There are certain types of gambling that is not covered by the Gambling Act of 2003 and for those who gamble outside the law within New Zealand are considered criminal and will constitute to heavy fines and even imprisonment. The act is taken from the existing framework of laws in the UK, France and in the US.
the Kiwi lawmakers are learning from other parts of the world where gambling is legal and has become an important part of society. Places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City or Macau are places where gambling plays an important role.
These places have helped lawmakers come up with laws that are keen on protecting its citizens.
When 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 managed the growth of casino gambling within New Zealand to guarantee efficient enforcement and regulations.
The government of New Zealand recognized the dangers gambling decades ago. These dangers range from gambling addictions, financial ruin and emotional disorders that breaks apart families and friends.
The Gambling Act 2003 guarantees the Kiwis that the harmful effects of gambling are managed and minimized. They are informed and educated in responsible gaming. They have a guarantee of having a fair chance of winning.
The growth of the gambling industry is also being regulated by the act and at the same time, they encourage the industry to have a community responsibility. And the allowable gambling activities are controlled to guarantee fairness to the players.
And in the case of online casinos, the New Zealand Gambling Act of 2003 does not provide prohibition for players to play at a website that is based in another country. Since this interpretation of the law allows gambling at online casinos that are based outside New Zealand there has been a noticeable increase of Kiwis gambling online.
For the gamblers that are playing online the laws in New Zealand does not apply, provided the website is based in another country. Their playing will however be subject to the laws of the country where these online casinos are operating.
This also means that New Zealand can do very little to help in cases where players might want to dispute or file a case.
Betting on sports websites based outside New Zealand is also allowed provided that the website is based on another country with the same clause as online casino gambling.
A Kiwi player who plays over the internet on a website that is based in another country may not be considered a criminal activity or prohibited.
But it is important to note that these players will be subject to the danger of losing their personal information when they are exposed to a fraudulent website or phishing sites.