New Zealand’s online casino industry has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, with more and more players turning to the convenience of online gambling. However, with the rise in popularity comes the need for regulations to ensure that players are protected and that online casinos operate within legal boundaries. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the legality of online casinos in New Zealand and provide a detailed overview of the regulatory framework governing the industry.
Are Online Casinos Legal in New Zealand?
New Zealand has laws that regulate land-based casinos, sports betting and the lottery. But it does not regulate online casino activities. This means you can’t apply for a license to set up a gambling site in Kiwi Land.
That doesn’t mean you can’t gamble legally in New Zealand. You have three betting options. You can play the lotto. You can also bet on horseracing. Alternatively, you can play online casino games through a foreign casino site.
It’s legal to play at an offshore casino in NZ according to the Department of Internal Affairs. The department, however, warns Kiwis from using unregulated or poorly rated iGaming platforms.
If you’re looking for a safe and enjoyable online gambling experience in New Zealand, it’s important to choose an offshore casino that is reputable and trustworthy. There are many expert suggestions on the best online casinos in New Zealand, offering a wide range of games, generous bonuses, and secure payment options. By doing your research and selecting a licensed and regulated offshore casino, you can enjoy all the excitement of online gambling while ensuring your safety and security.
Who Can Gamble Online in NZ?
Now, you know that New Zealanders can play online casino games legally. The only catch is that they can only use offshore platforms. Can everyone in the country gamble online?
The short answer is no. Although many foreign casinos accept New Zealanders, they have a legal gambling age limit of 18 years. This is the same age limit for playing lottery games in Kiwi land. The legal age for being admitted to a land-based casino in the country is 20 years.
Besides being an adult, most online casinos require that you possess an ID to show you live in NZ legally. They also require an email address to help you register an account and a way to deposit money.
At the best online casinos, you can use a plethora of payment options: credit/debit cards, wire transfers, crypto, digital wallets, and e-Checks to name a few.
The exact payment methods you can use varies from one site to another. Some casinos accept Visa, MasterCard, and bank transfers. Others also support PayPal, Qiwi, Google Pay, and Skrill. If you’re lucky, you could also find a Bitcoin casino.
What Casino Games Can You Play Online?
In New Zealand, you can play virtually all online casino games in the world. Here’s why. The government does not regulate the industry. As such, no rule says you can’t play certain slots or table games.
You can play at any foreign casino site in NZ. In turn, this means you have access to thousands of slots and card games. We’re talking about slots like Starburst, Sweet Bonanza, Big Bass Bonanza, Money Train, Book of Dead, and Sugar Rush.
Look for renowned software providers to access top-rated games: NetEnt, Microgaming, Betsoft, Playn’ GO, BTG, No Limit City, and Blueprint Gaming. If you play poker, blackjack, and roulette, select a casino with live dealer games.
Live casino games link you up with human opponents and not computer software. You can see and talk to the blackjack dealer, roulette croupier, or your fellow poker opponents. Live dealer games are entertaining and social.
Does New Zealand Tax Online Casino Winnings?
Similar to the UK, New Zealand does not tax online casino winnings. It doesn’t matter how much you win. It could be $500 or five million. The government doesn’t demand a cut.
The only time you need to pay taxes as a gambler is if it’s your main source of income. Perhaps you’re a poker player who makes a living competing in poker tournaments online. You’ll need to pay taxes.
Compared to most of the world, New Zealand’s casino players are a lucky bunch. In the US, almost every state taxes gambling winnings. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, gamblers must pay a 3% tax on their winnings.
In Nevada, the state taxes your winnings at 6.75%. New York takes a much higher percentage of your money: 15.5%.
Do NZ Casinos offer Bonuses?
Everyone wants a casino with lots of bonuses: no deposit, first deposit, reload bonuses, no wager, cashback deals, and VIP promotions. In NZ, you qualify for all the bonuses mentioned above.
But beware: casinos are not all created equal. Not every operator has a no-deposit promotion. And not every site has fair bonus terms. Against that backdrop, select promotions carefully.
Look at the bonus amount. Most casinos give out a 100% match on your first deposit. You can receive up to $500 at a generous site. Before you claim this bonus, though, look out for a no-deposit bonus.
A no-deposit bonus does not ask for your credit card information. You create a free account and the house awards you free spins. A first-deposit bonus requires that you provide your payment information. But it’s usually bigger in size.
Although you want generous bonuses, pay a lot of attention to bonus terms. Look at conditions like wager requirements and the maximum you can withdraw. If the terms sound harsh, don’t accept the offer.
Do NZ Casinos Support Mobile Gaming?
Yes, you can legally play mobile casino games on your smartphone in NZ. In fact, you don’t need to dig deep to find a mobile-friendly operator. Nearly every online casino supports mobile gaming.
Mobile gaming is bigger than PC and console gaming. And it’s still growing. According to research firm Statista, more than 70% of all gamers will be using their mobile devices in the next decade.
Are mobile casinos better than desktop games? Surprisingly, they’re not. There’s no difference between playing poker on your iPhone compared to using a laptop. The only difference is the screen size.
That being said, mobile casinos are more convenient. You can use your smartphone to play slots while on the bus. You can’t do the same with a desktop computer.