With the New Zealand online gambling market projected to reach a value of US$1.36 billion by the end of 2025, it’s safe to say thousands of Kiwis are indulging in this engaging activity.
However, online casinos and gambling in the country remains a grey area, with regulations being unclear and not fully established.
In this article, we’re exploring how gambling works down under, and what you need to know before you enjoy a few pokies or place your first bet.
Table of contents
Is gambling legal in New Zealand?
Gambling was illegal in New Zealand until the 1920s, but the Racing Act of 2003 marked a significant turning point, changing the landscape of gambling in the country.
This new act states that anyone over 18 can participate in horse racing, scratch betting, and sports betting.
However, to visit a land-based casino, you must be over 20.
There are five land-based casinos in New Zealand, all offering a different kind of experience to different types of players. These include:
- SkyCity Auckland
- Christchurch Casino
- Grand Casino Dunedin
- SkyCity Hamilton
- SkyCity Queenstown
The legal landscape of online gambling in New Zealand
Online gambling in New Zealand exists in a grey area because it is not outright illegal.
If you are over 18, you can play at your favourite online casinos. However, there is a catch: only the TAB and the lottery are legally allowed to offer internal online gambling services.
👉 This means that players cannot access other online gambling platforms.
On the bright side, players are legally allowed to gamble at offshore gambling sites, which include online casinos and betting platforms licensed and regulated by external regulatory bodies.
Some experts have even created websites to provide recommendations, such as the case with Kiwi casinos at OCNZ. Here, you’ll find plenty of expert-approved options and in-depth reviews to ensure you have access to safe casinos.
External regulatory bodies
You may be wondering which external regulatory bodies are trustworthy and which are not. Some authorities are stricter than others, enforcing more robust regulations designed to protect the interests of players.
Here are some regulatory bodies you will likely encounter as you begin your gambling journey:
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission — The UKGC is one of the biggest regulatory authorities. It regulates and licenses all gambling businesses in the United Kingdom, including but not limited to online casinos and bookmakers.
- Malta Gaming Authority — The MGA is another prominent and trustworthy regulator. It ensures that gambling is fair and transparent for players to prevent crime and fraud.
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission —The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is located in Canada. It was established in 1996 and provides licences for online casinos.
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission — This commission endeavours to deliver all online gambling services with high standards based on honesty. It’s based in Alderney, an island off the coast of the UK.
- Curacao — Licences from the Curacao e-Gaming Commission are some of the most common, so you will see a lot of online casinos licensed by this operator.
How to choose online casinos in NZ
Before diving into online gambling, it's important to know that while some casinos are safe and fair, others are scams designed to steal your money.
To help you make the right choice, here are key factors to consider when selecting an online casino.
Licensing and regulation
The first and most important factor to consider is licensing and regulation. If an online casino doesn't mention a recognised regulator, it's a major red flag—RUN and avoid it at all costs.
Game selection
Another key factor is the game selection, which can make or break your experience.
Casinos that prioritise both variety and quality are the best. Look for slots, table games, and live casino titles from top providers like Pragmatic, Yggdrasil, and Playtech.
Bonuses and promotions
An additional important factor is the variety of bonuses a casino offers.
While a welcome bonus is essential, it's also great to see casinos that provide additional promotions for returning players. Otherwise, you might get bored once your welcome funds are used up.
Mobile compatibility
In today's mobile-driven world, it's essential for online casinos to be mobile-compatible.
Most New Zealand online casinos either offer a dedicated app or are designed to work on mobile browsers.
Casinos that offer exclusive bonuses for mobile players add a nice touch, making the experience feel even more rewarding.
Customer support
Like brands without licences, a casino without a reliable customer support team should be avoided at all costs, as it reflects how much the casino values its players.
Multi-channel support is a plus, but the key factor is availability, especially considering New Zealand's time zone differences.
So, keep an eye out for 24/7 support available in English.
Payment methods
For players in New Zealand, it's crucial to ensure that the payment methods offered by a casino are accessible.
Look for brands that offer a healthy mix of debit cards and e-wallets, such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, and other well-known brands.
Also, verify that these methods are available for both deposits and withdrawals to avoid any future complications.
Last thoughts for NZ players
Making your casino debut is exciting, but unclear rules and regulations can overshadow it.
Hopefully, this blog has helped you understand the basics of New Zealand Casinos and inspired you to research before you make an account. Remember, also make sure you play responsibly.
See the best online casinos here.
Visit the Roger blog for more expert guides and industry news.
