New Zealand is a fairly small country with a population of just over 5million people. But it should be noted that this is a developed country with a higher standard of living than, for example, in Europe. That is why New Zealanders consider online casino games primarily as entertainment and do not spare money for it. Thus, the demand for online games in New Zealand is growing every year, and more and more players are interested in online casino games. Approximately 80 per cent of the total population participates in online games in one way or another, including playing online slot machines for real money. New Zealanders spend billions of New Zealand dollars annually on online casino betting, and the average cost per player in the country is more than $600. Below we have listed for you some of the features of gambling in New Zealand.

Online gambling is rapidly gaining popularity around the world, and New Zealand is no exception. Given the current legislative and technological changes, the question arises: are there regulations for online gambling in New Zealand and what responsibility does the affiliates in this sector have? In this article, we will look at the presence or absence of licensing systems, regulatory features, as well as the main laws related to online gambling in New Zealand.

Features of regulation

The main feature of online gambling regulation in New Zealand is strict control and restriction of access to gambling within the country. Harm minimization, involvement of reliable operators and refund of funds are the main principles of regulation

These measures were conceived and developed to reduce harm and protect vulnerable populations. One of the most striking examples is the use of blocking. This protects New Zealanders from accessing unverified sites, which reduces the risk of fraud and addiction.

Prospects and next steps

The future of online gambling regulation in New Zealand includes several key aspects:

· Updating the Gambling Law of 2003, taking into account modern realities and technologies

· Creation of a system that will allow licensing of both local and foreign operators, which will ensure stricter control and regulation of the market. As the regulatory framework evolves, reputable operators like Axe Casino can play a crucial role in this landscape. Axe Casino not only offers a diverse range of games, but also emphasizes player safety and responsible gambling practices, ensuring that Kiwis have access to a safe and entertaining gaming platform.

· Development and implementation of additional measures to protect players, including self-exclusion, restrictions on the use of credit cards and geo-blocking of unregulated sites

· Continuation of public hearings and surveys to take into account the views of various groups of the population and stakeholders

The development of a new licensing system will attract international companies to New Zealand that will be able to operate in a regulated market. This will create new jobs and provide additional revenues to the country’s budget. It is also important to take into account the experience of other countries, such as Italy, where strict measures have already been introduced to control online gambling.

Licensing prospects include the creation of a secure and regulated online gambling system that will protect players, allow only reliable operators to enter the market and benefit local communities. The licensing system can include both local and foreign operators, which will allow for better control and regulation of the market, as well as minimize the harm associated with gambling. It will also attract additional funds to the country’s economy and increase revenues from taxes and fees.

Minimising harm and protecting players

One of the key aspects of regulation is to minimize the harm associated with gambling. The New Zealand Gambling Commission, together with the Ministry of Health, monitors gambling addiction and develops measures to reduce it. In addition, the introduction of technologies such as player behavior tracking systems and algorithms to identify problematic behavior can significantly improve the situation. These technologies allow operators to respond to potential problems in a timely manner and offer players help and support.

Security concerns: Regulation of Online Gambling in New Zealand

In recent years, online casinos have become an integral part of New Zealanders’ leisure time, generating both interest and concern. Given the growing popularity of online gambling, New Zealand needs to ensure strict regulations to protect players and minimise potential risks such as gambling addiction and financial losses. The launch of public hearings and active interaction with the public make it possible to take into account the opinions of various groups, which contributes to the formation of a fair and transparent regulatory system.

The planned changes in legislation, such as licensing of local and foreign operators, the development of self-regulation tools and the use of geo-blocking, will ensure security for players and prevent access to unreliable platforms. As a result, the combination of a responsible approach from the authorities and active participation of society will help create a healthy gaming environment where gambling will remain an exciting and safe entertainment for New Zealanders.

Article written by Sofia Martin