Playing casino games is inherently enjoyable, and can be equally intriguing no matter if you are playing using your portable device or you prefer going to a land-based establishment. Naturally, online casinos offer better comfort and convenience, which is why we are witnessing how they keep on increasing in popularity.
For that reason, it makes sense that every country has its own stance on the virtual form of gambling and has introduced various laws and regulations to keep it under control. Oftentimes, these regulations might not be expressed succinctly, which can result in certain confusion when the legality of gambling is concerned. Fortunately, this does not apply to the legislation of New Zealand, which will fall in the focus of our attention now.
Much like in many other places around the world, the attitude of the nation has undergone various changes when gambling is concerned, which has led to shifts in the legislation as well.
According to bestcasinosites.co.nz gambling activities continue to gather strength in almost all parts of the world, with New Zealand included. Much of the gambling activities in the country are concentrated across the six land-based casinos that are currently to be found across New Zealand.
Still, one of the pieces of legislation that contributed to the current state of things when gambling is concerned is the Gambling Act of 2003. The aim of its introduction was to replace a few gaming acts that were passed in the past, and that did not fit in the current gambling era. Legislators have worked towards the creation of a much consistent legislative framework, which necessitated the appeal of the Casino Control Act 2003, and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1977, and partially, the Racing Act 2003.
The main purposes of the Gambling Act 2003 were to facilitate responsible gambling, bring down the harmful effects of gambling, and determine the legality of the different forms of gambling. Under this act, bookmaking, together with remote gambling is outlawed. Advertising overseas virtual casinos and sportsbooks is also unlawful, and those who infringe this law will be imposed a fine of $10,000.
In addition to this, the Gambling Act differentiates four classes of gambling activities that are legal, and any form of gambling that does not fall within the scope of these four categories is illicit. Still, as online gambling hit the scene a bit later, this made it necessary for certain amendments to be made.
It is understandable that some people find it overwhelming to figure out if they will infringe law while wagering on casino games over the Internet. For that reason, we should clarify that the Gambling Act only covers gambling activities that are held within the territory of New Zealand. What does this mean is that online gambling in the country is not illegal, given that you go about it properly. As is stated in the Act, online gambling is permitted, given that players participate in betting at a virtual casino that is based overseas.
Fortunately, there is a huge number of interactive casinos that greet players from New Zealand and even process transactions in NZD, which comes to show that players are likely to have an easy time finding an above-board gaming website. Gambling on the move is also hugely preferred among Kiwi players, and one of the reasons why mobile apps are so popular in New Zealand is that thanks to them, players can get a thrilling casino experience whenever and wherever they wish.
Something important that the Gambling Act elaborates on is that the legal age for playing at casinos in New Zealand is 20 years, but this only refers to the brick-and-mortar establishments.
Since gambling falls heavily in the focus of lawmakers, it makes sense that certain legislative bodies will be established in order to oversee gambling activities in New Zealand. One such is the Department of Internal Affairs that is responsible for the administration of all gambling-related bills. It is also responsible for the seals of approval that are needed to provide gambling-related activities. It should be noted, however, that casinos do not fall under the sway of the department.
The role of the Gambling Commission is even more significant as it is responsible for the licenses of all land-based casinos. It started working back in 2004, and currently, it deals with complaints and oversees the decisions made by the Department of Internal Affairs.
The Ministry of Health is yet another agency that makes an important contribution, especially when problem gambling is concerned.
In the current climate, online gambling is a completely different matter. With all this in mind, virtual players should be aware that they will not be protected from the government of New Zealand even if they end up in some kind of difficulty while gambling at an offshore casino. What Kiwi players should take into account is that when they gamble at such websites, the jurisdiction under which the gambling operator provides its services would be the ones to dictate the rules both the player and the operator need to abide by.
For that reason, it is of paramount importance to make sure that the virtual casino you are about to join shoots square and has a valid license that is issued by a regulatory entity that is worthy of trust.