Gambling has existed for centuries in New Zealand. People would bet on horse racing, but with the 1920 ban, gambling came to a halt. The situation slowly began to change when the government started reviewing its legislation. The Gaming Act of 2003 officially declared all gambling illegal unless approved by the government.
The Act divided gambling into 4 classes, each of which operates within certain limitations. Class 1 covers any gambling activity organized by either an individual or a society, with a prize that must not exceed $500. Class 2 refers to any gambling activity organized by a society with a prize that must not exceed $5,000. The organizer of the event must not receive any remuneration or commission for conducting the gambling activity. Neither Class 1 nor Class 2 gambling requires a license.
Class 3, on the other hand, requires a license because it covers large-scale lotteries, bingo, scratch cards, games of chance, and prize competitions. These activities or events can only be organized by societies. The prizes participants can win exceed $5,000. Class 4 is any activity that involves the use of a gaming machine outside a casino.
The Act also prohibits “remote interactive gambling,” defined as “gambling by a person at a distance by interaction through a communication device.” So, technically, playing in online casinos should be illegal. However, it isn’t, as long as these casinos are based outside New Zealand. If an online casino is based in Cyprus, for example, players from New Zealand will not be subject to criminal prosecution.
One might think that gambling laws in New Zealand are very restrictive, but that’s not the case. Gambling is still accessible, but it must be conducted only by societies that have obtained a license from the Gambling Commission. The government’s aim is to ensure that casinos operate in compliance with all laws and regulations and that no unlawful activities take place to the detriment of the country or the people playing at the casino.
Regulation and Licensing
New Zealand’s three primary regulatory authorities are the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Gambling Commission.
The Department of Internal Affairs
The Ministry of Health
The Gambling CommissionPlayers Security
As we have already mentioned, it is legal for Kiwis to play at online casinos as long as they are based outside New Zealand. To feel safe when playing online, players can take a few precautionary measures. First of all, it is very important to make sure that the casino has a valid license, issued by a respected and reliable authority. Such authorities include the Malta Gaming Authority, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, and Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
These regulators are very strict and have an extensive list of requirements that casinos must meet to operate legally. Having a valid license means that these casinos have passed all the necessary tests and audits to offer their services.
Secondly, casinos must employ modern security systems, such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology. This technology encrypts players’ data and thus prevents any malicious attacks or theft of sensitive information.
This is a key factor, as players provide a lot of personal data, and casinos must do everything within their power to secure it and keep it in a safe and reliable place. Big casinos use secure servers to store users’ data. Their employees go through several authentication procedures to access the information.
Speaking of employees, it is also important to read the Privacy Policy. It is crucial for players to know how, when, and where the casino and its employees will use their information.
Usually, casinos state that your data will be used for marketing purposes and may also be disclosed to third parties such as banks or other financial institutions when you request a withdrawal and they need to verify your identity. This is a standard procedure used to prevent any fraudulent activity.
Another very important aspect of online casinos is the use of RNG technology. RNG, or Random Number Generator, ensures that the outcomes of all games, especially slots, are random and unbiased. Otherwise, some people could benefit unfairly, while others would lose thousands of dollars and blame it on bad luck.
What players should also check is the RTP, or Return to Player rate. Licensed and well-regulated casinos should have no problem publishing their RTP rates on their websites after monthly audits. There have been problems with certain slot games that were shown to have lower percentages, and that is not fair to players, as it leads to bigger losses and fewer chances to win.
Popular Software Providers
Players have software companies to thank for their casino entertainment. These developers work day and night to produce new, more interesting, and exciting games for everyone to enjoy. Some have laid the foundation of game development, while others are fairly new to the business. Among the most famous game developers are Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Betsoft, Yggdrasil, and Amatic Gaming, along with many others.
Microgaming
NetEnt
Evolution Gaming
Yggdrasil
Popular Payment Methods
Payments are a crucial part of online gaming, as players need to deposit and withdraw funds regularly. Most New Zealand-friendly casinos support NZD, so that Kiwis can make transactions in their national currency with ease. Below are some of the most popular payment options for New Zealand players:
Credit and debit cards
Paysafecard
Skrill
Neteller
Neosurf
POLi
New Zealand Casino Bonuses
The bonus systems in online casinos are generally similar. Players can take advantage of several types of bonuses, each tied to specific wagering requirements and terms and conditions. All users should read these rules carefully to avoid losing their winnings because of a breach.
No-Deposit Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Free Spins
Reload Bonuses
Cashback Bonuses
Loyalty ProgramsTop 10 New Zealand Casinos
With the endless number of online casinos, New Zealand players may find it difficult to choose the right one. All of the casinos listed below are well-known, reliable operators that have been in the industry for years and serve millions of players worldwide. Each accepts payments in NZD, providing added convenience for Kiwis.
Yako Casino
BitStarz Casino
King Billy Casino
Fun Casino
Casino Joy
888casino
Omni Slots Casino
LeoVegas Casino
Videoslots Casino
Royal Panda Casino