Did you know that NZ Lotteries and the New Zealand Racing Board (TAB) are the only two gambling organisations that can operate in New Zealand and are controlled under New Zealand law? No New Zealand based companies can offer online ‘casino’ types of gambling like virtual poker or roulette.
It’s also illegal for overseas online gambling operators to advertise in New Zealand. An overseas gambling advertisement is any communication that publicises or promotes gambling, or a gambling operator, when that gambling, or operator, is outside New Zealand or is reasonably likely to induce people to gamble outside New Zealand. Section 16 makes this an offence under the Gambling Act.
Legally, Kiwis can gamble on overseas online websites but you do so at your own risk. If you decide to gamble on overseas sites, be careful as some sites may be untrustworthy (for example, they may not guarantee your odds) and may have been designed to fleece you from your money. If the site or app doesn’t look trustworthy, do not use it.
It can be risky providing your credit card details to a site or app. We all know how easy it is to keep topping up your credits. That can cause you to gamble quickly and before long, you’ve dug yourself in a pretty deep hole.
Remember, the more time you spend on any gambling or gaming apps, the more money you’re likely to lose.
