The History of Gambling in New Zealand

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Gambling has been a part of New Zealand’s history since the early settlers arrived in the country. Horse racing was one of the first forms of gambling introduced to the country, with the first horse races being held in Auckland in 1835. However, gambling remained unregulated until the Gambling Act of 1908 was passed. The act banned public betting, but private betting continued.

Horse racing history

The gambling act of 1977

Over the years, gambling has become more popular in New Zealand, and the government has introduced regulations to ensure that it is conducted in a safe and responsible manner. The Gambling and Lotteries Act 1977 was introduced to regulate the industry, and the Department of Internal Affairs was given responsibility for enforcing the regulations.

Online Casinos took gambling to new levels

In recent years, the gambling industry in New Zealand has evolved to include online casinos. These casinos have become increasingly popular, and many New Zealanders now prefer to gamble online rather than in traditional casinos. The rise of online casinos has been driven by advances in technology, which have made it easier for people to access casino games from their computers or mobile devices.

Online casinos offer a wide range of games, including pokies, blackjack, roulette, and poker. These games are designed to be easy to play and offer the chance to win big prizes. Online casinos also offer a range of bonuses and promotions to attract new players and keep existing players coming back for more.

New regulations to protect the players

Despite the popularity of online casinos, the government has introduced regulations to ensure that they are operated in a safe and responsible manner. In 2019, the government introduced the Gambling (Online Gaming) Regulations 2019, which require online casinos to be licensed and regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. The regulations also require online casinos to have measures in place to prevent problem gambling and to ensure that players are protected from fraud and other criminal activities.

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