Gambling Laws in New Zealand – Major Details
On this page, we will discuss a topic that is vital for those of you who want to gamble in New Zealand. Every potential gambler must be completely acquainted with the current gambling laws in New Zealand. We assure you that the below-presented sections will give you all of the information you need.
Are the Current NZ Gambling Laws Too Strict?
Every country has specific regulations when it comes to gambling. The NZ gambling laws must be obeyed, otherwise, violators will face the respective consequences. Even though certain forms of gambling are prohibited, there are many that are not. Our blog post will provide you with up-to-date information about the current regulations in the country.
We encourage you to read all paragraphs because each one of them contains details that you need to be aware of. In the end, we will also answer a few commonly asked questions with respect to the topic.
The Current Gambling Laws in New Zealand
The New Zealand gambling regulations have gone through many changes over the years. The very first gambling laws were introduced back in the 1920s. During that time, there was a complete ban on bookmaking. The only exception was betting on horse races, but in 1961, this activity also became part of the list of prohibited gambling activities.
Nonetheless, things changed with the approval of the 2003 Racing Act. According to it, betting on sports and races offered by the Racing Board of New Zealand was no longer illegal. In the next section, we will draw your attention to the rules regarding online casinos in New Zealand. As for gambling at land-based casinos, this is also legal, as long as it takes place at licensed gambling facilities. At present, there are six such establishments in the country:
- Casino Christchurch
- Casino Dunedin
- SkyCity Casino Hamilton
- SkyCity Wharf Casino Queenstown
- SkyCity Casino Queenstown
- SkyCity Casino & Hotel Auckland
Lottery is also permitted within the borders of the country. In fact, this is considered the least problematic gambling activity. Aside from buying tickets from local stores, New Zealanders may also purchase ones online. Online tickets were legalized in 2008 by the New Zealand Lottery Commission. However, we can surely say that the most preferred form of gambling among residents of the country is playing pokies.
In New Zealand, slot machines are called pokies, and they can be found at any of the six legal casinos across the country. According to the latest data, there are more than 3,000 slot machines in these establishments. Billions of dollars are spent on pokies every single year. Aside from these beloved games, casinos in NZ also offer table games. Roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat variants are all available at the places mentioned in the previous list.
Online Gambling in New Zealand
Many of you are probably wondering whether or not gambling at real-money online casinos in New Zealand is permitted. The answer is yes and no. Under the Gambling Act 2003, operators in New Zealand are not allowed to open online casinos or advertise any form of online gambling. Nevertheless, New Zealand gambling regulations do not prohibit gambling on offshore gambling websites.
In other words, there are currently no New Zealand online casinos, and no such sites are expected to appear in the near future. However, people of legal age have the right to visit overseas online casinos where they can register and play any game they like. Logically, betting on offshore websites is also allowed. Since playing at casinos not based in NZ is completely legal, gamblers don’t have to worry about their bank transactions being blocked.
Prohibited Gambling Activities in New Zealand
If you have read the previous sections of our article, you already know that certain forms of gambling are not allowed within the country’s borders. Online casinos are illegal, pursuant to the Gambling Act 2003. Furthermore, online sports betting or betting on sports or races not offered by the NZ Racing Board is also prohibited. Gamblers are, therefore, unable to play mobile pokies. As mentioned earlier, the only exceptions are offshore gambling websites.
Further Information about the New Zealand Gambling Laws
Gambling laws in New Zealand are not the strictest ones out there. However, some activities are not allowed. The latter is due to the fact that the main aim of the Gambling Act 2003 is to control the growth of gambling in the hope of preventing the occurrence of cases of gambling addiction among New Zealanders.
Those who need help can seek assistance from the counsellors of the NZ Gambling Helpline that’s available 24/7. Responsible Gambling in New Zealand is a very important part of the regulations.
Questions and Answers
To conclude our piece, we will provide you with answers to a few commonly asked questions regarding the gambling laws in New Zealand. We believe the above-given information will be of immense help to those who are unfamiliar with the current regulations. To enrich your knowledge about this subject even more, make sure you have a look at the next paragraphs, as well.
1️⃣ What forms of gambling are illegal in New Zealand?
According to the current New Zealand gambling laws, certain forms of gambling are considered illegal. These include betting on sports or races that are not offered by the New Zealand Racing Board. Furthermore, it is illegal to operate an online casino in the country or to advertise any type of online gambling.
2️⃣ Can New Zealanders gamble at online casinos?
Gamblers from New Zealand can still take their chances at offshore online casinos. The NZ Gambling Act 2003 has not put a total ban over online gambling in New Zealand, which is why myriads of New Zealanders access reputable offshore gambling sites to play games and to bet on sports.
3️⃣ How many casinos are there in New Zealand at the moment?
At present, according to the NZ Gambling Laws and the current gaming regulations, there are six regulated land-based casinos located in New Zealand. It is not expected for more establishments to be opened. People of legal age can try out their luck at Casino Christchurch, Casino Dunedin, or the SkyCity Casino venues located within the country.
4️⃣ How can compulsive gamblers in New Zealand get help?
The NZ gambling laws aim to minimise the risk of compulsive gambling. For this reason, some forms of gambling are completely prohibited. Those who need help can reach the 24/7 NZ Gambling Helpline. Alternatively, they can also reach some of the other organisations in the country.
5️⃣ Is playing online blackjack legal in New Zealand?
As you already know, there are no online casinos based in NZ. However, residents of the country can still play at offshore sites, including blackjack casinos. It is important to conduct thorough research before joining any platform in order to avoid any potential problems.