POLi became popular in New Zealand because it moves NZD straight from internet banking to the operator. It is also not offered at every casino, it only works for deposits, and it depends on entering banking credentials in a third-party session. If POLi is not in the cashier, or you would rather not use it, there are other ways to fund an account. This guide focuses on the two most common alternatives, Revolut and Skrill, and covers the rest briefly.
If a POLi deposit has already failed on you, our guide to why POLi deposits fail is the better starting point.
Why players look for POLi alternatives
- Availability varies. Not every operator offers POLi to New Zealand accounts, and acceptance changes. The cashier, after you register, is the only reliable check. Our POLi payment page lists the profiles that mention it.
- It is deposit-only. There is no “withdraw to POLi”, so you need a second method for cash-out either way.
- Bank stance. Several New Zealand banks have discouraged entering internet-banking credentials in third-party windows. Check your own bank’s current position.
- Gambling blocks. If you have asked your bank to block gambling payments, a bank-based deposit may be declined, and that is the block doing its job.
Revolut
Revolut is a card-and-app account that many Kiwis already hold. At a casino it is normally used as a card (Visa or Mastercard) rather than a special payment button, and some operators list it as its own option.
- Card details stay in your app. You can freeze the card, set spending limits and see each payment as it happens, which suits budgeting.
- Currency conversion. If your Revolut balance is in NZD and the casino account is in NZD, conversion is avoided. Holding another currency means an exchange step, so check the rate and any fee in the app.
- Gambling rules. Card issuers can decline gambling transactions and your own settings can block them. Check the app before you deposit.
- Withdrawals. Whether winnings can go back to the same card or account depends on the operator and its verification rules, so confirm in the cashier first.
Skrill
Skrill is an e-wallet. You top it up from a bank or card, then pay the casino from the wallet balance.
- Separate from your bank. The casino sees the wallet, not your bank login or card number.
- Cash-out route. Many operators can send winnings back to a Skrill account in your own name, which makes it useful as a second leg alongside a deposit method. Our guide to withdrawal times explains how that leg is timed.
- Fees and limits. Wallets set their own fees for loading, withdrawing to a bank and converting currency, and casinos may have their own rules. Read both fee schedules before you commit.
- Verification. The wallet account must be in your name and matching your casino details, or a withdrawal can be delayed.
Other options
- Visa, Mastercard and Maestro/Cirrus: familiar and quick, but issuers may block gambling payments and refunds to a card are not guaranteed.
- Paysafecard: a prepaid voucher. Good for capping a deposit at what you bought, but it is generally deposit-only, so you still need a cash-out method.
- MiFinity: another e-wallet, used in a similar way to Skrill.
- Crypto: can be used for deposits and cash-out where offered, but price swings and network fees apply. Read our guide to the risks of paying with crypto first.
How to compare alternatives
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Can I deposit and withdraw with it? | Some methods only work one way. |
| Is it offered in my NZ cashier? | Lists differ by country and by operator. |
| What are the fees and conversion costs? | Wallet and card fees are set by the provider, not the casino. |
| Is the account in my own name? | Withdrawals are usually checked against the depositing method. |
| Could my bank block it? | Gambling blocks apply to cards and bank transfers. |
Our payment methods table compares the methods listed across the profiles on this site.
Which alternative fits which player
- You want app-level control and card-style deposits: Revolut. Spending limits and card freezing sit in your hands, and no casino sees your bank login.
- You want a wallet between your bank and the casino, and a familiar cash-out route: Skrill or a similar e-wallet such as MiFinity.
- You want to cap a deposit at a fixed amount: Paysafecard. You can only spend what you bought, which some players find a useful brake.
- You already have a Visa, Mastercard or Maestro card and want the simplest route: a card, remembering that issuers may block gambling payments.
Whatever you pick, use one method you can also withdraw to, keep it in your own name and check the fees before the first deposit. The best method is the one that lets you stay inside a budget you set beforehand.
A careful first deposit
- Set a limit first. Decide the amount you can afford to lose and set a deposit limit in the account before you pay anything.
- Check the cashier. Choose Deposit, confirm the method is listed for your account and enter the amount in NZD.
- Read the terms shown. Look for any operator fee and for bonus conditions attached to the deposit.
- Plan the cash-out. Confirm a withdrawal method you can use before you deposit, and complete verification early.
- Keep the receipt. Save the confirmation in case a deposit does not appear.
Common problems with alternative methods
- Name mismatch. The name on your wallet, card or bank account should match your casino account. A mismatch can hold up a withdrawal during verification. Our guide to identity verification explains what operators ask for.
- Deposit accepted, withdrawal refused to the same route. Some methods only work one way. Check before you deposit that a cash-out route exists, otherwise you may be asked to use a bank transfer.
- Currency conversion. If your wallet or card is not in NZD, a conversion fee may apply on the way in and again on the way out. A low headline rate can hide the cost.
- Declined payments. Card issuers and some wallets restrict gambling payments. If a deposit fails, your provider is usually the place to check first.
Which NZ casinos accept POLi
Among our reviewed casinos, FastPay Casino and V.Vegas both list POLi as a supported deposit method. FastPay also accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut, Bank Transfer (NZD) and 9 cryptocurrencies — one of the widest NZ-relevant payment stacks we have reviewed. See our POLi payment page for a full list.
Summary
Revolut suits players who want app-level control over spending, and Skrill suits those who want a wallet between their bank and the casino and a straightforward cash-out route. Neither removes the need for a budget. Check availability in the cashier, read the fee schedules, and keep a second method ready for withdrawals. Gambling should stay within a limit you set beforehand, and our player protection toolkit explains the tools that help.
Q: Is Revolut accepted at NZ online casinos?
A: It depends on the operator. Many accept Revolut as a Visa or Mastercard card, and some list it separately. Check the cashier after registering, and check whether the app blocks gambling payments.
Q: Can I withdraw winnings to Skrill?
A: Many operators offer Skrill for withdrawals, but it depends on the casino, your country and your verification status. The wallet must usually be in the same name as the casino account.
Q: Are there fees for using Revolut or Skrill?
A: Both providers set their own fees for conversions, loading and withdrawing, and the casino may add conditions. Check the fee schedule in the app or wallet and the casino’s banking terms before you confirm.
Q: Why is POLi not available at my casino?
A: POLi requires the casino’s payment provider to be integrated with the POLi network, and not all operators have done so. Some have removed it due to changes in their processing agreements. If your preferred casino does not offer POLi, instant bank transfer via Skrill or a direct NZD bank transfer are the closest alternatives.
Q: Does using Revolut or Skrill count as a separate payment method for withdrawal?
A: Yes. If you deposit with a card via Revolut and the casino has a closed-loop policy, withdrawals must go back to the same Revolut card up to the deposit amount. Amounts above that, or winnings only, are often paid by bank transfer. Check the operator’s payment terms before depositing.