What are NZ Gambling Age and Rules?
Gambling in New Zealand began in the 1800s as horse race betting. In 1877, Art Union lotteries were established to build New Zealand’s infrastructure. In the 1900s, gaming shied away due to public perception change, so wagering in the country became illegal under the 1908 gambling act.
The first national lottery was launched in 1933 and became the Golden Kiwi Lottery in 1961. Between 1980 and 2000, legislation to legalize gaming, such as lotteries and casinos, was introduced. Pokies were permitted in 1991, leading to the opening of the first casino in Christchurch, New Zealand. Later, the nation established the 2003 Gambling act, which contained a framework for legal gambling in New Zealand.
How is the Minimum Gambling Age Determined in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, the minimum age limit for gambling is dictated by the type of game a gambler choose to play and the gaming regulators. Specifically, in New Zealand, an eighteen-year-old can play instant Kiwi lotteries, sports betting, scratch cards, house, raffles, and pari-mutuel wagering. There is no minimum age limit for taking part in Bullseye or Keno; however, for you to buy daily Keno tickets, you must be at least 17. Also, to be allowed access to a casino, you must be at least 20.
Although the drinking age in New Zealand is 18, casinos in this country do not allow patrons to buy alcoholic drinks unless they are 20 and above. Their isis a high chance that the higher age restriction for casinos will mitigate wagering addiction in the NZ youth. Nonetheless, various New Zealand online casinos licensed offshore are legal and viable for Kiwis to enjoy playing.
The New Zealand Law Regarding Gambling and Betting
All forms of gambling, offline or online, carry several conditions of play, and New Zealand has several rules for online gambling. Based on the Gambling Act of 2003, it is prohibited to participate in interactive gambling in the country. However, it is not forbidden for Kiwis to participate in online gambling activities, provided the casino is not based in the country. Since New Zealand players play online gambling platforms from other nations, it is up to the gambler to be cautious of the danger involved.
Many Kiwis prefer to play online casinos and enjoy various options, promotions, and free spins.
Giving critical information over the internet is associated with certain risks. That said, New Zealand gamblers must take all the necessary measures to ensure their details are safe. Also, while gambling at an oversea gambling platform, the rules and regulations of the host country apply. Assuming that you become a fraud victim while gambling online, the host country’s legal system for the gambling platform will guide all the actions taken.
It is vital to verify that every casino you are about to play is safe and secure to avoid complications and misfortune.
Because gambling involves money exchange, there are age limits at NZ casinos, which are implemented to protect gamblers and casinos. It is vital to follow the rules of online casinos and the laws established in New Zeeland regarding online betting to avoid prosecution.
What Forms of Gambling Are Legal and Available in New Zealand
Numerous gaming forms are available for New Zealand players, such as several lotteries, instant games, poker, scratch cards, daily keno, casinos, gaming machines, pokies, sports betting, tournament gaming, house, raffles, and prize competition. Online gambling is only allowed from offshore licensed sites like online gambling platforms and domestically, but only for online lottery sales and horse betting races provided by the TAB.
Below is the age restriction for different gambling activities available in New Zealand.
- No age limit: Bullseye, Keno, Play 3 Tickets
- Age 17: Daily Keno
- Age 18: raffles, Instant Kiwi lottery, sports betting, instant play, scratch cards, pokies, par-Mutuel wagering, and house.
- Age 20: Casino gambling.
Popular Local New Zealand Casinos
Below is a list of notable land-based casinos worth visiting in New Zealand.
- Sky City Hamilton
- Sky City Auckland
- Christchurch casino
- Dunedin casino
- Sky City Queenstown casino
NZ Gambling Age and Rules FAQs
In New Zealand, the minimum age limit for casino gambling is 20. However, younger players can access other forms of gaming such as Bullseye, Keno, play 3 tickets, instant Kiwi lottery, instant play, pokies, scratch cards, pari-mutuel wagering, and housie.
The New Zealand gambling industry is regulated by several parties such as parliament, the New Zealand Gambling Commission, Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand Lottery Commission, TAB, Ministry of Health, New Zealand Racing Board, the Second Labour Government, Ministry of Social Development, and many more. Nevertheless, a significant number of these agencies act as oversight and record-keeping to monitor the effects of gaming on the country.
If an underage is caught in a casino, they can be fined up to NZ$ 500, and depending on the casino found in, a trespass order could be issued against the underage gambler. The person might also be blocked from accessing the casino for two years, even if they turn 20 within that period. New Zealand visitors who violate the law and illegally gamble as underage risk facing severe effects on the eligibility of renewing their visiting permit.
New Zealand citizens are free to play casino games online if they access NZ 18 plus online casino from licensed offshore sources, as no law prohibits this kind of access. The country only prohibits access to domestically licensed online gambling sites that are not lottery or TAB-provided betting services.