Not everyone understands the geography of New Zealand: they think it comprises of two islands – when in fact there more than 700.
In the same way, not many fully understand New Zealand’s complex gambling laws. At first, they think that all forms of gaming are free from restrictions – but then they start to discover it’s a bit more complicated than that.
There have even been periods in New Zealand’s history when gambling was completely outlawed.
Today it has become more legally complex: there are different allowance, classes of gambling, and five cities where casinos are licenced.
Overall, it’s safe to say that most gambling in New Zealand is legal – but is regulated by specific laws and authorities. More difficult to understand is that locally-based online casinos aren’t allowed – but foreign casino operations are.
The main legislation that still governs gambling is the 2003 Gambling Act. Under this act, various forms of gambling are permitted – but they under strict regulations to ensure fairness, integrity, and player protection.
Gambling currently allowed in New Zealand includes:
Lotteries
Lotteries are legal and run by the New Zealand Lotteries Commission. Effectively this means Lotto NZ is allowed everywhere.
New Zealand has a long history of lotteries. They have been allowed since 1932 and until a few years ago were regularly played by around two thirds of the population.
Bingo
Locals call it ‘housie’ – and it’s very popular right across New Zealand.
Casinos
Land-based casinos operate legally in New Zealand. These casinos offer a range of table games and gaming machines.
Casinos were initially legalized under the Casino Control Act of 1990. By 2003 six casinos had opened, one in Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin and Hamilton, and two in Queenstown.
Scratch cards
Instant fun cards are available across New Zealand.
Pokie Machines
Slot machines, commonly known in New Zealand as “pokies,” have been permitted in venues like pubs and clubs since the seventies. There are still restrictions on the number of machines allowed and the locations where they can be placed.
Racing
Betting on horse racing and greyhound racing is legal and regulated. Horse race betting began way back in 1835 at a pioneering race at the Bay of Islands on North Island.
Horse and greyhound racing betting wasn’t officially legalized until The Racing Act 1971 though.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal and available through the TAB (Totalisator Agency Board) and other authorized operators.
Betting on blood sports
Playing blood sports and betting on them is illegal.
Details of NZ gambling
Technically gambling is illegal in New Zealand, unless specifically legalized by an act of the government.
However, most forms of gambling have been made specifically legal by the 2003 act. Therefore, it’s easier to say that gambling is legal.
The legal gambling age in New Zealand is over 20 for casinos, over 18 for everything else.
Types of gambling allowed are separated into classes:
Class 1 (small or social gambling) cannot have a prize or turnover greater than NZD$500. A licence is not required but all proceeds must be paid to the winners.
Class 2 (charity or fundraising) must have prizes totaling between NZD$500 and NZD$5,000. The potential turnover cannot exceed NZD$ 25,000.
Again, this class of gambling does not require a licence, but it must be conducted by societies (usually non-profit organizations, for fundraising purposes).
Class 3 gambling has prizes exceeding NZD$5,000, is conducted by gambling companies, like casinos, and needs a gambling licence.
Class 4 gambling uses gaming machines and can only be conducted with a licence, by companies.
Online gambling, however, is illegal in New Zealand (except online lottery and online sports betting).
The law says “remote interactive gambling” is forbidden, which includes gambling conducted on the internet or mobile phones.
There are exceptions for online sports betting and lottery. Most importantly though, playing in foreign online casinos is officially not illegal.
According to the Department of the Internal Affairs: “Only the gambling that is conducted in New Zealand is subject to the provisions of the Act.”
This means it’s only illegal for domestic online casinos to target New Zealand players. Anyone can freely place bets with offshore gambling providers.
Plenty of offshore online casinos accept NZ players and players find that winnings are not taxed at all.
There is a note of caution about this situation though: New Zealand players must be aware that overseas casinos are not regulated by their government.
This means players should exercise care and caution about their choice of online gaming platform. Look for sites that are regulated by an overseas authority – it is usually clearly announced on the landing page.
Use online reviews and forums to check the most reputable sites. The international online casino world is booming and full of fun – but you still do need to be careful where you place your money.
