Casino + game type

Mahjong

Playing Mahjong Online is a well-spent time! And, choosing the right casino is crucial. So, we made a complete review of the best casinos.

Top picks right now: 888Starz (NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins), Fat Fruit (NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins) and SpinPlatinum (NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins).

Facts checked
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Mahjong guideNZ casinos18+ only

Our top 3 casinos

The three highest-ranked casinos, each compared on the same three checks.

Fat Fruit5.0/5
10.0Exceptional
Bonus

NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins

Game providers
6+
Min deposit
No deposit
Withdrawal
—
Apple PayBitcoin CashecoPayzLitecoinUSDT+8
  • +Good selection of slot games
  • −Fewer table game options
Claim bonusReview
SpinPlatinum5.0/5
10.0Exceptional
Bonus

NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins

Game providers
18+
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
1–3 business days
BitcoinLitecoinPOLiUSDTVisa+4
  • +Good selection of popular games
  • −Limited information on wagering requirements
Claim bonusReview

Which are the best casinos for online Mahjong?

The best casinos for online Mahjong are

  1. 21.com
  2. 888
  3. 22Bet
  4. MelBet
  5. LuckyDays
  6. SpinAway
  7. PlayOjo
  8. Twin
  9. River Belle

Mahjong Rules

Basically, Mahjong is played with a set of domino-style tiles. The tiles feature several different age-old Chinese symbols which players divide into three categories called suits, honor tiles, bonus tiles, and sometimes dragon tiles. In that light, there are four players and two dice.

a. The suits are the largest numerical tiles within the three categories. Within the tiles, there are three different suits available as characters – 36, circles – 36, and bamboos – 36). Each suite in this category has nine tiles with each one numbered 1 to 9.

b. The honor tiles feature two symbols known as winds – 16 and dragons – 12 equaling 28 tiles. Also, the wind tiles involve the north, east, south, and west.

c. The dragon tiles feature red, green, and white dragons. There are 12 tiles featuring 4 white dragons “soap” (playable as zeroes), 4 green dragons, 4 red dragons.

d. The bonus tiles are in order from 1 to 4 and they feature seasonal tiles and floral tiles. There are eight bonus tiles in total.

e. Optional Joker Tiles*: Jokers involve 8 tiles that are identical. Jokers can be used as a substitute for any tile except when there are 2 identical tiles or a single tile.

Overall, a total of 144 tiles are in play in traditional Mahjong. Joker tiles can be used to replace some tiles while they are also applicable for whole another game – Ghoulash.

Each player is able to declare one Chow per round. There are several hands eligible for play in European and American version of the game:

  • All Pair Honors require 7 pairs of ones, nines, winds, and dragons and result in half limit.
  • Knitting and Triple Knitting are also quite effective and result in half limit as well. Also, these hands require seven pairs of tiles in any two out of three tiles or four sets of three tiles and a pair, respectively.
  • Fourfold plenty requires four Kongs and a pair and results in the limit.
  • There are more limited hands in play such as The Gates of Heaven, Imperial Jade, Twofold Fortune, and All Winds and Dragons.

Mahjong Strategy

The game is over when a player calls Mahjong with a winning Hand of 14-tiles of four sets, a pair, and when players add the score up. If any of the players don’t call Mahjong by the time all the tiles from the have run out, it is considered a draw, and Mahjong will be replayed or redealt.

Among many online casino games available, Mahjong fits in the group of those that require strategic thinking and in-game involvement.

One of the easiest Mahjong strategies is to thoroughly follow the game, especially the move of a player that plays before you.

Arranging tiles as the game proceeds are also one of the smart things to do while playing Mahjong.

It is also recommended to play with the tiles that are discarded by other players or free. Matches can be made with the tiles placed at the top of the rack.

Another great Mahjong strategy is to follow the discarded tiles and calculate. The player can mislead others by picking up the unnecessary tiles while collecting those that will bring victory.

Discarding cards is an art on its own, while the most important thing is to not allow other players taking look into your tiles.

How to play Casino Mahjong

Each player draws 36 tiles at random then stacks a row of tiles(18) which are two-tiles high and right in front of each player from a square. Players need to collect different combinations of tiles. The combinations are called Chows, Pungs, and Kongs.

  • A Chow is a sequential set of three tiles forming the same suit.
  • A Pung is three identical tiles of forming the same suit.
  • A Kong is four identical tiles forming the same suit.

Each of the four players represents the four directional winds, North, South, East, and West round. The Wind Round means that if you collect three or four Pung or Kong tiles, then you have collected Winds that represent a score that is higher than the other players.

Each player throws two dice and whoever gets the highest score is the “East Wind,” which means that the player starts Mahjong. Also, each player’s “Hand” consists of a total of thirteen tiles. When it’s a player’s turn, they are dealt with a tile, giving them a total of 14 tiles. Then, the player can choose to keep the tile which was just dealt or the player can discard the tile.

Looking at their Hand, if a player has two or three tiles that are the same as the tile that is not available, then that player can call “pung” or “kong” and pick up this tile. Also if a tile is discarded by the player on their left and the player makes a run of three tiles, they should call out “chow” and then quickly pick up the discarded tile that has been placed in the middle of the table.

Just as long as no other player wants to use the same discarded tile to make a better combination, a player can use the tile to make a winning combination and to display it to raise the stake you made. The fun part is when a rowdy casino Mahjong game is played when all the players scramble to pick up the discarded tile. But in fun civil games, all the players generously remember to allow other players a chance to claim the discarded tile. Mahjong continues with each player picking up a tile and then discarding a tile, just like in cards.

Playing With Jokers

Jokers are available in Pungs, Kongs, and Quints, but they are not suitable as singles and pairs. Also, the Joker must come in a player’s tile set.

If a player accidentally discards a Joker, then the rules state that it can’t be picked up.

When playing Mahjong online, players are playing Mahjong Solitaire where the rules are actually a lot simpler. Also, playing Mahjong online is limited to match pairs of identical tiles to remove them from the game board. In online plays, only free tiles are suitable for sliding left and right in order to make pairs.

How can I find the best mahjong bonus at a New Zealand online casino?

Finding a decent mahjong bonus requires a bit of digging. Start by checking out different online casinos that accept Kiwi players and seeing what bonuses they offer. Look for welcome bonuses, deposit match bonuses, or even specific mahjong promos. Always read the fine print, especially the wagering requirements – that’s how much you need to bet before you can withdraw any winnings. Also, check if the bonus applies to all mahjong games or just some, and how long you have to use it. A casino comparison site like this one is your best bet for finding a bonus that suits how you like to play.

How can I be sure an online casino is legit before I deposit my money to play mahjong?

Before you deposit your hard-earned cash at an online casino, make sure it’s on the level. Look for licensing information, usually at the bottom of the casino’s website. Reputable casinos are licensed by well-known authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. Check out player reviews and forums to see what other Kiwis are saying about their experiences. Also, ensure the casino uses encryption to protect your personal and financial details. If something feels dodgy, trust your gut and find another casino. Better safe than sorry.

What’s the best strategy for winning mahjong?

A good mahjong strategy requires both attack and defence. Aim to build a hand that’s quick to complete, but hard for your opponents to predict. Pay attention to the tiles they discard – it’s like trying to read their minds. Adjust your strategy as the game progresses, and don’t be afraid to change things up if you need to. Skill and strategy will definitely give you an edge. Try to figure out what your opponents are aiming for and disrupt their plans. Just like planning your summer holiday, you need a solid plan.

What is the 1/4/7 rule in mahjong strategy?

The 1/4/7 rule is a helpful guideline for deciding which tiles to discard. Generally, discarding a 1 or a 9 (the end tiles) is considered safer because it’s less likely that someone needs a 4 or 7 to complete their hand, as most players build from the middle numbers. Discarding a 4 or 7 is usually safer than discarding a 2, 3, 5, 6, or 8. Keep a close eye on what your opponents are discarding and what they might be calling, though. It’s not a set-in-stone rule, so use your judgement based on what’s happening in the game.

Are there mahjong bonus traps I should watch out for at online casinos?

Definitely! Some online casinos might try to lure you in with a seemingly amazing mahjong bonus, but then hit you with ridiculously high wagering requirements or only let you use the bonus on obscure mahjong variations that nobody plays. Always read the terms and conditions carefully. If a bonus seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to reputable online casinos that are known for fair play and transparent bonus rules. Check out player reviews to get honest feedback from other Kiwis before depositing any real money.

What is the best combination for mahjong?

The ‘best’ combination in mahjong really depends on the specific rules you’re playing by, and what your opponents are doing. Some combinations are worth more points, but are harder to achieve. Others are easier to complete but offer a lower score. The best approach is to be flexible and adapt your strategy based on the tiles you’re dealt and what your opponents are discarding.

Do neurologists recommend mahjong?

While we’re not neurologists ourselves, mahjong is often cited as a game that can help keep your mind sharp. It involves strategy, memory, and pattern recognition, all of which can be beneficial for cognitive function. It’s a fun way to stimulate your brain!

What are the best payment methods for playing mahjong online in New Zealand?

For Kiwi players, popular payment methods for online casinos include credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. Some casinos may also accept cryptocurrency. Always choose a payment method that is secure and convenient for you.

Top-rated NZ casinos to play at

Filter the full ranking. Every filter restates the result as a sentence.

Showing all 10 casinos ranked by our team, best first.

CasinoBonus offerGame providersMin depPayoutRatingAction
1
888Starz
NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins25+NZ$100–24 hours10.0/10ClaimReview
2
Fat Fruit
NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins6+No deposit—10.0/10ClaimReview
3
SpinPlatinum
NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins18+NZ$201–3 business days10.0/10ClaimReview
4
Lazybar
100% up to €150+ 150 free spins7+No deposit—10.0/10ClaimReview
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Betbeast
$5,000 CASINO WELCOME OFFER!33+NZ$202-4 business days10.0/10ClaimReview
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Ibet
100% Welcome Bonus up to NZ$40014+NZ$20Up to 7 business days10.0/10ClaimReview
7
StoneVegas.com
100% up to NZ$ 1,000 + 200 FS + Bonus Crab+ 200 free spins8+NZ$20Instant for crypto; e‑wallets within ~24 h; cards/bank transfers up to ~72 h9.8/10ClaimReview
8
22BET Casino
NZ$50047+NZ$13-5 days9.8/10ClaimReview
9
Energy Casino
NZ$30030+NZ$1024-48hrs9.8/10ClaimReview
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UP TO NZ$7500 BONUS! + 550 FREE SPINS27+NZ$303-5 days9.8/10ClaimReview

Expert picks by condition

Each pick is named by the condition it wins under, not by its rank.

Expert pick · overall quality

Our highest score in this set at 10.0/10: good selection of popular games.

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Expert pick · the smallest deposit

Starts from NZ$1 with NZ$500.

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Expert pick · the fastest withdrawals

Listed withdrawal time of Instant for crypto; e‑wallets within ~24 h; cards/bank transfers up to ~72 h via Visa or Monero.

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Best casinos according to your style

Each tab shows a different set of casinos for a different play style. The questions under each tab link to the answers in the FAQ.

Best for small deposits

Casinos where the qualifying deposit is the smallest, so you can test the offer without committing much.

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From NZ$0 · 100% up to €150

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Casino-by-casino breakdown

Each casino card shows our review, key facts, pros and cons, and the research sub-scores behind the rating.

1. 888Starz

NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins

35x wagering NZ$10 min Curacao
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Curacao. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins
Wagering
35x
Min deposit
NZ$10
Withdrawal
0–24 hours
Licence
Curacao
Founded
2020
Payments
Apple Pay, Mastercard, Bitcoin, ecoPayz
Game providers
25+
  • +Good selection of popular games
  • +Mobile app deposit bonus available
  • +Modern and sleek website design
  • −Limited information on wagering requirements
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Mobile Experience
6.8
Transparency
6.0
Customer Support
5.5
Wagering Terms
5.0
Game Variety
5.0
Responsible Gambling
5.0
Apple PayMastercardBitcoinecoPayzLitecoinUSDT+9
5.0/5

2. Fat Fruit

NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins

35x wagering No deposit Tobique Gaming Commission
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Tobique Gaming Commission. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins
Wagering
35x
Min deposit
No deposit
Licence
Tobique Gaming Commission
Payments
Apple Pay, Bitcoin Cash, ecoPayz, Litecoin
Game providers
6+
  • +Good selection of slot games
  • +Accepts cryptocurrency payments easily
  • +Modern and clean website design
  • −Fewer table game options
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
9.5
Bonus Value
9.0
Crypto Support
7.0
Mobile Experience
6.8
Payment Options
6.5
Transparency
6.0
Apple PayBitcoin CashecoPayzLitecoinUSDTMastercard+7
5.0/5

3. SpinPlatinum

NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins

40x wagering NZ$20 min Curaçao
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

No publicly disclosed license. Players have no clear regulatory recourse. Treat with strong caution.

Bonus
NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins
Wagering
40x
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
1–3 business days
Licence
Curaçao
Founded
2023
Payments
Bitcoin, Litecoin, POLi, USDT
Game providers
18+
  • +Good selection of popular games
  • +Mobile app deposit bonus available
  • +Modern and sleek website design
  • −Limited information on wagering requirements
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Wagering Terms
9.0
VIP & Loyalty
7.5
Mobile Experience
6.8
Customer Support
6.5
Payment Options
6.4
Responsible Gambling
6.0
BitcoinLitecoinPOLiUSDTVisaMonero+3
5.0/5

4. Lazybar

100% up to €150

No deposit Curaçao
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Curaçao eGaming. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
100% up to €150
Min deposit
No deposit
Licence
Curaçao eGaming
Founded
2024
Payments
Apple Pay, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Google Pay
Game providers
7+
  • +Generous welcome bonus package offered
  • +Multiple ongoing promotions available
  • +Wide variety of game selection
  • −Wagering requirements not specified
  • −Limited information on licensing

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
8.8
Crypto Support
8.0
Mobile Experience
6.8
Wagering Terms
6.5
Payment Options
6.5
Transparency
6.0
Apple PayBitcoinLitecoinGoogle PayUSDTVisa+1
5.0/5

5. Betbeast

$5,000 CASINO WELCOME OFFER!

40x wagering NZ$20 min Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros. Emerging-market license with minimal verifiable enforcement.

Bonus
$5,000 CASINO WELCOME OFFER!
Wagering
40x
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
2-4 business days
Licence
Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros
Founded
2023
Payments
Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, Ethereum, ecoPayz
Game providers
33+
  • +Wide variety of casino games
  • +Sportsbook and casino integration
  • +Modern and sleek website design
  • −Limited information on licensing
  • −Fewer ongoing promotions

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
9.5
Wagering Terms
8.0
Crypto Support
8.0
Transparency
7.5
Mobile Experience
6.8
Payment Options
6.5
Bank TransferBitcoinEthereumecoPayzLitecoinUSDT+7
5.0/5

6. Ibet

100% Welcome Bonus up to NZ$400

7x wagering NZ$20 min
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

No publicly disclosed license. Players have no clear regulatory recourse. Treat with strong caution.

Bonus
100% Welcome Bonus up to NZ$400
Wagering
7x
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
Up to 7 business days
Founded
2021
Payments
Bank Transfer, EPS, Visa, MuchBetter
Game providers
14+
  • +Wide variety of betting options
  • +Modern and intuitive user interface
  • +Accepts various cryptocurrencies payments
  • −Limited bonus promotions available
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Mobile Experience
6.8
Wagering Terms
5.0
Game Variety
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
Responsible Gambling
5.0
VIP & Loyalty
5.0
Bank TransferEPSVisaMuchBetterNetellerPaysafecard+3
5.0/5

7. StoneVegas.com

100% up to NZ$ 1,000 + 200 FS + Bonus Crab

35x wagering NZ$20 min
9.8

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

No publicly disclosed license. Players have no clear regulatory recourse. Treat with strong caution.

Bonus
100% up to NZ$ 1,000 + 200 FS + Bonus Crab
Wagering
35x
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
Instant for crypto; e‑wallets within ~24 h; cards/bank transfers up to ~72 h
Founded
2025
Payments
Visa, Monero, Neteller, Paysafecard
Game providers
8+
  • +Good selection of popular games
  • +Mobile app deposit bonus available
  • +Modern and sleek website design
  • −Limited information on wagering requirements
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Crypto Support
9.2
Mobile Experience
6.8
Payment Options
6.5
Wagering Terms
5.0
Game Variety
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
VisaMoneroNetellerPaysafecardSkrill
4.9/5

8. 22BET Casino

NZ$500

50x wagering NZ$1 min Curaçao
9.8

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Curaçao eGaming. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
NZ$500
Wagering
50x
Min deposit
NZ$1
Withdrawal
3-5 days
Licence
Curaçao eGaming
Founded
2018
Payments
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Bank Transfer
Game providers
47+
  • +Extensive sportsbook and casino options
  • +Wide variety of payment methods
  • +Generous welcome bonus available
  • −Reports of slow withdrawals
  • −Bonus wagering requirements are high

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
8.0
Mobile Experience
6.8
Customer Support
6.0
Transparency
6.0
Payment Options
5.6
Game Variety
5.0
VisaMastercardMaestroBank TransferBitcoinEthereum+21
4.9/5

9. Energy Casino

NZ$300

30x wagering NZ$10 min Malta
9.8

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Top-tier MGA-class regulation with robust player protection mechanisms.

Bonus
NZ$300
Wagering
30x
Min deposit
NZ$10
Withdrawal
24-48hrs
Licence
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Founded
2013
Game providers
30+
  • +Wide variety of popular slots
  • +Reputable Malta Gaming Authority license
  • +Good selection of live games
  • −Withdrawal times can be slow
  • −Bonus wagering requirements are high

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Licensing & Trust
8.8
Wagering Terms
8.0
Transparency
7.5
Mobile Experience
6.8
Customer Support
6.5
Responsible Gambling
6.0
4.9/5

10. Ricky Casino

UP TO NZ$7500 BONUS! + 550 FREE SPINS

50x wagering NZ$30 min Tobique Gaming Commission
9.8

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Tobique Gaming Commission. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
UP TO NZ$7500 BONUS! + 550 FREE SPINS
Wagering
50x
Min deposit
NZ$30
Withdrawal
3-5 days
Licence
Tobique Gaming Commission
Founded
2021
Payments
Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, Interac, Mastercard
Game providers
27+
  • +Generous welcome bonus package offered
  • +Multiple reload bonuses available weekly
  • +Wide variety of game selection
  • −Wagering requirements not specified
  • −Bonus terms can be restrictive

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
9.5
Payment Options
9.0
Crypto Support
8.0
Bonus Value
7.6
Transparency
7.5
Mobile Experience
6.8
Bank TransferBitcoinInteracMastercardVisaMonero+4
4.9/5

What players say about these casinos

888Starz
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“Good application, and Can earn More, lot of benefits and good vip account manager”

SpinPlatinum
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“I mainly used SpinPlatinum for sports betting at first but ended up trying some of the casino games. The platform is easy to navigate. I like that everything is in one place instead of jumping between sections. However withdrawals weren't instant for me, it took longer than…”

Betbeast
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“I had a really good experience using this platform. From the start the process felt simple and customer friendly, nothing confusing at all. Placing bets was quick and smooth and what impressed me even more was how fast the cash out worked almost instantly compared to others I…”

Betbeast
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“I have only positive things to say about this casino. They first shocked with incredibly fast verification. They helped me in chat and I was verified within minutes. I came across one problem that left me very unhappy. After conversations over email, with incredibly fast…”

Ibet
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“I think the site is good, usually you get to play for a while with the money you deposit. And it's fun. But I think they could be a little faster with withdrawals, it takes way too long for them to go through it, and that's what takes time, it can take hours. If I compare to…”

StoneVegas.com
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“Had a decent run on the roulette tables yesterday. Everything works exactly the way it should and the interface isn't too cluttered.”

How we test and rank

BestBonus.co.nz lists a casino when the research data shows Mahjong in its lobby. Game types the research data does not classify use the top-rated NZ casinos instead. BestBonus.co.nz then rates each casino on licence, bonus terms, withdrawals, and support.

  • Real NZD deposits tested at every casino
  • Casinos cannot pay to rank higher
  • Rankings refreshed weekly against live offer terms
  • Only licensed casinos (MGA, UKGC, Curaçao) are listed
Leo Vasquez Leo VasquezGame Auditor & Fairness Expert · checked 20 Apr 2026

Gambling should be entertainment, not income. Set a deposit limit before you claim any bonus and only play with money you can afford to lose. Free, confidential help is available from safergambling.org.nz or the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655. Bonus terms change often. Read the casino's full terms before you deposit.