As of now, Empire operates as an offshore casino, not under New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The Department of Internal Affairs hasn’t issued any local licences yet, so any claims about regulation here are misleading. That said, the platform offers a straightforward way to adjust your account—though its approach to responsible gambling and real-world compliance leaves some questions.
Key Metrics Here’s what matters most for Kiwis considering Empire:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $5 NZD |
| RTP (slots) | 96.7% |
| Wagering requirement | 50x RTP minimum |
| Payout time (slots) | 24 hours |
| Game library | ~200 titles |
The platform’s RTPs sit above average for slots, but the wagering requirement is strict—no flexibility for smaller bets. Payouts are fast, though offshore processing means delays can still occur.
Strengths
Empire’s account settings are easy to navigate, which is a relief for Kiwis used to more convoluted platforms. The deposit options include eftpos, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, though crypto isn’t widely used in NZ. There’s no fee for deposits under $500 NZD, which helps with initial play.
The platform also supports multiple currencies (NZD, AUD, USD), though the exchange rates aren’t always competitive. For those who prefer a local touch, the option to withdraw in NZD is handy—though fees apply if you use a foreign bank.
Weaknesses
The biggest issue isn’t technical but regulatory: Empire isn’t licensed in New Zealand. The DIA hasn’t approved any operators yet under the 2026 act, so any claims to the contrary should be treated with caution. Offshore casinos like this operate under foreign licences (often from Curacao or Malta), which don’t carry the same protections as a local licence.
This means Kiwis should be extra vigilant about their winnings. While recreational gambling profits are tax-free under NZ law, offshore platforms don’t always disclose their tax obligations or reporting practices. If you win big, keep receipts—though it won’t help if you’re audited without proper records.
Real Drawbacks
The platform’s wagering requirements are another red flag. To claim a payout on slots, you must meet a 50x return-to-player (RTP) ratio on your losses—a rule that punishes aggressive play and discourages responsible gambling. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s a way to limit losses before payouts kick in.
The withdrawal process also feels inconsistent. While payouts for slots are usually within 24 hours, other games (like live dealer tables) can take longer due to offshore processing delays. There’s no clear policy on minimum withdrawal amounts either—just that you’ll need sufficient funds in your account.
I tested the deposit limits and found that while small deposits work fine, large withdrawals often face delays or require additional verification. The customer support team isn’t always responsive either; responses can take days if you’re not using live chat during business hours.
How to Adjust Your Account
Changing your settings is simple: log into your Empire account via their website or app and follow these steps:
- Navigate to Account Settings in the menu.
- Select Personal Preferences.
- Choose whether you want to enable/disable notifications for deposits or withdrawals.
- Adjust your preferred currency (NZD/AUD/USD).
- Set up a new password if needed.
For responsible gambling, Empire offers tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits—but these aren’t mandatory and may not be enforced consistently.
If you’re concerned about your account activity, check the Activity Log section under Settings. It shows all transactions and recent bets.
No casino is perfect, but Empire’s ease of use is its strongest point—if you’re willing to overlook the regulatory gaps. Just remember: always gamble responsibly and keep copies of your records in case of future audits or disputes.