Due to the advancement in technology and the way in which various industries have now switched to internet-based activities, the casino industry has also evolved and gone online. Research has made it known that there are over 5 million gamblers who engage in online gambling globally. On this page, you will find various reputable online casinos operating in New Zealand. As a tourist in the country, there are various things to see and do. However, for people who enjoy gambling, the urge to know what New Zealand has to offer is always the first thing on their mind. Gambling in this beautiful country can be one of the best experiences for tourists, as long as you are aware of the rules and regulations and you know exactly where to go. With little technical know-how, players are able to gain access to casinos with just a stable internet connection and a supported device.
Now, let’s take a look at the brief history of casinos in New Zealand. Gambling in this country can be dated back to the early 18’s when it was still based on horse racing. The country is also known to be home to certain icons in the gambling world, such as George Julius, who invented what we know as the tote board today. However, a time came when gambling became illegal, but that illegality was later lifted. Recently, the gambling industry’s annual expenditure has been estimated to be around $NZ2 billion, as New Zealand is known for having a wide range of online casinos to choose from. However, this has resulted in various sketchy and scam sites popping up. Therefore, it is necessary that tourists are aware of what to look for before using their hard-earned money at any online casino.
Is Gambling Legal in New Zealand?
When it comes to gambling in New Zealand, the activities of bookmakers were prohibited in the early 1920’s, while punters were able to bet on horse racing up until the 1960’s. Shortly after the approval of casinos and lotteries by the parliament, casinos and pokies were legalized. The Gambling Act 2003 clearly states that all forms of gambling without the authorization of the government are highly prohibited. In New Zealand, gambling has been classified into four different classes, with each of them having a specific license in order to operate alongside a particular turnover and maximum prize.
One thing to know about the gambling laws in New Zealand is that they do not allow any form of remote interactive gambling. This simply refers to any gambling activity in which an individual makes use of a communication device to place a bet. Although online lottery and sports betting are an exemption. Following all these guidelines, we can conclude that online gambling is in no way illegal for anyone in New Zealand.
No form of restriction is attached to online casino playing for tourists in New Zealand, as the law does not apply to tourists. Only those who are permanent residents or citizens have certain restrictions concerning playing online casinos. Furthermore, the age limit for playing at online casinos is 18 years old; while there are no legal restrictions, there are very few casino sites that accept players under the age of 18.
How to Determine the Legitimacy of an Online Casino in New Zealand
As a result of the various online casino sites in New Zealand, knowing the most reliable and reputable online casino to visit is quite important. As a tourist in New Zealand, there are certain ways in which you can determine the legitimacy of an online casino in New Zealand.
Security and Privacy
For an online casino to function fully all over the globe, it is required of them to obtain a license. Some of the licensing authorities that issue the licenses include the UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao eGaming and the Malta Gaming Authority. An online casino that has gotten its license from any of the authorities is considered to be absolutely safe and secure. Also, the latest SSL Encryption secures the information of their users in order to protect them from any form of a fraudulent act.
Compatibility
Also, by checking whether the online casino is compatible with various devices all over the world, you are able to determine the legitimacy of an online casino. This shows the level at which they are interested in making casino games available to their players.
User Experience and Review
Another way of determining the legitimacy of an online casino is through the reviews left by other users, as well as their experience. As a result of the popularity of online gambling, there are various casino reviews available online. These give accurate information about their experience after playing with a particular casino. With the information gotten from these reviews, tourists are able to determine the quality of the service offered by the casino.
Payment Options
Reliable and reputable online casinos try their best to offer their users the best payment options possible. With this, a lot will be invested in the game’s compatibility as well as the payment method. In order to protect the payment details of their users, online casinos are expected to make use of an easy payment method that requires little payment information from the user. With this in mind, tourists are able to run away from casinos that ask for excessive personal details when making payments.
Conclusion
Finally, before you decide to play at an online casino, it is critical that you have a thorough understanding of the laws that govern online gambling. When it comes to online gambling, there tends to be more leeway for tourists. Therefore, with the information gathered in this article, as a tourist, you are able to enjoy the experience that comes with playing online casinos.