Legal Casino Age in New Zealand

Kiwis love the excitement of placing bets. Whether they’re visiting a local casino, gambling online, or buying instant scratch cards. The thrill of taking a chance to win real money keeps people on the edge of their seats. However, New Zealand does have strict gambling laws to follow. This means that you must be of legal casino age in NZ to participate.

But, what is the legal age limit for betting in New Zealand? If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, you’re on the right page. Today, we will talk about the different age limits for gambling in NZ. Read on to learn more.

What is the Legal Casino Age in New Zealand?

The age limit for casinos is different from other gambling age limits. You must be at least 20 years old to enter a local casino in New Zealand. The NZ Gambling Act prohibits people under the age of 20 from entering a casino. If a minor is caught on site, they could receive a $500 fine.

How to prove you are the legal age limit for a New Zealand Casino

Any casino operation, such as SkyCity Casino, could risk major penalties if they are caught letting minors on the gaming floor. For this reason, you will need to prove you meet the minimum age limit before a casino employee allows you entry. You can prove your age with any of the following pieces of ID.

Passport

Are you visiting New Zealand from another country? If so, you can use your overseas passport as an ID to prove you’re of age. Kiwis can also use their national passport as IDs.

Driver’s license

The most common piece of ID to use at NZ casinos is a driver’s license. This is a piece of government-issued ID that has a photo. Even if you’re not from NZ, you can use your international driver’s license to prove you’re legal age.

HANZ or Kiwi access card

Casinos in New Zealand will accept a HANZ (Hospitality New Zealand 18+) or a Kiwi Access card as proof of age. These are ID cards that Kiwis can get so they don’t have to bring their passports or driver’s license on a night out.

Other government-issued IDs

There are a few other options that Kiwis can use as ID when they enter the gaming area of a casino. Your ID must be issued by a government institution and include your photo, date of birth, and address. Other options you can use include:

• New Zealand Certificate of Identity
• New Zealand Refugee Travel Documents
• Emergency Travel Documents
• New Zealand Firearms License

Different Gambling Games Have Different Age Restrictions

The minimum age isn’t the same for all types of gambling in New Zealand. Let’s take a look at how old you have to be to participate in other types of betting.

Buying a lotto ticket?

There is no age limit in New Zealand for buying a lottery ticket. Anyone can participate in Instant Kiwi Lottery and other lottery draws. If an NZ player under the age of 18 does win the lottery, they will need to have a parent or legal guardian with them to claim the prize.

Scratch Card Age limit?

According to the NZ Gambling Act 2003, Kiwis must be 18 years of age to buy a scratch card. Any retailer that sells Instant Kiwi tickets or other instant games to minors could face penalty charges.

Age to bet on sports?

The minimum age for betting on sports in New Zealand is 18 years-old. This includes all sports betting activity through TAB or online sportsbooks.

Age restriction at the Casino?

The age limits for local casinos is 20+. However, Kiwis ages 18+ can enjoy online gambling. This allows them to choose from a wide variety of casino games from home.

Age limit for using pokies?

Gaming machines available in restaurants and other licensed liquor establishments are only for people over the age of 18 to play on. This includes pokies, poker machines, and other gambling equipment.

When Did New Zealand Legalize Gambling?

The Gambling Act was officially established in 2003. Before that gambling wasn’t exactly illegal. But, there were different rules surrounding casino games. Lotteries became legal in 1933. Between 1980 and the early 2000s, casino gambling, sports betting, and other forms of gambling became legal.

Forms of Illegal Gambling in New Zealand?

Any gambling that is not authorized by the Gambling Act 2003 is considered illegal in NZ. This includes domestic online gambling and sports betting that is not authorized through the NZ government or TAB. However, licensed online gambling sites from other countries can legally operate in NZ.

The Problem of Illegal Gambling in New Zealand?

New Zealand doesn’t have a problem with illegal gambling. This is mainly because they have very liberal laws when it comes to casino gambling and other types of betting. These laws prevent people from seeking illegal gambling methods and promote responsible gambling.

Conclusion – Legal Casino Age in New Zealand

The legal age for gambling in NZ depends on what type of betting you’re participating in. The Gambling Act and Malta Gaming Authority require residents to be 18+ for scratch cards, sports betting, pokie machines, and online gaming. To enter a casino location, residents must be at least 21. However, there is no minimum age for buying lottery tickets.