This might sound a tad extreme, until you see that the Act doesn't forbid foreign operators from offering games to New Zealand residents. The 2003 Gambling Act forbids domestic operators from running online casinos, to the point that only online lotteries and sports books affiliated with the country's authorities are allowed. Online gambling is a little more complicated in New Zealand. With its strong emphasis on public funds and responsible gambling, New Zealand is an example of a country with a modern social outlook on land-based betting.
This may be down to the fact that a lot of the winnings must go to public funds, making it less attractive for businesses to open multiple venues.Ĭurrent gambling legislation follows the Gambling Act of 2003, and is regulated by the Department of Internal affairs. Note: While gamblers still have to be careful to gamble safely, they can play with the knowledge that a percentage of their stake goes to charity and public causes, such as the building of a $402 million convention center in Auckland.ĭespite fairly relaxed gambling laws, there are still only a handful of legal casinos in New Zealand, with the first opened in 1994.
