Online Gambling in New Zealand and Beyond

Online gambling in New Zealand has grown significantly over the past few years, with more people turning to online gambling platforms for entertainment and potential monetary rewards.

The industry has seen substantial growth in New Zealand, and this article aims to provide an overview of the current state of online gambling in New Zealand, including the regulatory framework governing online gambling, key players in the market, and the factors contributing to its growth.

We will also explore the global online gambling world and the challenges and implications associated with its growth, and what that growth means for the industry and beyond.

What is Online Gambling?

Online gambling is a form of betting conducted over the internet, often through online casino platforms that both simulate the feel of real-life casinos and add their own takes on the classic gaming machine and poker table experience. The industry encompasses a broad range of activities, including sports betting, casino games, and lotteries.

The industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with the increasing availability of internet services and mobile devices making online gambling more accessible to the public.

Online gambling issues in the legal departments have also by and large been resolved with the introduction of the gambling act to address factors such as casino licensing applications and mental health issues.

Online Gambling in New Zealand

The online gambling industry is essential to New Zealand’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.

The industry also provides employment opportunities to many people, including those involved in the development of online gambling platforms and those involved in the enforcement of regulatory measures.

Online gambling legal issues have also been resolved with the introduction of the Gambling Act 2003, which essentially dictated that Kiwis are welcome to spend gambling dollars at internet casinos, provided that they are not headquartered in New Zealand.

Overview of Gambling in New Zealand

Gambling is a popular form of entertainment in New Zealand, with many people participating in various forms of gambling activities with the intention of having some fun (and to win money of course!)

The industry comprises both land-based and online gambling platforms, including gaming machines, lotteries, casinos, and sports betting.

Gambling culture in New Zealand has by and large been growing due to the ease of access Kiwis have to casino and non-casino gambling activities (pokies in a ton of pubs to name one) and the ubiquity of gambling applications.

Background of New Zealand Casinos Online

The Gambling Act 2003 governs all forms of gambling in New Zealand, including online gambling.

The Act sets out the requirements for obtaining a gambling license, the types of gambling activities allowed, and the regulatory framework governing the industry.

Online gambling was first introduced in New Zealand in 1996, and since then, the gambling world has seen significant growth, with most casinos catering to a New Zealand audience enjoying these positive results.

The Racing Act introduced in 2020 also helped to assist push further regulations in the sports betting sector, especially when it came to punting on horses.

Current State of New Zealand Online Casinos

New Zealand Online Casinos are legal, but only if the operator is based outside the country.

The Department of Internal Affairs is responsible for regulating the New Zealand Online Casino industry in New Zealand, and all operators must comply with the country’s gambling laws and regulations.

However, land-based casinos, such as Dunedin casino and SkyCity casino, are licensed by the government and able to operate and supply gambling products as normal.

The Gambling Act 2003

The Gambling Act 2003 sets out the regulatory framework governing iGaming in New Zealand. The Act requires all operators to obtain a license from the Department of Internal Affairs before offering any online gambling services in the country.

The Department of Internal Affairs is also responsible for enforcing gambling laws and regulations and ensuring that all operators comply with the licensing and enforcement decisions.

Key Players in the Online Gambling Market in New Zealand

The online gambling market in New Zealand is highly competitive, with many operators offering various gambling services.

Some of the key players in the market include SkyCity Entertainment Group, Tabcorp Holdings Limited, and The New Zealand Racing Board.

Growth of Online Gambling in New Zealand

Several factors have contributed to the growth of the virtual casino industry in New Zealand, including the increasing availability of internet services and mobile devices, the growing demand for online gambling services, and the increasing number of operators offering online gambling services.

Trends

The online gaming industry in New Zealand is continually evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging.

Some of the current trends in the market include the growing popularity of mobile gambling and the adjustment of the industry to accommodate mobile applications and HTML5 websites, the increasing use of virtual and augmented reality technologies in online gambling, and the rise of live dealer games for players looking for the feel of land-based casinos.

Market Size and Revenue

The online gaming world in New Zealand has seen significant growth over the past few years, with the market size estimated at NZD 381 million in 2020.

The industry generates substantial revenue for the country’s economy, with online casino games accounting for the largest revenue share.

In regards to the world of land-based casinos, there are six casinos currently operating that New Zealand players can enjoy. These include 4 branches of SkyCity Casino, Dunedin Casino, and Christchurch Casino.

Future Prospects

The future prospects of online gambling in New Zealand look promising, with the industry expected to continue its growth trajectory, and quite ready to pay more money to do so.

The increasing adoption of new technologies and the growing demand for online gambling services are expected to drive the industry’s growth in the coming years.

Online Gambling Beyond New Zealand

The global online world of gambling has grown significantly over the past few years, with more people turning to virtual casino platforms for entertainment and potential monetary rewards.

The industry encompasses a broad range of activities from spinning the roulette wheel to punting on horses, including sports betting, casino games, and lotteries.

Key Players

The global online gambling market is highly competitive, with many operators offering various gambling services.

Some key players in the market include 888 Holdings, Bet365 Group Limited, and GVC Holdings PLC, with each organisation commanding international influence in the gambling world.

Regulatory Framework International

The regulatory framework governing online gambling varies from country to country, with some countries adopting strict measures to regulate the industry, while others have a more liberal approach.

The United Kingdom, for instance, has a well-established regulatory framework governing online gambling, with all operators required to obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission before offering any online gambling services in the country.

Market Size and Revenue

The global online gambling scene has seen significant growth over the past few years, with the market size estimated at USD 65.53 billion in 20222.

The industry generates substantial revenue for countries’ economies, with online and in-person casino games contributing a remarkable amount for certain regions such as Macao and Las Vegas.

Trends and Future Prospects of Online Gambling Globally

The global online gambling industry is continually evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging.

Some of the current trends in the market include the increasing amount of mobile casinos, the growing popularity of live dealer games, and the rise of virtual and augmented reality technologies.

The future prospects of the global online gambling industry look promising, with the industry expected to continue its growth trajectory.

Implications and Challenges of Online Casino Games

The growth of online gambling in New Zealand and beyond has significant implications for society and the economy.

The industry generates substantial revenue for countries’ economies, but it also poses significant social and economic risks, including problem gambling, addiction, and money laundering.

However, this is not set in stone. While these issues do often arise with large gambling expenditure concentrated on a nationwide level, further education, regulations and programs designed to combat problem gambling can assist greatly.

Challenges Associated with Online Gambling

Online gambling poses several challenges, including problem gambling, addiction, fraud and money laundering risk.

These challenges require regulatory measures and social and educational programs to address them effectively.

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide have implemented various measures to address the challenges associated with casinos online, including strict licensing requirements, age verification, and responsible gambling initiatives.

Conclusion

The industry’s future prospects look promising, with the adoption of new technologies and the growing demand for virtual casino services expected to drive its growth in the coming years.

However, the industry also poses significant social and economic risks that require effective regulatory measures to address them.

Therefore, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for online gambling, however, one thing is for sure, it won’t be boring!