Despite the incredible distance and relative geographical isolation of New Zealand, this ex-British colony feels like a close neighbour to the UK, with similar interests and values. There are many traits shared between the UK and New Zealand, and plenty of hobbies and pastimes that are enjoyed in both nations.

When it comes to sporting endeavours, the UK and New Zealand often find themselves competing against one another on the international rugby circuit and on the cricket pitch. 

One of the other shared interests between the two nations is online gaming, which is one of the fastest-growing entertainment options on both sides of the world.

A history of gambling in New Zealand

There has been a gambling industry in New Zealand since at least the 1830s, when horse racing was the most popular form of gambling. A state lottery was established in 1877 to raise money for the government, but that was all about to change.

The social and cultural mores began to change around the turn of the century, and gambling was increasingly seen as immoral. This idea took hold and the previously state-endorsed gambling industry was vilified.

Bookmaking was most recently officially outlawed in 1910, making it illegal to bet anywhere except for racetracks. By 1933, a new state lottery had been introduced, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that a pro-gambling campaign made a convincing enough case for relaxing the laws, and slot machines (or pokies) weren’t legalised until 1991.

The gambling culture in New Zealand

Casino gaming was among the most popular of the games to be legalised, and the New Zealand Lottery Commission was established to oversee the regulation of gaming on the islands. The Gambling Commission of Great Britain is a non-departmental organisation, but gambling in New Zealand comes under the purview of the Department of Internal Affairs.

Most gaming establishments in New Zealand are operated by the state, and a proportion of the profits from these publicly owned gaming operators has to be invested in community projects. Recent acts have made special mention of online gaming in an attempt to keep up with the availability of virtual casinos and online gaming.

The legalisation of more forms of gambling was a hugely popular move in New Zealand, with many gaming fans choosing gaming over other forms of entertainment on a regular basis. As a result, the market has grown significantly over recent years, and experts predict that the market value will reach US$1.83 billion in 2025.

The New Zealand government’s willingness to adapt its laws to incorporate online gaming has given the country an edge in the international gaming stakes. This has fostered a welcoming environment for developers and game designers, meaning there are games designed specifically for the New Zealand market with bonuses to encourage players to register.

What games are New Zealanders playing

Like their counterparts around the world, huge numbers of New Zealanders are enjoying the freedom and flexibility afforded by online gaming. While traditional casinos would attract players with free drinks and food, online casinos offer a range of promotional offers which can be found on Bonusfinder in New Zealand.

Many sites also offer special deals to players who refer friends, or discounts for players who reach minimum deposit limits, so the online experience replicates land-based casinos in all the ways that matter. Those who might never have travelled to a casino are discovering the fun of playing casino games online, where they can try out lots of games from the comfort of their own homes.

The most popular casino games in New Zealand are slots, known as pokies by the locals,  which mirrors the figures from many other countries worldwide, including the UK. These fast-paced games appeal because they require no skill or experience, and players can win big with just a spin of the wheels.

There are a number of themed slots that appeal particularly to New Zealanders, particularly horseracing-themed slots which reflect the popularity of the sport of kings in New Zealand. Another popular game is a slot called ‘Beach Life’ which features the sun, sand, and sea associated with New Zealand and has an understandable appeal among pokie fans.

As a gaming hub, New Zealand is already nurturing its thriving market, and home-grown players are embracing the freedom to play a wide variety of online games. However, the government is striving to stay ahead of the technology and create gaming-friendly legislation that will protect players and enforce regulatory standards on licensed operators.

The legislation is going to encompass advertising standards and a framework for consumer protection. The new system, set to be in place by 2026, will retain the flexibility of the existing legislation with added protections to reflect the fast-paced nature of the online gaming environment.