Online gambling has skyrocketed in fame globally with pokies, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat lovers across New Zealand getting in on the fun 24/7.
Nonetheless, the country’s regulations regarding online gambling is tad daunting to grasp.
What games are legal? Is the TAB NZ the only platform I can engage to facilitate sports bets? Or should I try Australian Open Betting?
The questions are endless for the newbie Kiwi punter.
If you’re amongst this set, worry no more as this article seeks to provide vital information on online gambling in NZ.
For context, we’ll take you through the Gambling Act of 2003 and its essential components.
Itching to know more? Let’s get started!
Is Online Gambling Legal in NZ?
In NZ, domestic online gambling is restricted. Here, the only legal gambling mediums are the Lotto NZ and the Totalisator Agency Board (TAB).
Unauthorized betting in this jurisdiction warrants fines of up to $50,000 (operators) and $10,000 (individuals).
Conversely, there’s no regulation against Kiwis betting on online gambling sites hosted outside NZ. While this might seem great, the New Zealand government won’t come to your aid if you’ve been scammed by an online casino not hosted within the region.
Instead, your faith lies in the host country’s jurisdiction.
The Gambling Act of 2003
The Gambling Act of 2003 regulates all wagering acts in NZ.
Established in September 2003, the Act determines the legal gambling age and what’s permissible by law.
Undergoing updates since its inception, here are some of the Act’s primary purposes:
- Regulate gambling growth
- Minimise and restrict harms showcased by gambling activities, problem gambling inclusive
- Propagate “Responsible Gambling” amongst operators and individuals
- Oversee games’ legitimacy and fairness
- Limit fraudulent actions in the gambling sphere
- Seek communal input while curating crucial gambling regulations
NOTE: While the Gambling Act of 2003 became law in September 2003, most of its provisions were enabled in 2004.
Legal Gambling Age in NZ
The legal age to gamble in a land-based New Zealand casino is 20.
Nonetheless, you must be 18 to:
- Facilitate a sports betting wager
- Purchase lottery tickets
- Gamble on automated gaming machines
However, since Kiwis can wager on offshore sites, the legal age might change.
For instance, some jurisdictions have “21” as the legal gambling age. Thus, foreign gamblers must meet this caveat to wager seamlessly on their sites.
In NZ, underage gambling is a crime and defaulters will face fines reaching NZ$500 (individuals) and NZ$5,000 (gambling operators).
Gambling Taxation in NZ
In New Zealand, gambling is deemed recreational.
Thus, no matter how little or big your winning margin is at your choice physical or online casino, NZ regulatory authorities won’t charge you a dime in taxes.
However, pro gamblers will pay tax on their winnings if they report their income amount.
If they fail to declare their wins, the NZ inland revenue has no system for tracking their profits.
Although some individuals might take advantage of this loophole, always report your income as a professional bettor since you may lose if you’re caught hiding yours and taken to court.
Notable Gambling Regulatory Bodies in NZ
Notable regulatory bodies in NZ include:
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)
At the helm of regulating gambling in NZ is the DIA. As part of its duties, the DIA enforces gambling licenses and compliance. It also executes measures essential to implementing the Gambling Act of 2003.
Seeing as Gambling Act provisions could overlap, the DIA makes a decision that creates a balance between reducing gambling dangers and maximizing community benefit from gambling winnings.
New Zealand Gambling Commission
The gambling commission is an independent body that is charged with:
- Listen to complaints and appeal decisions meted out by the Department of Internal Affairs in correlation with “class 4 gambling.”
- Examines and determines the status of casino license applications.
- Approves licences and effects changes to existing terms.
TAB NZ
Established under the Racing Industrial Act 2020, the TAB NZ has the following objectives:
- Promote betting activities.
- Ensure that problem gambling harms and underage gambling are almost non-existent to: (i) increase profit margins that’ll benefit New Zealand racing and; (ii) boost returns to New Zealand sports to fulfill contracts embedded in the Gambling Act.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is responsible for providing vital gambling information to the NZ populace.
This body also data on research activities that grants perspective on the funding and coordination of problem gambling services in New Zealand.
Other regulatory bodies include:
- New Zealand Lottery Commission
- New Zealand Racing Board
- Ministry of Social Development
- Gambling Compliance Group
Legal Online Gambling Activities in NZ
Kiwis can access select online gambling activities they can engage in and have thrilling moments.
These alternatives are available on platforms where it’s legal to punt in the country.
For context, NZ residents have access to the following:
- Online Sports Betting
- Online Casino and Bingo
- Online Lotteries and Poker
Responsible Gambling in NZ
Gambling is addictive.
Without precaution, individuals can speedily go through their finances and rake up huge debts.
To dispel problem gambling, the government mandates all gambling operators in New Zealand to imbibe safer gambling featured in the Gambling Act of 2003.
Some organizations provide support services for folks with gambling problems.
Such bodies include:
- The 24 hours Gambling hotline Aotearoa
- The Problem Gambling Foundation
Final Words
The legality of online gambling in NZ has given Kiwis a chance to access “iGaming pleasures” directly from the comfort of their homes.
Also, the chance to make an astronomic win heightens the thrill.
For gambling sites, besides the lottery and TAB NZ, to work in New Zealand, they must be licensed. However, Kiwi bettors should note that the NZ government won’t intervene if they’re fraud victims.
Regardless of how immersive your gambling adventure might be, endeavor to gamble responsibly.
