Guide to Regulations in Online Gambling in New Zealand

Updated: 09.11.2022

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The online casino industry is lucrative, and many countries are adjusting their laws to accommodate and allow their citizens to wager their favourite casino games. And New Zealand is no different.

As a citizen of New Zealand, you might be interested in playing casino games online. However, you need to understand the rules and regulations governing online gambling law in New Zealand before getting started.

Fortunately, any online casino NZ provides Kiwi players with a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know, from the legal casino age to the implication of the gambling sector.

Continue reading to get familiar with the vital aspects of online gambling in New Zealand. In this article, we will answer the most common questions such as “what is the legal age to go to a casino”. Let’s get started.

Is Gambling Legal in New Zealand?

Yes. It might be surprising to learn that gambling is legal in New Zealand. The 2003 Gambling Act ensures there is no ambiguity in the gambling law. According to the act, gambling in New Zealand is legal, and there’s no penalty for it. The New Zealand Lottery Commission and the New Zealand Racing Board are in charge of the gambling industry, sportsbooks, and online lotteries.

However, it is not permissible to offer online gambling services within the border of New Zealand. But this doesn’t mean that Kiwi players cannot play their favourite casino games. There is no law prohibiting players from wagering at an offshore casino.

Notably, players should be careful when choosing an offshore casino. Players should ensure the site has a license from top regulatory bodies, such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao eGaming and Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association.

What is the Legal Age for Casino?

For Kiwi players looking forward to gambling at a New Zealand casino, it is important to note that the legal age for casino NZ is 20. However, NZ players over 18 are allowed to participate in other games like Keno, lotteries, and the rest of the Class I games.

The Gambling Act 2003

Established on 18 September 2003, the Gambling Act aims to control the growth of casinos where Kiwi players can register and wager with a list of certain regulations. The Gambling Act merges the country’s existing laws with the online gambling NZ law.

In addition, the government of New Zealand introduced the act to eliminate the adverse effects of online gambling. Since its inception – in 2005 and 2015 – the law has changed a few times. However, the primary statutes are still intact. One of the most vital standards set by the Gambling Act is related to age restrictions, determining the legal age to enter NZ casinos.

Besides the age regulation, the Gambling Act 2003 has other aims, namely:

Control the online gambling growth
Prevent and reduce the harm caused by gambling
Approve some gambling activities and ban the rest
Encourage responsible gaming
Facilitate the fairness and integrity of casino games
Reduce the likelihood of fraud and dishonesty related to gambling
Make sure the community benefits from money made out of gambling

New Zealands flag with roulette and playing cards

Variety of Legal Online Casino Game Options

The New Zealand Lottery Commission is the only licensed provider of online gambling services. In addition to that, TAB is allowed to offer horse race betting through its official website. However, Kiwi players can access offshore casino sites. One of the most popular games available at offshore sites is online pokies, also known as slots. Further, players can enjoy different variations of table games, including poker, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack.

Implications of the Gambling Sector

State-owned firms are in charge of most gambling activities in New Zealand, and a certain amount of the revenue is expected to benefit the community. It helps to contribute to health and wellness and social development. While the country can benefit from the lucrative industry, it also comes with implications.

Players can lose their money, and gambling can be addictive. Therefore, players should wager responsibly to prevent this adverse effect, which is why the government tries to encourage responsible gaming. Other negative consequences of the gambling sector include bankruptcy, marital conflict, and various crimes.

Gambling Winnings Tax in New Zealand

According to the Income Tax Act 5, players from New Zealand are not subjected to taxes. This means professional or casual gamblers can withdraw their total winnings. However, this is not the case for operators as they pay venue payments, gambling taxes, and license fees.

Conclusion

The online gambling scene in New Zealand is still unclear, so we cannot predict how the industry will evolve in the future. Still, the act answers many frequently asked questions, including “what is the legal age to go into a casino?”.

However, Kiwi players can continue visiting offshore platforms to play casino games. When the country finally allows internet gambling, we expect it to have heavy rules and regulations.

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Author: Kim Pascoe

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Kim is a content writer from Hamilton, New Zealand. She enjoys writing blogs about music and local spots to eat organic and healthy foods, as well as being a meditation enthusiast. Her hobbies include doing stress-relieving yoga and curling up on the couch with a good book or series. Kim also enjoys gaming and can often be found testing out a new title. She hopes to create clear and informative content for her readers on the web.

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