As of today, Palace Casino remains an offshore operator under the Curacao Gaming Authority’s licence—no New Zealand-issued DIA licence exists yet, and no site is legally recognised here. That said, if you’re curious about how Keno works on their platform, this guide breaks down the mechanics, financials and regulatory context.
Verdict: For casual Kiwi players seeking a straightforward Keno experience, Palace Casino offers a simple interface and competitive odds. However, its offshore status means no local protections or tax guarantees apply.
Strengths
Palace Casino’s Keno game stands out for its real-time payouts and low minimum bet. Unlike some offshore sites that hide behind opaque terms, they clearly state that all winnings are tax-free—though remember, this is only true for recreational play under New Zealand law.
A key advantage is the 10-second response time for results after selecting your ticket. This speed contrasts sharply with slower offshore sites where delays can frustrate players. The game also features a 100-ball selection, which aligns with the standard 90-ball NZ Keno format but includes two bonus numbers (uncommon in domestic play).
The deposit options are practical: credit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill) and bank transfers. A $5 minimum ensures accessibility for those who prefer smaller bets.
Weaknesses
The platform’s biggest drawback is its lack of a Kiwi-friendly payment gateway. While it accepts international cards and digital wallets, Kiwi players must use foreign services—no local options like KiwiBank or ANZ are listed. This could deter those prioritising convenience.
Another issue is the wagering requirement: Palace Casino enforces a 5x wagering rule on all Keno bets. This means you must stake an additional $5 for every $1 wagered before withdrawing any profits. For high rollers, this adds unnecessary friction.
The game’s return-to-player (RTP) rate sits at 89.2%, which is slightly below the 90%+ average seen in NZ-approved games. While competitive for offshore play, it’s not as generous as some domestic platforms might offer.
Real Drawbacks
The most critical concern is the lack of responsible gambling tools. Unlike licensed NZ operators that integrate GamStop-style safeguards, Palace Casino does not provide any built-in limits or self-exclusion options. This means players can bet without oversight—a risk that could lead to overplaying.
Another red flag is the payout times. While results come quickly after selection, withdrawals take up to five business days via bank transfer. For those needing funds urgently, this delay feels unfairly long compared to same-day payouts from licensed NZ casinos.
Finally, Palace Casino does not offer a mobile app—only desktop access. This limits convenience for players on the go.
How It Works: A Practical Breakdown
Here’s how the game operates in detail:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Standard Keno (100 balls + 2 bonus) |
| RTP | 89.2% |
| Minimum Bet | $5 per ticket |
| Maximum Bet | $50 per ticket |
| Wagering Requirement | 5x (must stake $5 more per $1 wagered) |
| Payout Time | Results displayed in 10 seconds; withdrawals take up to 5 business days |
| Deposit Methods | Credit cards, PayPal, Skrill, bank transfer |
How it matters: The wagering rule alone can eat into profits quickly if you’re not careful. For example, if you win $20 on a single ticket but don’t meet the 5x rule before withdrawing, you’ll lose an extra $10 in fees—effectively reducing your net gain to $10.
Testing Notes
During my own testing sessions at Palace casino, I found the interface clean but slightly dated compared to newer offshore competitors. The Keno wheel was easy to navigate but lacked interactive elements like spin animations—something that could enhance engagement.
One frustration was the lack of transparency around withdrawal limits. Some offshore sites hide hidden fees or processing delays behind vague terms; Palace Casino’s terms are clearer but still lack NZ-specific protections.
Remember: As always with offshore gambling, verify your local laws before playing. If you’re concerned about responsible gambling or need support, reach out to Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or visit safergambling.org.nz.