Online Casino Laws in New Zealand

New Zealand has some of the most confusing online casino laws in the world. This is because while online casino laws in New Zealand are very restrictive, it is one of the few countries in the world that allows its residents to play online casino games on websites run by non-New Zealand companies. Although, they don’t have quite the same protections that a person would get gambling on a site located within New Zealand.

We’ll explain everything on this page, so don’t worry if this sounds a touch complex!

Gambling Act 2003

In the last few years, discussions related to the legality of online gambling in New Zealand have started to heat up, with the government starting a number of consultations. Although, few of them have gone anywhere. This means that the current online casino laws in New Zealand can all be found in the Gambling Act 2003.

The Gambling Act 2003 covers all aspects of gambling, with some in-person gambling allowed (plus lotteries, etc.). However, for online gambling, it is Section 9(2)(b) that is the most relevant. This states:

(2) The following types of gambling are prohibited and illegal and are not authorized by and may not be authorized under this Act:

bookmaking
remote interactive gambling

This means any gambling that takes place using a communication device e.g. a phone, or a computer, is strictly prohibited. In fact, the law goes to huge lengths to make it clear that it will never be allowed under the law, no matter how much people try to twist the legislation to suit their agenda.

Unless a law is introduced that will supersede the Gambling Act 2003, no company in New Zealand will be allowed to offer online casino services to residents of the country. We’ll talk more on why online casinos are allowed in New Zealand shortly. For now, we’ve got to discuss another aspect of online gambling.

Some Online Gambling is Allowed

While all online casino gambling is banned from being offered by any New Zealand-based company, the following locations can offer online gambling services:

New Zealand Racing Board (TAB) – For horse race betting and other sports betting, such as the NFL or rugby. While it initially banned betting on non-New Zealand sports, these rules have now been relaxed.
Lotto NZ – for lotteries in New Zealand. Foreign lotteries remain strictly prohibited within New Zealand.

This does go to show that online gambling is a possibility within New Zealand, from companies based here. However, it would likely take the formation of a new organisation to oversee everything, and there would still be some very strict rules in place to ensure that you don’t suddenly have tens of companies offering gambling services.

Enjoying Gaming While Understanding the Landscape

The availability of online casinos in New Zealand is on the rise, offering residents access to a diverse range of gaming experiences from across the globe. While New Zealand’s gambling laws apply primarily to companies based within the country, they do not extend to foreign online casino operators. This means that New Zealanders have the unique opportunity to explore a wide range of international gaming sites.

When choosing to play at an online casino based outside of New Zealand, it’s important to be aware that these sites operate under different regulations, which might not offer the same level of government-backed protection as domestic sites. However, this also means that players can stay connected and have access to a diverse array of gaming options that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home or even while traveling as a tourist.

It’s advisable to conduct thorough research to ensure you engage with reputable online casinos. This not only enhances your gaming experience but also ensures that you play safely and responsibly.

Regarding advertising, foreign-based online casinos face restrictions under Section 16 of the Gambling Act 2003, which prohibits them from directly advertising to New Zealanders. This law is designed to maintain the integrity of both local and international gambling markets. Although some operators might seek ways around these regulations, leading and reputable online casinos typically respect these rules, aligning with best practices in transparency and fairness.

By understanding the landscape and making informed choices, you can safely navigate through online casino platforms.

The Future of Online Casino Laws in New Zealand

In 2019, New Zealand embarked on a public consultation to gauge the interest of its residents in reforming the online gambling laws. This initiative reflected the rapid growth and transformation of the online gambling industry, which has far surpassed the scope of the Gambling Act of 2003. The results indicated a favourable view towards modernizing these regulations to better align with the current digital landscape.

While there hasn’t been significant legislative progress yet, the desire for change among the populace suggests potential future developments. It’s conceivable that New Zealand might establish an oversight board to regulate online casinos based within the country. This would enhance player protection and ensure fair play, though establishing such a board may take time. Patience is advisable, as governmental processes can often be slow to adapt to new trends.