Latest News
New Zealand Stopped Opening Land-based Venues & Online Gambling Started to Grow: An Overview of the Last 10 Years
The gambling industry in New Zealand is one space that has battled many limitations yet maintained an upward trajectory in growth over the years.
About a decade ago, the Gambling Act in New Zealand banned the establishment of new land-based casinos in the country, leaving the Kiwis to contend with the six known casino establishments in NZ. While that is expected to have caused a decline in gambling operations in New Zealand, it geared the bulk of gamblers in the region towards Online Gambling.
In this article, we will be exploring the online gambling scene in New Zealand, its legality and how far it has come in terms of revenue generated.
Is Online Gambling Legal in New Zealand?
New Zealand remains one of the countries with no clear-cut regulations regarding gambling operations. Regarding online gambling, players are prohibited from patronizing locally owned online betting providers except the Nation’s Lotto and TAB. However, the major loophole to NZ’s stringent gambling laws is that it doesn’t explicitly prohibit players in the region from gambling on offshore online casino websites.
Despite the unfavourable gambling laws in the state, reports show that the gambling expenditure of the Kiwis shot up to $2.4 billion in 2018. This number is projected to increase in double fold in years to come.
Problem Gambling in New Zealand
Experts in the country have raised valid concerns over the implications of the strict laws in New Zealand. One of them is that since online gambling is still prohibited, the government can’t protect people who don’t know the potential harm gambling can cause.
The data from the Department of Internal Affairs show that over 30% of losses in the gambling industry in New Zealand come from problem gamblers. This becomes a cause for national concern to protect its citizens by trying to regulate and set structures that could help people if they are plunged into problem gambling.
Perks Online Casinos Have Over Land-based Casinos
Although there are over 16,000 electronic machines available across the limited land-based casinos in the country, more Kiwis over the last decade have tilted towards online gambling than betting at land-based casinos. Here are some of the undeniable reasons:
Attractive Bonus Offers
One asset that online casinos present, which you can’t find in land-based venues, is no deposit-required bonuses. They unlock play without payment, making them very attractive and growing the user base of the site that offers them. CasinoAlpha compared the available offers and found that, on average, $150 can be cashed out from an entirely free offer. This factor, among others, grows the virtual numbers as opposed to the players in physical venues.
Easy Access
The fact that you can easily access an online casino from anywhere without necessarily visiting any location, in particular, makes it a more favorable option for many Kiwi players.
Unlimited Gambling Options
At land-based casinos, your gaming options are very much limited. If you are all about slots, you will find that there are often fewer than 100 options to sample. This is hardly the case with online casinos, as most reputable platforms today provide over 1000 gaming options ranging from slots to table games.
Extensive Online Providers
As we have already emphasized in this article, there are 6 main land-based casinos approved to be operational in New Zealand, which can be very inconvenient given that they are primarily located in Auckland.
For outsiders who are not based in Auckland, they are left with very limited land-based options to consider. However, with the rise of online casino websites today, players can choose from a list of over 50 online providers that accommodate players from New Zealand. This way, players can enjoy playing their favorite casino games from anywhere without necessarily facing the brunt of the strict NZ gambling laws.
Online Gambling in New Zealand is Here to Stay
Looking at everything discussed, one thing is clear: online gambling in New Zealand will keep growing. Seeing a booming market there, the government must improve by easing the regulations to allow more home-based gambling providers to sprout and thrive, as that will contribute greatly to the economy.
Latest News
ADG Urges Responsible and Legal Betting Ahead of Super Bowl LIX
On Sunday, February 9, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, with kick-off at 6:30 p.m. ET. As one of the most anticipated and wagered-on sporting events of the year, the Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is reminding Arizona residents and visitors to bet responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
“The Super Bowl is an exciting event that brings communities together, but it’s essential to approach event wagering with caution and accountability,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG Director. “We encourage all Arizonans to enjoy the game responsibly by ensuring their wagers are placed legally and thoughtfully.” Further emphasizing the importance of using licensed operators for all event wagering activities, “illegal gambling undermines public safety and the integrity of the game, while responsible betting practices help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants,” stated ADG Director, Jackie Johnson.
Sports Pools – Know What Rules to Follow
In the United States, it is common to see friends and family participate in sports pools for the Super Bowl, often known as “Super Bowl Squares”. These pools are legal as long as the state’s social gambling rules are followed. According to Arizona Law (A.R.S. § 13-3301(7)), social gambling requires:
- That gambling cannot be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive
financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game; - Hosts pay out all pool money to the winner(s);
- Only participants can win; and
- Players compete on equal terms with each other.
A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling:
- Paying a fee to participate, including “suggested” or “voluntary” donations.
- A host who keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game.
- A required minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.).
- Unequal odds.
- Underage participants (under 21 years of age).
Responsible Betting – What to Keep in Mind
With sports betting legal in the state, it has become increasingly important to educate yourself on how you can bet responsibly. Listed below are some helpful tips as part of the American Gaming Association’s (“AGA”) Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign:
- Set a Budget – It is crucial to keep in mind that everyone will have different budgets; never
bet beyond your own means. Be cautious and make sure you set a limit – and stick to it – if
you plan on wagering. More information on how to responsibly set a budget for wagering
can be found on the AGA’s Have A Game Plan website: How Much Should I Wager? - Know the Odds – There are plenty of key terms everyone should know when making a sports
bet. What’s a parlay? Over/under? Moneyline? If you decide to wager, make sure you are
briefed on The Basics of Sports Betting. - Keep it Social – Whenever gambling, be mindful that all forms of gambling are for the
purpose of entertainment. This is not a way to make money. By gaming with friends, family,
and colleagues, you can keep playing responsibly and have fun. - Keep Your Cool – No one’s perfect, and in sports, winning and losing are all part of the game.
Whether you’re wagering from the sidelines or watching from home, remember to keep
your cool. Good sportsmanship isn’t just for the players on the field; it’s for everyone. - Play Legally – Legal operators provide important player protections that are not found in
the illegal market. Whether you are placing a wager on your phone or at a physical
sportsbook, make sure you are using a legal operator in the state. Visit the ADG website to
view a full list of the state’s approved operators and retail locations: Approved Operators.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, you can get help now by calling 1-800- NEXT-STEP (1.800.639.8783), the Division of Problem Gaming (“DPG”)’s confidential helpline, texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or utilizing a chat feature on the DPG website. DPG’s helpline provides confidentiality and connects callers with a master’s level counselor who can connect them with available resources, including statewide treatment providers who specialize in problem gambling. The helpline is available 24/7 to everyone facing a problem with gambling, whether that be individuals and affected family members, friends, or co-workers.
Latest News
GeoComply Data Reveals Strong Growth Heading into Super Bowl Sunday
Are you ready for the biggest Super Bowl yet? We are—and the data* backs it up. Legal sports betting continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, and this year’s NFL season has been no exception.
During the 2024/25 NFL season, active sports betting accounts surged 20.2% compared to last season. The expansion of regulated betting markets is bringing more fans into the legal ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: The Biggest Super Bowl Yet?
This year’s NFL season sets the stage for record-breaking Super Bowl engagement.
The numbers don’t lie—sports fans are betting on the future of regulated sports betting.
Stay tuned! After the Big Game on Sunday, we’ll be sharing exclusive insights into Super Bowl betting trends and engagement.
*Active accounts is based on GeoComply’s aggregated user data for its US sportsbook customers in regulated states during the NFL regular season. The data does not include Florida.
Compliance Updates
BGaming Secures Approval for Brazil
Rapidly expanding content provider continues LatAm expansion by certifying its games in Brazil.
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is proud to announce it has received full certification and is now ready to enter the Brazilian market.
BGaming’s technical system of gaming software and portfolio have received approval from Gaming Associates Labs (GA Lab) and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), certifying that its products are fully compliant and eligible to enter the Brazilian market. GLI is among the industry’s most rigorous testing bodies, ensuring providers fully comply with industry standards before entering a market.
By securing these certificates, BGaming can now open the door to working with licensed operators within Brazil. Brazilian players will have the opportunity to experience BGaming’s innovative portfolio for the first time, including creative titles like Snoop Dogg Dollars, Panda Luck, and Aztec Clusters.
This entry into Brazil represents a pivotal moment in BGaming’s global expansion strategy, particularly as it focuses on the burgeoning Latin American market. The company was recently awarded a supplier’s certification to enter Peru and Columbia at the end of 2024, further highlighting its commitment to growth in the region.
Antonina Ivanova, Head of Legal & Compliance at BGaming, said: “Brazil is one of the most dynamic iGaming markets in the world right now. Receiving this approval is a massive milestone for BGaming and a testament to our entire team’s hard work and dedication.
“Latin America plays a pivotal role in our global expansion strategy, and securing this certification makes a strong statement about the company’s intention to shake things up throughout 2025. We are committed to putting our products in front of as many players as possible, and we cannot wait to hit the ground running in Brazil.”
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