In the gambling world, New Zealand has a complicated history that has affected the nature of how the natives can gamble on casino games such as roulette and blackjack. Despite being on the face of it, they still gave relatively restrictive betting laws compared to Europe, with cities in which gambling is allowed and particularly offshore betting websites such as Vulkan Vegas New Zealand. So, betting options in this jurisdiction are better now than ever.
Gambling In New Zealand: Is It Legal?
For decades, true betting freedom has been at odds with New Zealand governments with anti-gambling measures. It was only until recently that the Department of Internal Affairs enacted the 2003 Gambling Act. So, betting establishments can only promote government-operated lotteries or non-profit casinos that charitable organizations offer.
Likewise, the Act illegalized online interactive services only if they were operated by organizations located in New Zealand. So, this makes it illegal for gambling providers located overseas, for instance in Europe or the UK to offer their services to New Zealanders. While Kiwi authorities maintain powerful control over gambling in the jurisdiction, it doesn’t imply that its nationals cannot delight in the thrill that brick-and-mortar casinos bring in the big cities. They have free rein to wager on various sports and games with companies spread across the globe. Nonetheless, players must be at least 20 years old to be allowed to step into a casino but only 18 years in age to participate in lotteries, sports betting, and scratch cards.
Land-based Gambling in New Zealand
It’s no secret that gambling restrictions govern the running of casinos in New Zealand. But, they’re fortunate enough to have 5 ‘casino cities’ spread across the nation that offer 6 legalized venues to get in on the action. Queenstown is regarded as the betting capital with 2 casinos that comprise 12 table game variants, about 200 slot machines, and video poker options. The nation’s largest betting venue is Sky City Auckland Casino that’s littered with 10 poker tables, 1600 pokies and video poker machines, and more than 100 table games.
Casinos in New Zealand
- SKYCITY Hamilton
- Christchurch Casino
- Lasseters Wharf Casino located in Queenstown
- SKYCITY Auckland
- Dunedin Casino that sits in Otago
- SKYCITY Queenstown
Granted, other countries have an array of casinos. But, they’re unmatched compared to New Zealand that has a plethora of world-class destinations that punters can freely play in. SKYCITY Auckland lures in people from across the globe courtesy of its exquisite location at the top of the Sky Tower, providing breathtaking views across the city’s skyline at night.
Online Sports Betting and Gaming in New Zealand
The truth is that New Zealand prohibits land-based sports betting. And, the 2003 Gambling Act isn’t a good look for punters at 1st glance. But fortunately, the law doesn’t apply to the top online bookmakers and casinos abroad, such as Ladbrokes and William Hill. It only applies when gambling within the borders of New Zealand.
With the relative restriction on brick-and-mortar casino destinations in New Zealand and the prohibition of sports betting, it’s shouldn’t come as a surprise that online sportsbooks and casinos are soaring in popularity. Online wagering with legal betting sites provides access to International sports gambling markets and the world’s largest progressive jackpots and most popular games.
The flipside to wagering with offshore brands is that if major disputes crop up, for instance, the payout refusals or loss of funds, New Zealanders won’t be legally protected by the nation’s gambling authorities. But, the chances of such disputes arising are slim to none, more so, when gambling with fully regulated online casinos and bookmakers.
Deposits and Withdrawals: Are They Legal?
Yes! Players can deposit and withdraw real cash to and from International gaming sites provided that the online gambling operator is located overseas. Most online casinos accept New Zealand Dollars (NZD) as one of the available currencies.
Are Players’ Winnings Taxed?
No! Provided that you play at an online casino that’s located outside the borders of New Zealand, your accrued earnings from gambling are 100% tax-free.
To Wrap It Up
In the end, the gambling status in New Zealand is non-liberal. But, there’s a barrage of alternatives that are available on the ground and online. Millions of punters are taking to offshore gambling sites to try their luck on casino & sports games. So, it seems counteractive for the New Zealand government to prohibit the opportunity to grow the economy through the acquisition of tax revenue by permitting gamblers to wager their hard-earned money within the nation’s borders. There’s uncertainty on whether New Zealand will permit all forms of betting within the coming decade. But, with the current state of affairs sports and casino game punters can continue reveling in the thrill.
