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Casino tips online nz 920x425 - 4 Top Tips for Playing Online Casino Games in New Zealand

Gambling is a popular pastime for many Kiwis. It’s the second most popular legal recreational activity in New Zealand. However, not all gambling activities are legal in New Zealand. If you’re keen on playing online casino games based in New Zealand, there are a few things to be aware of before you get started!

1. Things to consider when gambling online in New Zealand

There are a few things to keep in mind when gambling online. First, New Zealand residents are only allowed to gamble on gambling websites that have been granted a license by the Lotteries Commission. Second, consider consulting a financial adviser if you’re thinking about gambling online in New Zealand.

Playing for Real Money

The most traditional form of gambling is winning ATM cash prizes from the national lottery (1 in every 5 adults have played a raffle in their lifetime). There are also online slot machines available in the country. When paying for your lodging in a hotel room, you could be putting your real-life money at risk. You may well be financing a trip with your credit card, or you could be financing a trip with your real-life savings. When a raffle is live, you are paying for a chance at winning real money. In most cases, prices are limited to a few dollars on a prize of several thousand dollars. To summarize – while you may be able to win at a raffle, you are almost certainly taking a different approach to financing your trip to the island nation of Aotearoa.

2. A brief history of online gambling in New Zealand

The history of online gambling in New Zealand is a relatively short one. The first online gambling site in New Zealand was launched in 1997 by a company called The House of Chance. In the early days, online gambling in New Zealand was only available to a select number of people because you had to be a member of a licensed club to register. When you joined The House of Chance, you had to pay a monthly subscription fee but access to the site was completely free it’s not clear whether this was advertised on the site – but admittedly, there are quite a few contractually agreed terms surrounding user agreements. As you can imagine, people began to make a bit of a fuss about this development. Some tried to bring in legislation to regulate the industry which broke down something called the “Nordic model”.

Nordic model

One thing that the Association of Gaming Controls in New Zealand has done successfully is to create several guidelines for the industry. When these guidelines were first put in place, gambling companies had a bit of a think.

3. What are the biggest online casino sites for Kiwis?

The two biggest online casino sites for Kiwis are SkyCity and SkyCasino. SkyCity has a wide variety of games to play, including classics like blackjack and roulette, as well as video slots and jackpot games. It is also pretty affordable, too—you can just play for as little as $5 per day and more than that in some cases!

So, what are the differences between these two sites?

Types of gameplay:

Both SkyCity and SkyCasino offer online games that you can play with a variety of different people. The gameplay generally varies from game to game, and there’s a wide variety of different strategies you can use to further increase your profits.

In addition, there are four different types of gameplay:

Free-play: You can leave the computer on while you play, and chances are you’ll be able to play a couple of hours before you need to close it.

Ping pong: There’s an equal amount of luck involved when playing the games on either side. If you notice that there’s a line of players waiting on you to start the game, you have to “host” the game by moving the mouse over the lower right corner of the screen. Ping pong is the same as a Free-play game.

Multi-machine: In this case, there are five different machines (gaming machines), but you can play against humans or bots as well.

Best Casino games NZ - 4 Top Tips for Playing Online Casino Games in New Zealand

 

4. Ensure you learn the rules and laws in New Zealand

Gambling is a popular activity for many Kiwis, and the country’s gambling laws have been designed to protect players. However, not all online casinos are created equal, and it’s important to understand the laws and the penalties for violating them to ensure you stay within the law.

1. Know and respect the laws.

Online slot machine games (OSMs) fall under New Zealand’s Economic games regulations. These are set by the government and determine the minimum parameters for machines and slot payouts. Certain OSMs are legal, while most are not. Refer to the Economic games regulations and New Zealand’s regulations to learn more. Refer to the main site for further information about OSM penalties.

If you’re a player, online technology is another way to make your money work harder for you. Check out our guide to online casino bonuses for some wins under the table.

2. Understand the rules.

Don’t get blindsided by the small print. Learn what you can about the machine you’re about to play, including if it’s online or offline, how much it can pay (or not pay) and how it operates. Note that some prizes may be illegal, especially internationally. If that’s the case for you, your best bet is to research the laws in your country.

3. Whatever you do, don’t cheat.

As mentioned before, these online gambling machines are digital simulations. They’re not real casinos, and not all payouts are legal. Some are illegal or restricted to a small area, so it’s important not to play them outside of their legal bounds. In addition, if you’re caught cheating, you could face significant repercussions, including permanent closure of your account and your ability to play online games ever again.

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Post29 ManInMaskWithFallingCards 920x425 - 4 Classes of Gambling in New Zealand

The Kiwi has four classes of gambling and each class is clearly defined by the Gambling Act of 2003. The Gambling Act of 2003 is basically only for New Zealanders and is conducted within the borders of New Zealand.

The laws were designed by the government to minimize the harmful effects of gambling. The Kiwis are some of the most enthusiastic and active players in the world and gambling in New Zealand has become a billion-dollar industry.

The original framework for the laws was based on the existing laws found in the UK, France and the US.

The Gambling Act of 2003 also allowed a more lenient approach to gambling and it resulted in more pokies and fruit machines operating within the different hotels and establishments in New Zealand.

The act has undergone changes and amendments in 2005 and 2015 and this is to allow better regulations and enforcement by the government. The players have also received better protection from casinos giving everyone a fair chance of winning.

The Gambling Act of 2003 defines the four classes of gambling:

Class 1

Post29 ManInSuitWithWatch - 4 Classes of Gambling in New Zealand

Class 1 is basically for individuals that wagers in their own private setting. The law also states that prizes should not be greater than NZ$500.

Class 2

Post29 MenInSuitStandingClose - 4 Classes of Gambling in New Zealand

This is for society or clubs that offer to gamble but prizes only fall between NZ$500 to NZ$5,000. The turnover must also not exceed NZ$500 and should not be more than NZ$25,000.

Class 3 & 4

Post29 PokerTableChipsAndCards - 4 Classes of Gambling in New Zealand

This is applicable to major casino operators that offer table games and/or electronic gambling machines. Casino operators should have a license issued by the Gambling Commission.

Casino operators in New Zealand are normally renting from hotels and resorts. So before they could get a license to operate they have to first pass the provisions under the Rental & Property Law of New Zealand and the Employment Laws.

Casinos must operate under conditions where the safety and health of their clients and employees are protected.

And since casino operators also go to great lengths in guaranteeing the well-being of their own employees the safety measures also extends to the guests.

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Post16 FiveSlotMachines - SkyCity Online Casino for Kiwis

The SkyCity Entertainment Group have announced a partnership with Gaming Innovation Group (GIG) to launch a new online casino aimed at Kiwis. According to BestNewZealandCasinos.com, the online casino will be owned by a subsidiary of SkyCity Entertainment Group that will be based in Malta.

New Zealand Online Gambling Law

New Zealand’s Gambling Act of 2003 does have a provision related to online gambling. The act itself states.
Section 9(2)(b) of the Gambling Act 2003 prohibits remote interactive gambling. The definition of remote interactive gambling includes “gambling by a person at a distance by interaction through a communication device.
Communication devices can be defined as:

    • Computers
    • Telephones
    • Smart Phones
    • Tablets
    • Radios
    • TVs
    • or similar devices

Prohibited Gambling

Gambling is prohibited and illegal unless it is:

      1. authorised by or under this Act and complies with this Act and any relevant licence, game rules, and minimum standards; or
      2. authorised by or under the Racing Act 2003 and complies with that Act and any regulations made under it; or
      3. private gambling.

The following types of gambling are prohibited and illegal and are not authorised by and may not be authorised under this Act:

      1. Bookmaking
      2. remote interactive gambling

The following activities are prohibited in the Sky City Casino:

  1. Prohibits wearing unclean clothing or shoes.
  2. Men are not permitted to wear sleeveless tops, and all safety gear is prohibited. Sunglasses are only permitted in the poker zone.
  3. All ripped or damaged clothing must be trendy to be worn.
  4. Hats and caps are not permitted unless necessary for medical or religious reasons.

In Sky City, there are also dining options. 20 bars and eateries, a sky tower, and a theatre are among them. For those with more adrenaline, they also throw dice, allowing you to fling yourself by performing a skydive. Additionally, there is a spa where you can unwind and rest.

Exceptions to the rule

Remote interactive gambling does not include gambling by a person in New Zealand conducted by a gambling operator located outside New Zealand.

This is the reason that SKYCITY Malta ltd was created in Malta. It was to allow SkyCity to accept New Zealand, casino players. Even though SkyCity Entertainment Group is located in New Zealand and operates SkyCity Auckland, the subsidiary that owns the casino will be based outside of New Zealand, making it completely legal for it to service Kiwis

Will SkyCity Online Casino be able to advertise?

It is unlikely that SkyCity will be able to promote its online casino to its existing player base as the law clearly states:
Advertising overseas gambling is prohibited under section 16 of the Gambling Act 2003. An overseas gambling advertisement is any communication that publicises or promotes gambling, or a gambling operator, when that gambling, or operator, is outside New Zealand. It is also any communication that is reasonably likely to induce people to gamble outside New Zealand. Section 16 makes this an offence under the Gambling Act and carries a fine of up to $10,000.

More Information on the casino

Best New Zealand Casinos has an excellent review and detail on what products and features will be available at the SkyCity Online Casino.

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Post23 BuildingDuringNighttime 920x425 - 3 NZ Casinos That You Need to Visit

The Gambling Act 2003 governs and regulates gambling in New Zealand. The Department of Internal Affairs heads the government in regulating gambling within the borders of New Zealand.

Ever since the law allowed casino gambling in New Zealand in 1994 there has been a steady demand for more casino establishments however the government has been very careful and deliberate in allowing operators from building such establishments.

Early on the government of New Zealand has already recognized the dangers that come with legalized gambling. Dangers such as gambling addictions, financial ruin and emotional harm that comes when gambling becomes irresponsible and uncontrolled.

These laws also govern the property and rental agreements of the legal land-based casinos in the country.

There are three top legal casinos in New Zealand that are worth checking out.

SkyCity Auckland

Post23 SkyCityTowerView - 3 NZ Casinos That You Need to Visit

SkyCity Auckland is a world-class casino with 100-tables and the latest games. They offer entertainment, activities and a spectacular 360-degree view of Auckland. The resort also offers world-class hotel rooms and restaurants.

Dunedin Casino

Post23 RailroadDunedinNewZealand - 3 NZ Casinos That You Need to Visit

This casino is located in the Southern Cross Hotel and they offer world-class service, opulence and first-class gaming. They have popular table games and 180-gaming machines.

They also offer world-class entertainment, rooms and restaurants. A great place to visit for the gambler looking for elegance and good taste.

Christchurch Casino

Post23 ChristchurchNewZealandBridge - 3 NZ Casinos That You Need to Visit

The Christchurch Casino offers an impressive array of games. They have 500 slot machines with 36 tables. They also offer promotions and loyalty program for their gamers.

Now, these three casinos have passed the scrutiny of the Department of Internal Affairs, the body that governs and authorizes gambling within New Zealand. The New Zealand Gambling Commission have reviewed their application and found their requirements to be complete and up to date.

And that is why gambling in these casinos can be rewarding for most people. Because part of the provision of the Gambling Act of 2003 is that these casinos must provide a fair chance for players to win and illegal activities in these establishments are almost non-existent.

In the case of online casinos, the New Zealand gambling laws do not provide clear coverage except for those that are locally based. The interpretation right now is that gambling at online casinos that are based outside New Zealand is not illegal.

There has been an increase in online gambling in New Zealand in recent years.

Now, for players that have engaged in online gambling, they may not be subject to the laws in New Zealand but their playing is subject to the laws of the country where these online casinos are operating.

And that also means that New Zealand can do very little in cases where players might want to dispute or file a complaint.

Betting on sports websites based outside New Zealand are also allowed and the same with online gambling in cases where there are disputes or complaints the government can do very little.

However for casinos or betting establishments based in New Zealand the regulatory bodies guarantees safe and fair gaming. This gives Kiwi players a measure of security and peace of mind.

Rental and Property Laws

Post23 CleanHotelRoom - 3 NZ Casinos That You Need to Visit

Another thing that reinforces safety in these gambling establishments is the rental and property laws in New Zealand which has a strict regulation on how buildings are being maintained.

Hotels and resorts that have casinos normally rent out their spaces to casino operators.

And before casinos can be allowed to operate the regulatory body for the New Zealand Rental and Property Law which under The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 ensures that establishments or buildings are well maintained and has safety and health standards.

Because casinos have so many guests that are coming and going there are health risks involved. It was found in a study conducted in a casino in another country that a casino chip has more bacteria on it when compared to a toilet handle.

But because of the health standards being enforced by the property and rental law, casinos now have to make sure that their chips and their casino are well sanitized.

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Post20 WhiteBuildingUnderSky 920x425 - The Offices under Gambling Act 2003

Gambling in New Zealand is governed and authorized by the Gambling Act of 2003. The law ensures that casinos operate within the regulation and the Department of Internal Affairs enforces and licenses these casino establishments.

The Gambling Act of 2003 in New Zealand helps to manage and minimize the harmful effects that are caused by gambling. The Act enables the gamblers to be educated about responsible gaming.

It guarantees the players a fair chance of winning. The criminal groups that operate in gambling places are also discouraged.

The act also manages the growth of the gambling industry. It helps encourage the industry to have a community responsibility and then control the allowable gambling activities

As mentioned, the Department of Internal Affairs provides the licenses for casinos and for non-casino gambling activities. They also take care of educating the public about gambling and those laws that govern them.

There are other government offices that help regulate, monitor and enforce the gambling laws of New Zealand. The New Zealand Gambling Commission and the Ministry of Health of New Zealand are two other offices that help to ensure that the public will always get the benefits of gambling.

The New Zealand Gambling Commission is an independent constitutional department that was established under the Gambling Act of 2003. The commission reviews all casino licensing applications and they can make the appeals to the decisions made by the Secretary of Internal Affairs.

The Department of Internal Affairs

Post20 BrownWoodenHall - The Offices under Gambling Act 2003

The decisions made by the Department of Internal Affairs are also enforced by the commission. The New Zealand Gambling Commission fulfils the following roles in government in the gambling industry.

They can also revoke or change the conditions stipulated in the license. And all appeals between operators and license holders pass by them. And finally, they assume an advisory position in gambling issues.

The Ministry of Health

Post20 ManFacePalming - The Offices under Gambling Act 2003

The Ministry of Health of New Zealand helps the public by ensuring that this industry operates within the laws. They make sure that gamers are protected from the dangerous effects of gambling such as depression, anxiety and mood disorders.

They also help to promote public health by preventing and reducing the harmful effects of gambling. They provide services to treat and assist problems that gamblers and their families encounter.

Since gambling also has an addictive effect the Ministry of Health of New Zealand also helps those who already are addicted and educates those who are not.

To date, the ministry has already recorded several such cases and continues to provide lawmakers with valuable data in order for them to come up with new laws and update existing ones.

Law on Photo Recording

Post20 CameraPinkBackground - The Offices under Gambling Act 2003

New Zealand has another law that helps protect gamblers and establishments. And that’s the law on photo recording. In New Zealand, it is illegal to take pictures or videos of people when they have not given their consent.

An important figure for example who had decided to gamble in a casino would be protected by random paparazzi from being caught in a compromising situation because the photo recording law protects him and his privacy.

The photo recording law specifically says that it is illegal to stop other people’s moments of enjoyment.

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Post16 ChairsDeskSenate 920x425 - The Important Role of the Department of Internal Affairs

The Department of Internal Affairs is the governing body for the casino laws in New Zealand. They issue licenses and certificates to all land-based casinos here in New Zealand. There are six casinos operating here and all of them are being regulated and monitored to ensure that that they comply with all the laws.

Manage and minimize the disadvantages that are caused by gambling

Post16 DiceHandStairs - The Important Role of the Department of Internal Affairs

Gambling is a game where you bet that your instincts are better than the other. And that means that one side will earn money and the other will lose. And for those who will be losing money, it would mean financial ruin followed by depression, anxiety and mood disorders. So, it has become important for the government to reduce these risks.

Educate gamblers about responsible gaming

Post16 ManHoodAce - The Important Role of the Department of Internal Affairs

To ensure that gambling remains a healthy recreational and exciting activity it is important that education is provided. Gamers should understand how gambling can financially and emotionally affect them.

Guarantee the players a fair chance of winning

Post16 FiveSlotMachines - The Important Role of the Department of Internal Affairs

Casinos can easily manipulate their tables and machines to make sure that they make money all the time. However, casinos cannot operate if they do not also give the gamblers a fair chance of winning. Gambling can only really flourish if there’s fairness in the games.

Remove the criminal groups or syndicates in all gambling establishments

Post16 PersonShowingHandcuff - The Important Role of the Department of Internal Affairs

Since gambling involves a lot of money it is unavoidable that it will attract criminals and syndicates. All criminal activities involve dishonest games and/or fraudulent transactions and so the government is taking a strong stand in curbing them.

Manage the growth of the gambling industry

Post16 PeopleWalkingOnSidewalk - The Important Role of the Department of Internal Affairs

The growth of the gambling industry has to be managed as well to guarantee that enforcement can be done efficiently and regulations are updated accordingly.

Encourage the industry to have community responsibility

Post16 SmilingPeopleWalking - The Important Role of the Department of Internal Affairs

Casinos and resorts can quickly grow a community by providing the locals with much-needed work and revenue.

The increased tourism will also increase activities and create more opportunities so it is vital that casino resorts also take care of their own communities and guarantee that a good portion of their revenue goes to local development.

Control the allowable gambling activities

Post16 TwoWomanFacingSecurityCamera - The Important Role of the Department of Internal Affairs

The Department of Internal Affairs also controls what games casinos are allowed to offer and this further ensures that gambling remains fair and activities have reduced disadvantages.

It is important to note that New Zealand laws bear a close similarity to the laws found in the UK and France. For example, some of the basic laws in New Zealand like family laws were practically copied from the same principles that form the family core laws in the UK.

But over the years New Zealand lawmakers have made their own adaptation. For example, divorce is no longer allowed under the New Zealand family law even though the principles behind the family law came from the UK where it is legal.