Casinos in New Zealand
The online gambling industry has become so widespread that it crawled into all corners of the world and became a favourite pastime to millions of people. It’s no different for New Zealand residents, as online gambling has been present for quite some time in New Zealand.
However, even though Kiwis are passionate about gambling, there is a surprisingly low number of land-based casinos. There are only six brick-and-mortar facilities that offer various gambling activities to their visitors. The same can’t be said for their online counterparts, as online gambling reaches new popularity levels each year.
If you want to learn more about the current gambling situation in New Zealand, read on — we’ll cover all the essential aspects and tell you all you need to know.
New Zealand has a somewhat complicated relationship with online gambling. While there have been some attempts of gambling legislation, the most important document we’ll mention is the Gambling Act of 2003.
Almost every form of gambling is deemed legal in New Zealand. However, when online gambling is concerned, different rules apply. Namely, the Act from 2003 prohibits all forms of remote gambling except for the ones offered by the NZLC (New Zealand Lottery Commission) and the NZRB (New Zealand Racing Board).
Therefore, Kiwis can freely bet on sports and partake in the online lottery. However, this doesn’t refer to online casinos — these are prohibited within New Zealand, mainly because no regulatory body can issue valid gambling licenses to operators who wish to launch their online casino platforms.
Still, casino enthusiasts are welcome to join and play in any offshore online casino that receives players from New Zealand. While it may sound confusing, you’re allowed to wager real money in international online casinos, but not in the local ones.
While the range of games and bonuses offered on the casino site is important, there is one aspect that trumps all that — your safety. The possibility of having access to all offshore casinos that accept Kiwi players opens many doors that lead to some unique and outstanding gambling opportunities.
However, if you don’t tread lightly, you can end up on a shady site that might take advantage of both you and our funds. Since none of us wants that to happen, here is how you can distinguish a reliable and trustworthy casino site from a questionable one:
- Licensing information — Before you jump headfirst and register in an online casino, make sure a renowned regulatory body licenses the platform. Some of the most influential names you should keep in mind are the UKGC, the MGA, Gibraltar, Curacao, and similar. So, before you click on the Sign Up button, look for licensing info on the homepage, where it’s usually displayed.
- Data protection — While the licence is vital, other aspects can further confirm you’re on the right platform. Therefore, ensure that the casino employs the latest security measures along with the SSL encryption protocol that will protect all transactions along with your data.
- Payment methods — You can determine a casino’s safety level based on the selection of payment providers it partnered up with. So, look for known banking solutions that accept NZD payments. You want to feel comfortable with funding your online casino account, so you should always opt for the payment option you trust.
These are crucial steps you need to take before considering creating an online casino account. Given that offshore casinos are currently your only option, at least make sure that you have chosen a secure and trustworthy site.
To give its players an immersive casino experience, online gambling platforms fill up their game selection with the most interesting and varied games that would attract people with different tastes. That’s why most online casinos offer the following types of casino games:
- Slots
- Table games — roulette, craps
- Card games — baccarat, blackjack, poker.
Moreover, players looking for a more authentic and exciting casino adventure can turn to a live dealer section that has been steadily growing in popularity. Thanks to new technologies, players can watch a live stream, communicate with a dealer, and play a game with other participants, creating a real casino vibe.
Since the government of New Zealand still has a strict stance in terms of gambling, all Kiwi players can direct themselves to a myriad of offshore casino platforms and enjoy a fantastic range of games, bonuses, and gambling opportunities. Still, make sure you’ve chosen a secure platform and gamble responsibly!
What is the legal gambling age in New Zealand?
If you want to enter a land-based casino and not get thrown out, you need to be at least 20 years old. However, if you wish to participate in the lottery, sports betting, or bingo draws, you need to be older than 18.
Are online casinos legalised in New Zealand?
While the gambling laws introduced by the Gambling Act of 2003 seem restrictive, you can still legally access offshore online casinos and sportsbooks and partake in gambling activities. What’s more, the Act prohibits land-based facilities from venturing into the online gambling world. Consequently, there are no local online casinos or sportsbooks.
Can Kiwi players claim casino bonuses?
Yes, absolutely. You can obtain any bonus you come across in an online gambling platform — no deposit bonus, welcome bonus package, deposit match, free spins, and similar. Just be smart when choosing the casino to play in — avoid any unlicensed and shady platforms to protect yourself and your info.
Can I play casino games on my mobile device?
Nowadays, most online casino platforms support mobile play. Thanks to advanced technologies and cutting-edge algorithms, players can now easily access the majority of online casinos on their mobile devices. That means you can create an account, fund it, and enjoy a vast selection of games wherever you are.