Gambling is one of the most profitable and popular gaming industries in the world. Globally, it brings in billions of USD in annual revenue.
Millions of new players start their gambling journey every year. Because of this, some experts predict that the casino gambling industry will considerably grow over the next few years.
In New Zealand, just like in many other countries, locals enjoy and take part in gambling activities. Gambling, particularly casino gambling, is very popular.
But how did gambling activities gain popularity? When did they first appear in the country?
Where can you play some entertaining gambling games in New Zealand? What type of gambling venues and activities are legal?
Read on to find out the answers to these questions.
New Zealand’s gambling history
The first gambling activities on record are not casino games. The very first gambling activities in the world seem to be sports betting games.
However, some historians and experts disagree with this claim.
That being said, there are artefacts and drawings that depict chariot racing and other sports-related races. For example, an ancient Roman amphora, dating from the 1st or 2nd century AD, depicts a chariot race.
Money and other transaction means would have likely been used to reward winners and those who had successfully bet on them.
Sports betting, more specifically horse racing, was the first gambling activity in New Zealand. However, after bookmaking was made illegal in 1920, horse racing bets were only possible at a race site.
In other words, gamers had to attend a race to bet.
Lotteries were first introduced in 1877 with the first national lotteries appearing in 1933.
As gaming technology evolved, slot machines began to emerge on the market. In 1987, the first slot machines could be found in New Zealand.
Nowadays, gamers also have the option to visit virtual casino venues and play online slot games. This option has grown in popularity since the start of the 21st century.
Most popular land-based and online casinos to visit in New Zealand
There are several land-based casinos in New Zealand and thousands of great online casinos.
The best land-based casino in New Zealand is:
This casino is currently the highest-rated, land-based, casino in New Zealand according to Google. Not only is it a casino venue but it also includes:
- three luxury hotels
- a number of excellent restaurants, bars, and tea rooms
- shows and different entertainment.
- six attractions (including the Sky Tower which is the #1 attraction in Auckland)
In other words, this great casino is a must-see even for those who are not fans of gambling or casino gaming. There will be something for everyone there.
The casino itself offers an incredible range of gambling activities with its 2100 gaming machines and 150 table games.
Clients must be aged 20 or more to enter the SkyCity Auckland Casino.
Here are some other great and highly popular land-based casinos for those who do not live in Auckland:
- SkyCity Hamilton
- The Brook
- Christchurch Casino
- Grand Casino
- SkyCity Casino
As mentioned above, there are also thousands of great online casinos to choose from in New Zealand. Online casino gaming and betting might be a better option for you if you live far away from a land-based venue.
It might also be a great way to complement your gaming experiences in between visits to a land-based casino.
One of the most popular online casinos is Casino Days. You can check this one out via bonus.net.nz.
Bonus Net is completely legal in New Zealand and offers a list of great online casinos as well as their interesting bonus offers.
Bonus Net helps you make the most out of your gaming experience and find advantageous deals.
It also gathers users’ reviews of casinos. This means that you can easily compare the ratings and reviews of each casino before picking your gaming provider.
Gambling laws in New Zealand
Gambling activities are illegal in New Zealand unless they are organized and overlooked by an authorised gambling body and held at a licensed gambling venue (whether it be an online or land-based venue).
An authorized and legal gambling body will have been authorised under the Gambling Act 2003.
There are some illegal gambling activities in New Zealand such as remote interactive gambling and certain forms of gambling advertisement methods.
Although remote interactive gambling is illegal in New Zealand, it is legal for local players to gamble via an online casino that is based overseas.
In other words, international online casinos that are not based in the country are legal gambling venues in New Zealand.
Final thoughts
This article presented an overview of New Zealand’s gambling history, some of the best casino venues in the country and current gambling laws.
Let us know in the comments if you have any other popular New Zealand casino in mind. And feel free to let us know what you think of the country’s current gambling laws.