Online gambling laws in NZ 2024
Before you bet online, getting familiar with New Zealand gambling laws is a good idea. Here, we detail the legality of gambling in NZ, so that you can feel safe and confident about joining an online casino.
Intro to gambling laws & regulations in NZ
The 2003 Gambling Act regulated all gambling activities in the country, ensuring they are conducted fairly and responsibly. It consolidated the existing laws surrounding gambling and established new rules, in light of the internet and rising popularity of online gambling.
The main aim of the act is to minimise harm from gambling by facilitating responsible gambling practices, ensuring the integrity and fairness of games, limiting opportunities for crime or dishonesty associated with gambling, and more.
The act also lays out the country’s legal gambling age. Players must be 20 or older to play at a land-based casino. Those wishing to place a sports bet (including horse racing), play the lottery or buy a scratch card must be 18 or older.
The first version of the act, established in 2002, was called the Responsible Gambling Bill, and it has been amended since it was first passed in 2005 and 2015. However, the fundamental regulations are still in place.
The act splits gambling into four legal classes:
Class 1 – No licence is required for prizes and turnover (the total gross amount wagered by gamblers) under $500.
Class 2 – No licence is required for prizes between $500 and $5,000, provided the turnover is less than $25,000.
Class 3 – Licence required from the Department of Internal Affairs when the prizes can exceed $5,000 in one session.
Class 4 – Licence required for gaming machines outside casinos.
Any form of gambling that does not fall into one of these classes is therefore prohibited.
The Gambling Commission was established as the main and independent regulatory body under the Gambling Act 2003. It’s responsible for reviewing and approving casino licensing applications, monitoring casino operations to ensure they adhere to the law, promoting responsible gambling practices, and more.
Online gambling and the New Zealand Gambling Act 2003
Gambling in New Zealand includes lotteries, prize competitions, games of chance (pokies and table games etc) and instant games.
Online gambling sits in a bit of a grey area in NZ. Technically, ‘remote interactive gambling’ in NZ is prohibited. In other words, Kiwi players cannot place bets with an online operator based in New Zealand.
However, it’s not illegal for players to use gambling sites that are based overseas, also known as offshore casinos. So, you can legally gamble online if you sign up at a casino that is licensed in another jurisdiction.
History of gambling in New Zealand
Here are some of the key dates to be aware of when it comes to the history of gambling in the country:
1877: New Zealand’s first ‘Art Union’, a lottery fundraising event, is held by the Otago Art Society.
1908: The Gambling Act of 1908 is introduced, banning all gambling apart from horse racing.
1920: Bookmaking is made illegal in New Zealand, while betting on racing is only made available on-course.
1933: The first national lotteries, also known as Art Unions, are established in New Zealand.
1951: The Totalisator Agency Board (TAB), New Zealand’s sole legal betting operator, is established to regulate totalisator betting on horse racing, which had previously been largely unregulated and illegal. TAB has since expanded its offering over the years to include sports betting and greyhound racing, both at live events and online.
1961: The National Government introduces the Golden Kiwi lottery.
1987: The New Zealand Lotteries Commission is established, offering games like daily keno, Lotto, Instant Kiwi scratch cards and Big Wednesday. Slot machines, known as ‘pokies’, are also introduced at this time.
1990: The Casino Control Act legalises land-based casinos, leading to the establishment of the first casinos in New Zealand.
1994: The Gaming and Lotteries Amendment Act is passed, legalising pokies in clubs and pubs and subsequently paving the way for the establishment of gambling venues. The first land-based casino – Christchurch Casino – opens in New Zealand.
1996: The SkyCity Auckland casino opens its doors.
2002: The Responsible Gambling Bill, the initial version of the 2003 Gambling Act, is introduced.
2003: The government passes the Gambling Act 2003 to regulate all forms of wagering in New Zealand, including online gambling.
2008: Lotto tickets become available to purchase online.
2013: SkyCity is granted permission by the government to install an additional 230 pokie machines and 40 new gambling tables, in exchange for a $402 million convention centre.
Advantages of playing at a regulated site
Playing at a NZ site regulated by a legitimate body like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is crucial for the following reasons:
Financial and data protection: Licensed casinos follow strict guidelines regarding your financial safety and security. They employ SSL encryption and process transactions via secure payment methods.
Game fairness and transparency: All games at licensed casinos are independently tested by bodies like eCOGRA to ensure the games are truly random and fair.
Customer support: Top licensed online casinos in NZ provide 24/7 multi-channel customer support via live chat, email and over the phone.
Honest bonus terms: You can access bonuses and promotions with fair and transparent terms, including reasonable wagering requirements and accessible sign-up options.
Responsible gambling tools: Regulated sites are committed to responsible gambling and provide tools and tips to help you control your expenditure.
Legal casino games in NZ
There are many types of legal casino games available in New Zealand, including:
Lottery in NZ
Since 1987, the New Zealand Lotteries Commission has been responsible for running lottery games in the country. The Commission’s primary offering is Lotto, which accounts for over 80% of ticket income. There are two Lotto draws weekly – one on Saturday and one on Wednesday.
Lotto variants in New Zealand include Lotto Strike, Powerball, Keno and Instant Kiwi, which each offer unique gameplay and winning options. You can legally buy tickets for any lottery game in New Zealand if you’re 18 or older.
Sports betting in NZ
As mentioned, only one sportsbook, TAB, can legally operate in New Zealand. This state-regulated firm has betting shops across the country and in Australia, permitting Kiwis to bet on:
Rugby, including the All Blacks, the Bunnings NPC and other domestic tournaments
Football, with all Aussie Rules Football markets available
Soccer from Oceania, Asia and Europe, including prestigious leagues like the EPL
Tennis events like the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open
Of course, Kiwis are also permitted to place bets at licensed offshore betting sites.
NZ gambling laws FAQs
Gambling in New Zealand is legal under the terms of the 2003 Gambling Act. Online gambling is only permitted at licensed offshore casino sites.
No, hosting and playing poker games at home in New Zealand is legal, provided the cash sum offered is no more than $5,000.
The minimum age for gambling in New Zealand is 18. At 18, you can play the lottery, scratch cards or bet on horse racing. However, to gamble at a land-based casino, you must be 20 or over.
One-off gambling winnings in New Zealand are tax-exempt. You should consult an accountant for further advice if you're a professional gambler.
The 2003 Gambling Act regulates all online and live gambling in New Zealand.
The Gambling Act was developed to regulate and control all forms gambling activity in New Zealand, to make it safer for gamblers around the country.
