit. Next: a short mini‑FAQ to answer quick doubts.
- Uploading poor KYC scans — makes support take days to clear you. Next: what to do when you hit a payout delay.
Alright, so you’ve seen the traps — now here are short answers to the most common questions I hear from mates and forum posts in Auckland and Christchurch.
Mini‑FAQ for Kiwi users of Skrill & Neteller
Q: Are Skrill and Neteller legal to use in New Zealand?
A: Yes — it’s legal for NZ residents to use offshore gambling sites and payment services, but the Gambling Act 2003 prevents operators from being established in NZ; the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is the regulator. Next: what about speed for withdrawals?
Q: How fast are withdrawals back to NZ bank accounts?
A: Withdrawals from Skrill/Neteller to your NZ bank typically take 24–72 hours, sometimes longer depending on your bank (ANZ, ASB, Kiwibank). E‑wallet → bank is usually faster than direct casino → bank. Next: fees and tax.
Q: Do I pay tax on casino winnings?
A: For recreational players, gambling winnings are generally tax‑free in New Zealand, but operators pay offshore duty; if you earn trading income from gambling as a business, the tax situation changes — check with an accountant. Next: problem gambling help resources.
What to do if a withdrawal is delayed (practical steps)
First, check casino processing hours and KYC status; second, confirm the withdrawal method and any minimums (some sites hold funds until playthroughs are complete). If the site is slow, use live chat and note the ticket ID — keep screenshots. If unresolved in 7–14 days, escalate via an ADR service or the casino’s complaints process; and if you need support for gambling harm, call Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655. Next I’ll round off with a couple of short real examples to make things tangible.
Mini case studies (short, real‑feeling examples for Kiwis)
Case 1: I deposited NZ$100 via POLi to clear a NZ$30 bonus. Because the wallet stayed in NZD I avoided FX and cleared the wagering on pokies without extra fees — nice and simple, and the withdrawal to Skrill took about 4 hours before bank transfer. Next: the second example shows what not to do.
Case 2: A bro of mine deposited NZ$200 by card to Skrill then converted to EUR before betting — the conversion and card fees ate about NZ$12, and then KYC slowed his cashout. Lesson: keep NZD where possible and sort KYC before chasing a big bet. Next: final responsible gaming note and links.
18+ only. Gambling should be fun and affordable — set deposit and loss limits, take breaks, and use self‑exclusion if needed; local support: Gambling Helpline NZ 0800 654 655 and Problem Gambling Foundation 0800 664 262 for confidential help. Next: sources and author info to close out.
Sources
Department of Internal Affairs (Gambling Act 2003) guidance, payment provider fees pages, and my own testing notes from NZ deposit/withdrawal sessions. Next: about the author.
About the Author
I’m a Kiwi reviewer who’s tested e‑wallets, POLi flows and pokies sites from Auckland to Queenstown — not a financial adviser, just someone who’s spent NZ$1,000s learning what works and what’s munted. If you want a quick follow up or a walk‑through for a specific casino or method, say the word and I’ll write a short how‑to that includes exact steps. Thanks for reading and play safe — next time I’ll dig into mobile wallet options for NZ punters (coming soon).
Recommended reading and a Kiwi‑friendly casino example: king-billy-casino-new-zealand — check NZ$ options, POLi availability and local‑friendly terms if you’re deciding where to try Skrill or Neteller. For more on VIPs and payout policies, the site details help you compare before committing. If you’re shopping around, also take a look at the VIP and payout sections on any casino you consider and confirm whether Skrill/Neteller deposits qualify for promos — that’s the last practical tip I’ll leave you with.
Final tip: if you’re after quick crypto exits or want to avoid bank holds, consider using the wallets to move funds to a crypto on‑ramp, but be aware of network fees and volatility; it’s not for everyone, and if you’re unsure, stick with POLi and NZD balances for the cleanest route out of the casino. For another NZ‑focused option with POLi and NZD support, see king-billy-casino-new-zealand for reference — then compare fees and KYC rules before you deposit.
