Online gambling is becoming more popular daily, and the number of players has never been higher. As a result, sites have begun to offer casino games other than poker, such as blackjack, roulette and slots. There are hundreds of online betting sites now available worldwide.
What is the legal status of gambling in New Zealand? How popular is gambling among the country’s residents? This article explores those questions.
Is Online Gambling Legal in New Zealand?
Gambling in New Zealand has evolved since the New Zealand Gambling Bill was passed in 2003. With the Department of Internal Affairs looking into it at the moment, the future of gambling in the country is yet to be determined. Until then, the answer to whether gambling is legal in New Zealand remains on the fence.
Gambling is legal in New Zealand for those over 18, but some guidelines exist. New Zealanders can only gamble on offshore websites, not domestic sites. Lotto NZ and the TAB are the only legal gambling providers not offshore.
Consequently, New Zealand online casino enthusiasts find themselves playing in foreign jurisdictions. Online casinos from Malta and Curacao are just some places that can be found offshore. Still, they follow the national laws of their respective countries.
What Attracts Kiwis to Online Gambling?
Online gambling has opened up a whole new world for kiwis. You can play in the comfort of your own home without even having to leave your house! Plus, you can use your phone to play most of these games – which is really convenient. As a result, more and more people are playing online and have better chances of winning a lot of money in the process.
For many Kiwis, playing pokies online is preferable to going to a land-based casino because of the accessibility it offers. And when they do go to an online casino, they’re well-rewarded with generous bonuses and perks.
New Zealand has a thriving online gambling industry with many participating players and plenty of opportunities for all skill levels.
According to a study conducted by Regulus Consulting for SkyCity, conservative estimates suggest that total online gambling revenue will increase from $139.3m (or €114.4m) in 2014 to $332.6m (€270.2m) in 2020. This corresponds to a compound growth rate of 15.6%. The most significant increase between 2018 and 2020 is 33.5%.
There are a lot of developments in the market these days. According to projections, it will grow to $350 million by 2022 and over $600 million by 2025.
