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
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
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
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
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.