The regulation of online gambling in New Zealand is carried out by the Government's International Tax Service (Inland Revenue). All online gambling operators are required to obtain a license from the IRD. You can read more details by following this link: https://sloterman.co.nz/online-casinos/

The licensing procedure includes a check on the integrity of the company, its ownership, as well as its location. Only licensed companies are allowed to advertise their online gambling services in New Zealand.

According to 2021 statistics, the country's legal gambling industry turnover is more than two billion New Zealand dollars. It is difficult enough to imagine what the situation would look like ten years later.

Some data sheds light on the workings of the New Zealand gambling industry. The legal status of individual establishments and operators is constantly being adjusted to ensure the stability and prosperity of this business.

History of Gambling Law In New Zealand

Chance betting, sports betting, and horse racing have a long and varied history in New Zealand. The first laws date from the first half of the 19th century; the local gambling industry was strictly regulated even before it appeared in other countries.

The Gambling Act of 2003

A law that clearly defined the legal and illegal practice of gambling for New Zealand citizens. By that time, a regulatory body had already been formed - the Totalisator Agency Board (TAB), which deals with the placement of bets on sports and racing events in the country; this body operated under the jurisdiction of the New Zealand Racing Board. (New Zealand Horse Racing Council). The Gambling Commission, which came into existence as part of a landmark law in 2003, is affiliated with the Department of the Interior and deals with standards, safety, fairness, licensing, and the proper functioning of the industry's facilities.

In addition, the Gambling Industry Compliance Group has been established to ensure that the provisions of the Gambling Act 2003 are observed and enforced adequately by the relevant competent authorities and gambling operators.

Legal Gambling In New Zealand

The situation with online gambling is a bit different, but still simple and ultimately player-centric. In particular, the Law above of 2003 describes this type of gaming in the country and defines it as remote gaming in which players interact using communication devices. This definition allows you to apply all the rules the law provides to online gambling.

Online gambling is illegal for all country residents when playing on local and national platforms. Except for specific sports betting, all online betting on sites licensed and based in New Zealand is subject to penalties under applicable law. However, offshore online gaming platforms (bookmakers, casinos, lottery and bingo portals, etc.) are not subject to this ban. Moreover, the Law clearly states that players are technically allowed to play on such platforms.