Gambling in New Zealand – What You Need To Know

The world of online gambling is big and wide, and people all across the globe spend hours in front of the screen, playing their favorite games. Since there are providers of online casinos from all over the world, it can be challenging to know what separates different markets from each other. In this article, we're going to take a look at what you need to know about the New Zealand gambling industry.

A Country That Breathes Gambling

New Zealand is a country with a long tradition of gambling, but it is first in the last couple of decades, it has truly become an integral part of many New Zealanders' lives. One of the reasons behind New Zealand becoming a nation that lives and breathes gambling is the country's favorable gambling legislation (you can visit https://casinoguide.nz/news/new-zealand-legislation-guide/ for more detailed information).

Today, it is believed that a vast majority of the New Zealand population, up to 80%, have gambled at one occasion or another. The most popular form of gambling is reportedly slot machines, or 'pokies' as they are called in New Zealand, but other forms of gambling, such as lotteries and betting, are popular as well.

Although it isn't legal to operate an online casino in New Zealand, you can still play legally on international gambling sites, as a resident in the country.

A Favorable View of the Industry

In many parts of the world, there are heavy restrictions on gambling, and in some areas, it is completely forbidden. New Zealand also has a strict set of rules with mainly government-run operations. However, in contrast to many of its counterparts, New Zealand has managed to instill a mostly positive impression of the gambling industry.

In many markets around the world, where strict regulations are common, antagonism tends to build between legislators and operators. In those circumstances, the rule-makers tend to find new ways to smother the gambling market continually, and as a response, the operators try to exploit the consumer to make a profit.

Instead, the New Zealand government, more precisely the Department of Internal Affairs, have managed to create an environment in which the gambling industry can give back to the community and thus creating a more favorable view of gambling.

Gambling is sometimes considered problematic because of the risks involved that come with putting money on the line, and yet it seems impossible to stifle the industry. Therefore, the Department of Internal Affairs has decided to take advantage of the lucrative gambling market and reinvest a lot of the earnings back into society.

That way, both operators and consumers can exist in a healthy environment that both protects the people who gamble, as well as encourage the success of the agencies who provide gambling opportunities.

The New Zealand gambling landscape is truly unique in the world, and although no system is entirely perfect - New Zealand has its problems as well - a lot of countries would benefit from taking inspiration from New Zealand. By doing that, more markets could create a more positive atmosphere and also enable a give-and-take relationship between operators and society.