The Fire Joker has returned, his blazing grin wider than ever. Hes back in control of the reels, where classic fruits and symbols light up under his fiery touch. But this time, theres more than just mischief in the air. The heat has intensified, the stakes are higher, and this scorching slot is cranked up to a full 100.
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The Fire Joker has returned, his blazing grin wider than ever. Hes back in control of the reels, where classic fruits and symbols light up under his fiery touch. But this time, theres more than just mischief in the air. The heat has intensified, the stakes are higher, and this scorching slot is cranked up to a full 100.

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New Zealand Stopped Opening Land-based Venues & Online Gambling Started to Grow: An Overview of the Last 10 Years

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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.

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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.

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Arizona Department of Gaming and Arizona Lottery Announce Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month

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January Sports Betting Figures

 

State agencies join forces to raise awareness, promote prevention, and provide tools for safe and responsible play.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and the Arizona Lottery are proud to announce a joint effort in support of a new Proclamation recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month in Arizona.

Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. While problem gambling initiatives focus on helping those already experiencing harm from gambling, responsible gaming emphasizes prevention by encouraging healthy play behaviors before they reach a critical point.

Throughout September, and continuing in the months ahead, the ADG and Arizona Lottery will work together to strengthen education and awareness initiatives. The goal is to equip players with strategies and resources that help them keep gaming fun and safe, while helping reduce the risks associated with problem gambling.

“For over 30 years, the Arizona Department of Gaming has safeguarded the integrity of gaming through strong consumer protections, enforcement against illegal operators, and support services for those impacted by problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Arizona Department of Gaming Agency Director. “During Responsible Gaming Education Month, we remind everyone that part of playing responsibly is being informed—always double-check before you place your bet to ensure you are using a legal, regulated operator at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.”

The Arizona Lottery also remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible play and has a Level 2 certification with the World Lottery Association for responsible gaming. Lottery games benefit the people of Arizona by generating critical revenue that funds education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and economic development. At the same time, the Lottery prioritizes the well-being of its players. Each ticket includes clear odds of winning, vending machines display game odds, and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline is featured across Lottery products and advertising.

“We are proud to deliver entertainment that benefits communities across our state, while recognizing our responsibility to promote safe play,” said Alec Thomson, Arizona Lottery Executive Director. “Through transparency and awareness, we want every player to have the tools they need to make informed decisions and enjoy the Lottery responsibly.”

As Arizona observes Responsible Gaming Education Month, ADG and the Arizona Lottery encourage all players to stay informed, know their limits, and seek help if needed. Together, we can ensure that gaming remains a source of entertainment that strengthens, rather than harms, Arizona communities.

For more information and resources, visit gaming.az.gov/ResponsibleGaming or ArizonaLottery.com/ResponsibleGaming. If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, call or text 1-800-NEXT-STEP for confidential support available 24/7.

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absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

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Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).

The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.

Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestoneit’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”

On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”

Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.

 

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Woodbine partners with 1/ST for Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Qualifier

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Woodbine Entertainment has announced a partnership with 1/ST that will see the bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes (G2) become a qualifying race for the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2).

The winner of this year’s $200,000 bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack will receive an automatic invitation to the 2026 $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

The Dance Smartly, to be held on Saturday, October 4 at Woodbine, will be contested at 1 1/16 miles on the bet365 Inner Turf Course and is part of a stacked card headlined by the returning $750,000 Canadian International (G1).

“We’re pleased to partner with the team at 1/ST Racing to add this unique bonus to the Dance Smartly,” said Tim Lawson, Vice-President of Thoroughbred Racing for Woodbine. “Pegasus World Cup Day has become an outstanding showcase of our sport and it’s exciting that the opportunity to be part of it will be connected to a prominent race on one of our biggest days of the season.”

The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of racing’s leading luxury, lifestyle and sporting event. The Pegasus World Cup debuted in 2017 as part of 1/ST’s mission to excite, energize and modernize the sport of racing for a new generation of fans and to provide lucrative opportunities for Thoroughbred owners and trainers. The event annually attracts the sport’s biggest names and is viewed globally.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Woodbine in linking the Dance Smartly to Pegasus World Cup Day,” said Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST. “This collaboration strengthens the global profile of both events, while providing horsemen and fans with a world-class pathway from Toronto to South Florida.”

The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will be held in January.

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