Online Casinos in New Zealand

The most popular here are poker and lotteries, as well as horse racing betting. The New Zealand Lottery Commission, established in 1987, regulates online and offline lotteries. Currently, gambling in New Zealand is safe for players because online and offline casinos are subject to the Gambling Act of 2003.

Kiwis spend almost NZ$2 billion each year, which means that on average, one person spends NZ$480.

Online and offline gambling have been legalized in the country by the federal government. Players should check the registered licenses of New Zealand online casino sites, as the country only allows licensed casino owners to operate bingo, bookmaker, and casino sites.

The advantage of playing at licensed and reputable casinos in New Zealand is that players can try a variety of poker games (a feature of New Zealand casino culture), table games, card games, lotteries, money wheels and more.

Offshore online casinos in NZ

To start playing and betting at these casinos, players can bet with operators based outside or in New Zealand. But these offshore companies are not allowed to advertise their online casino services in the country.

However, that is not all. New Zealand’s casinos are not all about its fascinating history as well as its use of technology. The rest of this in-depth review of the country focuses on other major aspects of casino gaming.

History of online casinos in NZ

Gambling appeared in the country when the first European settlers brought casinos with them. Gambling began in the country with horse racing, which appeared in the country in the 19th century.

It was considered a lucrative source of money, and waves of betting became more frequent in the country. They were banned until 1910 to limit betting, but the “Founding of the TAB" re-launched betting on horse racing in 1950.

Gambling in New Zealand these days

In the 1980s the lottery entered the sphere of gambling; thus, the “New Zealand Lottery Commission" set a new framework for lotteries in 1987. In 2000 NZ had the highest number of lottery viewers (more than 65%). In 1987, pokies entered the country from neighboring Australia.

So, in 1991 New Zealand officially recognized this game in the country, making it one of the most beloved games in the betting. Speaking of land-based casinos, Christchurch Casino was the first to open in 1994.

The food, snacks, drinks and complete gambling security attracted many players. The installation of live table games and slot machines allowed players to have more fun with slot machines.

Over time, famous land-based casinos such as SkyCity, Dunedin and Wharf were opened. Online casino gambling is legal only for New Zealand casinos registered under the Gambling Act of 2003 and the federal government.

Players can only gamble online at offshore casinos if they are licensed by the New Zealand Gambling Authority.