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NZ Challenging For Hemisphere Dominance
Regardless of the industry being discussed, there’s always going to be an emerging market to talk about. South America has been playing this role in gambling circles since the growth of the Colombian market post-2016. Costa Rica, Chile, and The Dominican Republic, among others, have their gambling sectors too, albeit in different phases of construction. There’s a feeling that this area is still a long way off global dominance though.
Colombia reportedly boasted gaming revenue of $300m in 2021. This marks it out as one of the three biggest contributors to South American gambling, alongside Mexico and, based on what happens over the coming months, Brazil. As a whole, the continent looks like it could post a growth rate of 18.4% to 2028 – but how does it compare to its distant compatriots in the Southern Hemisphere, namely, New Zealand?
Pokie Machines
New Zealand has a surprising amount in common with the rest of the world, as far as games are concerned, proving that the appetite for slots and blackjack (etc.) is roughly consistent around the world. In 2020, the average spend on wagering hit a record level of $252m per quarter. This included gambling types, including casino games, lottery games, and what Antipodean gamblers refer to as “the TAB” and “pokies”, i.e. betting shops and slots.
There were reportedly nearly 15,000 pokie machines in New Zealand at the turn of the decade. In comparison, Colombia has an estimated 65,000. This does make sense given the vast difference in population between these two nations (51m to NZ’s 5m) but it still means that New Zealand has a higher proportion of slot machines per person, around 0.003 to 0.001 in Colombia.
Using these figures, it’s actually possible to see just how Kiwi players like to spend their gaming money. NZ’s Department of Internal Affairs claimed that when averaged out across every New Zealander, 2020’s figures were the equivalent of every adult spending $572 on betting. Broken down even further, that’s $128 at physical casinos, $80 at betting stores, $160 on lottery games, and $204 on slots.
The distinction between slots and casino games is likely because pokies are more likely to be found and played at locations other than a brick-and-mortar casino in New Zealand, like a bar. So, the $128 spent at casinos is likely representative of table game spend. As for lotteries, the industry actually saw a 13% increase in popularity during 2020, reinforcing the fact that it’s one of New Zealand’s favorite pastimes.
Charitable Grants
Closer to the present, figures from 2022 suggest that online gambling in NZ is now a $332m industry. All these numbers raise an interesting question, specifically, why is New Zealand such an attractive place to gamble? Approximately 80% of Kiwis are involved in gambling of some description according to the Department of Internal Affairs.
One obvious answer to the previous is tax. The NZ BonusFinder website notes that New Zealand makes a distinction between playing professionally and playing just for fun. Anybody who falls into the latter bracket is not taxed on their winnings at all, “no matter how big”. Professionals are treated just like regular workers, however, which means that they are liable for income tax payments.
Oddly enough, a large amount of gaming cash – around $300m – is redistributed into the community each year through charitable grants, a process that the Gaming Machine Association has previously described as an “enormous advantage to New Zealand”. It’s perhaps this kind of positive attitude toward gambling and casino gaming that has made it almost a universal hobby in the country.
Overall, the average Kiwi gamer is likely to prefer lotteries over table games but a soft spot for pokies keeps the gambling economy ticking over.
Gaming
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
PENN Entertainment Inc. has launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN’s proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.
Available on Android, iOS and desktop, customers in the Keystone State can access Hollywood Casino through either the ESPN BET app or through the new Hollywood Casino app using their same ESPN BET login credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms. PENN plans to launch Hollywood Casino in additional jurisdictions in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hollywood Casino features a variety of online slots, table games and live dealer content, including bespoke live dealer tables and a dedicated “Casino Floor” lobby that allows users to easily find virtual versions of their favorite slot games from PENN’s retail properties. Hollywood Casino also features original titles from PENN Game Studios, PENN’s in-house casino game development studio that has produced a number of popular online games, including Legendary LarryTM and Wuji MinesTM.
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino is also fully integrated with PENN Play, the Company’s omnichannel loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem rewards, including PENN Cash, exclusive tier benefits and personalized services.
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