Guide To The Best Legal NZ Online Casino Sites
The legality of NZ online gambling is a confusing topic. It seems like every country has a different set of laws and regulations. And in many countries – including New Zealand – it's not easy to boil those rules down to a simple sentence or two that covers every possible situation.
However, we want you to understand what you are and aren't legally permitted to do in New Zealand when it comes to online casino. Legal online gambling is available in NZ, and we're here to give you all the information you need to enjoy internet gambling sites in a safe and legal manner.
The Legality of Online casino in New Zealand
Let's start with the simple answer: you can play at almost any online casino legally while living or residing in New Zealand. Laws in New Zealand do not stop anyone from playing at web-based casino sites that are based in other countries. However, it is illegal for companies to offer online gambling from New Zealand under regulations prohibiting "remote interactive gambling," which is why you won't see any home-grown online casino hosted in the country.
NZ Gambling Legislation: The Gambling Act 2003
The current laws regarding online casino in New Zealand all stem from the Gambling Act 2003, which (among other regulations) set the standard for how the country would regulate remote interactive gambling. In fact, the act outlaws the practice, which includes any gambling "by a person at a distance by interaction through a communication device," including computers, telephones, radios and similar devices.
However, as the government itself has pointed out, this prohibition only applies to firms in New Zealand. It is not a restriction on Kiwis participating in online casino that are hosted overseas. Companies in New Zealand, however, cannot run online casino; only the Lotteries Commission and the Racing board have limited internet gambling options available to them domestically.
One thing you won't see much of in New Zealand is online casino advertisements. Overseas gambling ads were prohibited in the Gambling Act 2003, so operators (both online and land-based) who reside outside of the country are not allowed to place adverts in local media.
Finding the Best Legal Online casino
The one disadvantage to the current system in New Zealand is that there is no regulation of the many online casino you can choose from. That makes it difficult for the average consumer to figure out which sites are legit and which are potentially untrustworthy. That's why it's important to play only at websites that are regulated in jurisdictions that provide strong oversight to sites that operate there, and why we only recommend gambling websites located in these trustworthy jurisdictions.
We've used our combined decades of online casino experience and substantial research to narrow our recommendations down to only the best sites that are legal in New Zealand. If you're looking to play casino games online in NZ, we recommend browsing our reviews to find a site that's right for you. By sticking to our top-rated and legal internet gaming sites, you'll be certain to have a safe and fun time playing your favourite casino games – without any worries about being on the wrong side of the law.
New Zealand Legislation FAQ
- Can I legally play online casino games in New Zealand?
Yes, provided that this gambling is hosted overseas. Online casino owned and operated by foreign companies are fully legal in New Zealand, while domestic companies are not allowed to offer internet gambling. - Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
Gambling winnings in New Zealand are only taxable if you are using gambling as a means of producing income – in other words, if gambling is your primary occupation. For the vast majority of players, this means that there is no obligation to pay taxes on any of your gambling winnings. - Do I have to download software?
No software downloads are required to play games at most internet gambling sites. While downloading a software client to your computer is certainly an option, many players instead choose to play on "instant play" sites that can be accessed directly through your favourite web browser right on the casino website. - Can I withdraw my winnings?
Yes, you should have no trouble withdrawing your winnings to your bank account or an e-wallet solution of your choice. There are no restrictions put into place that prevent banks or other institutions from processing online casino transactions in New Zealand. - What banking options can I legally use?
Virtually any popular banking option is legal to use with online gambling in New Zealand. Options that are common worldwide include bank transfers, credit and debit cards, e-wallet programs such as Neteller and Skrill, or prepaid products like Ukash. There is also POLi, an online banking payment method that works specifically with major banks in New Zealand and Australia.
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