What is a Minimum Deposit Casino, Exactly?
A minimum deposit casino (or a low deposit casino) is literally just that: a casino that lets you get started with a small initial payment. Now what is a “low” deposit is a subjective matter, but generally speaking we’re talking about deposits ranging from $1 to $10.
Casinos that allow small minimum deposits are perfect for Kiwi players who want to test out a new casino without a big upfront spend, while still unlocking perks like free spins, bonus matches, and more.
Most sites set their minimum at $1, $5, or $10, but some newer casinos like to mix it up with quirky amounts like $2, $3, $4 — even $7 or $8. That variety gives players on different budgets more ways to get started.

Find top-value real money bonuses with just $1 to $10 in your account.
Benefits of Low Deposit Offers
- Lets you practice skills, understand game mechanics, and build confidence with minimal risk.
- Makes gaming accessible also to players with smaller budgets.
- Great option if you only want casual play or entertainment.
- Helps you evaluate the safety and trustworthiness of the platform before investing more.
Drawbacks
- There are often stricter bonus terms and conditions when the minimum deposit amount is lower.
- You don’t always get access to the most valuable welcome bonuses unless you’re willing to deposit at least $10 or more.
- Some payment methods may not support very small deposits.
- You don’t get to play very long or test many different games (especially with deposits less than $5).
Best Casinos with Small Deposit Bonuses
Most players like to do the picking and choosing themselves, but in my experience plenty also appreciate a second opinion.
That’s where we come in! My colleagues and I have tested the field and picked out our favourites at each deposit level. Think of it as your shortcut to finding the best bang for your buck.
Best $1 Deposit Casino | Jackpot City Casino |
Best $2 Deposit Casino | 777 Casino |
Best $5 Deposit Casino | Playzee Casino |
Best $10 Deposit Casino | Neon Vegas |
Best Overall Low Deposit Casino | Zodiac Casino |
Why These Casinos?
Each of these low deposit casinos has earned its spot by offering genuine value for Kiwi players. Of course, they’re also safe, trusted, and fully licensed to operate in NZ. That way, you can focus on the fun while knowing your money (big or small!) is in good hands.
Here’s why we rate each brand as the best in its category:
- Jackpot City Casino
Jackpot City gives you unbeatable value at $1: 80 free spins, a huge pokies library, and a trusted brand with years of experience. We think it’s one of the safest, most rewarding ways to start small. - 777 Casino
At $2, 777 Casino is the clear standout. You’ll score 77 free spins — a rare deal — plus the peace of mind that comes with the well-known 888 brand. It’s the strongest option if you want real value from such a small deposit. - Playzee
Playzee stretches $5 further than anyone else, giving you a $10 bonus plus 50 free spins. It’s the top choice for players who want more than just spins at this tier. - Neon Vegas
At $10, Neon Vegas doubles your bankroll with a simple 100% match. Paired with fast withdrawals and modern design, it’s the strongest pick for value at this level. - Zodiac Casino
Zodiac is unmatched for overall value: $1 gets you 80 spins and a shot at the Mega Moolah jackpot. No other casino turns such a tiny deposit into life-changing potential.
What Each Minimum Deposit Gets You
Every minimum deposit level comes with its own perks and trade-offs. A single dollar might unlock a handful of free spins, while stepping up to $5 or $10 can bring bigger bonuses with easier wagering requirements.
To help you figure out what’s best for your style and budget, here’s what you can expect at each level.
$1 Deposit Bonuses
At $1 deposit casinos, you’ll usually get free spins as a welcome bonus. Makes sense — with such a tiny deposit, pokies are the natural fit.
Just remember, low deposits often mean higher wagering requirements. Many $1 bonuses come with playthroughs of up to 200x, so cheapest isn’t always best.
It’s a good way to test the waters, but depositing more will also give you more.
$2 Deposit Bonuses
Yes, $2 deposit casinos exist too, although there aren’t that many operators out there.
Like the $1 bonuses, any bonus that can be claimed with two dollars is usually good for pokies.
While $2 won’t last long, it can be a fun way to try things out without spending much. Wagering requirements tend to be on the high side here too, so keep that in mind.
$3 and $4 Deposit Bonuses
Currently there aren’t any active bonuses for this amount, but you’ll sometimes find casinos offering bonuses for $3 or $4 deposits. They strike a pretty good balance between low risk and slightly better rewards.
For example, Spin Galaxy Casino has been known to accept $4 deposits and still offer 20–30 free spins on selected pokie games. These mid-range deposit tiers are ideal if you want more flexibility without going up to $10.
$5 Deposit Bonuses
Probably one of the handiest minimum deposit bonuses is one you can get for $5. It’s budget-friendly while still unlocking better bonuses than $1–$2 deposits.
Depending on the casino, you’ll usually get either free spins or a match bonus with this amount.
PS. I keep an up-to-date list of our recommended 5 dollar minimum deposit casino bonuses if you want to browse these offers in specific.
$10 Deposit Bonuses
Most casino sites accept $10 as the minimum deposit for a bonus. In fact I’d say that in the vast majority of cases this is the default minimum deposit.
In my opinion this is the most valuable minimum deposit amount. It unlocks most bonuses, and with a slightly higher deposit like this, the wagering requirements usually also go down.
If you’d like more choices, check out our recommended $10 minimum deposit online casinos where you can do some comparing and choose your own favourite.
$20 Deposit Bonuses
Is 20 dollars still a low deposit? Depends on your budget. What’s certain is that there are heaps of thrilling $20 deposit online casinos for NZ players out there, and finding them means you unlock more value than at lower tiers.
If $10 dollars open most doors, $20 deposits open even more. Apart from special high-roller bonuses and some live casino bonus deals, I’d say about 98% of the offers available in NZ can be claimed with 20 dollars.
Final Tips: How to Get The Most Out of a Small Deposit
- Compare offers: sometimes a $5 deposit can unlock the same perks as a $20 one elsewhere.
- Always read the fine print: lower deposit bonuses often come with higher playthrough requirements.
- If possible, choose slots with higher RTP: Slots with a RTP above 96% give you better value for your bonus money.
- Bet small: With only $5–$10 to play, bet small (like $0.10–$0.20 per spin).
- Don’t forget about loyalty promos: After claiming your first bonus, check for daily or weekly reloads, cashback, or free spin offers. These bring more value in the long run.
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FAQs
- Are small deposit bonuses worth it?
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They can be, but the answer to this depends on what you're looking for. It's an easy, low-risk way to test a casino for casual players, but the high playthrough requirements attached to most of these bonuses can make cashing out difficult. In my opinion, the most value can be found in the $5-$10 deposit range.
- What is the lowest deposit required to play for real money in NZ?
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The lowest deposit accepted at legit NZ casinos is $1.
- Which payment methods work best for small deposits?
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It's hard to give a definite answer, as this often depends on the casino itself. Most casinos have a $5-$10 minimum deposit limit, and most payment methods are available for these sums. Some banks and credit cards may decline very low transactions, so online wallets or vouchers are often more reliable in that sense. However, many e-wallets are excluded from bonus use, so make sure to check the casino's T&C to make your choice.
- Do loyalty points still count with small deposits?
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Usually, yes — but the rewards depend on how much you spend. A $5 deposit won’t get you far in VIP programs, but it can still earn you some points. If loyalty rewards matter to you, a slightly larger deposit may be more worthwhile.
- Are winnings from $1–$10 deposits capped?
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It depends on the casino, but yes, some casinos put maximum cashout limits on bonuses tied to very small deposits. For example, you might only be able to withdraw up to $100 from free spins on a $1 deposit. Always check the terms before you play.