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
Design Works Gaming and Bluberi Gaming Announce Monumental Partnership

Two proven game technology companies are joining forces in what promises to be a devilish collaboration that disrupts the iGaming industry.
Design Works Gaming (DWG) and Bluberi Gaming announced an exciting partnership that will bring together DWG’s chart-topping LuckyTap™ mechanic and Bluberi’s top-performing titles.
Fueled by a unique mix of creativity, innovation and undeniable player appeal, Bluberi has made waves with their iconic games, including their breakout hit Devil’s Lock™.
Enter DWG — the team behind the proprietary LuckyTap™ mechanic. Known for blending simplicity with explosiveness, DWG’s games consistently top the charts and deliver next-level engagement.
“Devil’s Lock has always topped our favorites list when we hit the casino floor as a team. And just a few months ago, as we were trying our luck with the Devil, inspiration struck. We knew we could turn up the heat and reimagine this fan-favorite as a high-voltage LuckyTap™,” said founder and CEO of DWG Troy Zurawski. “Bluberi brings the legendary IP, and we bring the power of LuckyTap™.”
This partnership kicks off a new era for both companies—one where creative chaos reigns and boundaries are pushed. Together, DWG and Bluberi are cooking up gameplay that’s bold, mischievous and unruly.
“Partnering with Design Works Gaming marks a new milestone in iGaming for Bluberi’s iGaming strategy,” said Scott Richards, VP of Commercial Strategy at Bluberi. “DWG’s LuckyTap™ is a proven game-changing technology that pushes boundaries and resonates with Bluberi’s approach to developing unique gaming experiences. Our teams share a passion for pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable player experiences. We can’t wait to unveil what we’re creating together.”
Compliance Updates
Peru Reports 40% Drop in Illegal Online Gambling

Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) reported that, a little more than a year after having implemented the law that regulates the online sector, it has been able to reduce by 40% the offer of illegal games in digital platforms and applications.
In a public statement, the Executive portfolio in charge of regulating gambling also highlighted that, thanks to the inspection work, 15% of the illegal websites “have left the Peruvian market” and that “payment methods providers and financial entities have been contacted to block services to unauthorized operators”.
Based on this, Mincetur highlighted that “Peru has managed to position itself as a regional referent in the integral regulation of gambling” and that, through the normative framework, it was possible to “protect the consumer, guarantee transparency in the operations and promote the formal and sustainable economic development”.
The Ministry highlighted that with the implementation of Law No 31557, which regulates sports betting and online games, “the country became the third country in Latin America to establish clear regulations for this activity”.
“Since its entry into force in February 2024, 60 technological platforms have been authorized and 280 linked service providers have been registered, as well as the accreditation of nine international certification laboratories,” Mincetur said.
In this regard, the Ministry stated that “this regulation has made it possible to formalize the digital sector, promoting an environment of trust for both operators and users.” At the same time, it has allowed “new investment opportunities, boosting the digitalization of entertainment and strengthening the country’s tax collection”.
Canada
ToonieBet Launches its Sportsbook on Apple App Store and Google Play Store

ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s flagship online casino and sportsbook for Ontario, has officially launched its sportsbook on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The platform is tailored specifically for local players, offering a dynamic betting experience with a broad range of sports events and competitive odds. The platform also features personalised promotions and loyalty rewards designed to match the preferences of Ontario’s diverse betting community.
The sportsbook uses official data feeds, ensuring players have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information on top local and international sports events. Additionally, the platform offers live broadcasting with real-time match analytics, allowing users to make informed betting decisions as events unfold. Integrated with MEGA and advanced player account management features, the operator is committed to delivering a seamless and responsible gaming environment that enhances the overall player experience while supporting local sports initiatives.
As part of this launch, the platform has also introduced a Sportsbook section on its official website, expanding its portfolio and bringing more choice to its growing customer base. With access to over 85,000 live events each month and more than 70,000 pre-match events across a wide range of sports, players now have even more ways to bet on what they love. Soft2Bet’s Canadian brand invites all players to explore its standout online casino and the full spectrum of sports betting, all delivered through a fast, secure, and fully localised platform.
Since its debut at the end of 2024, ToonieBet has offered a fast, fair, and secure online casino and sportsbook experience, fully localised for Ontario’s vibrant gaming market. The Apple App and Google Play additions further enhance accessibility, bringing ToonieBet’s premium entertainment to players on the go.
Additionally, this milestone complements the operator’s recent partnership with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which made ToonieBet the Official Online Casino Partner of the team. The partnership includes in-arena branding, digital promotions, and fan engagement initiatives like social contests, allowing ToonieBet to connect with Ontario sports fans in exciting ways and offering chances to win team merchandise and tickets.
Yoel Zuckerberg, Soft2Bet’s Chief Product Officer, said: “As Soft2Bet continues our rapid growth, we are excited to provide Ontario players with access to ToonieBet’s sportsbook which is now available on the Apple App and Google Play Store, offering seamless access to a customised experience tailored for the province’s passionate gaming community.”
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