There has been significant growth in New Zealand’s online gaming industry in recent years. This is largely due to technological advancements, accessibility and the global pandemic. There is a huge range of online gaming options available now, including casino games, esports, multiplayer games, mobile games and virtual-reality experiences. This includes everything from casual online games to competitive esports tournaments.
The NZ gaming sphere really caters to every preference and interest. Online games are becoming more social too, thanks to interactive elements. In this guide, we’ll explore all of the different aspects of online games in New Zealand. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned gamer or someone looking to get started – we’ll introduce everything you need to know.
Online casino gaming
New Zealanders are legally allowed to participate in online gambling activities and the legal framework is carefully regulated. The country’s gambling laws fall mainly under the Gambling Act 2003. This legislation outlines the rules surrounding various forms of gambling. It is the responsibility of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to regulate and enforce laws.
Things aren’t as easy for players as in some other countries: local operators are not allowed to provide their services to New Zealand players. Instead, Kiwis must use offshore casinos that are licensed by the likes of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).
For those just starting out in online gaming, a great place to start is Time2play. Here, you’ll find information about the latest offers and reputable casino sites recommended by industry experts.
Popular casino games in NZ
Players in New Zealand favour the same sorts of games as in other countries. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Blackjack: This is a classic card game that’s simple but strategic. It combines chance and strategy and has a simple aim: beat the dealer’s hand without going above 21.
- Roulette: This iconic game has been around since the 17th century and its online version is still extremely popular. There are lots of different versions, including games catering for low stakes play. Choose French roulette for the lowest house edge.
- Pokies: These are really popular because they’re simple yet varied. Like the fruit machines of old, players spin the reels to see if they win. The traditional, physical reels have been replaced by a random number generator (RNG), which decides the outcome.
- Poker: This requires skill and strategy. Besides video poker games, New Zealanders also enjoy live poker rooms online.
How to choose an online casino for your online games
Players should exercise caution when choosing an online casino to play at. There are things to consider before deciding. These include:
- Licensing and regulation: Licensed casinos adhere to strict standards. This means they’re fair and secure. Casinos with reputable licenses from the likes of MGA, UKGC and Curaçao are recommended.
- Game variety and software providers: Some casinos market themselves as a single-software site (for example, a Microgaming casino). However, others have a huge range of games from top providers like Playtech, Big Time Gaming, Play’n GO and Evolution Gaming.
- Payment methods: Depending on how you want to pay, you might want to check out the payment methods available before signing up. If you’d like quick withdrawals, you need a site that accepts e-wallets. However, this might also mean you can’t access the welcome bonus, so it’s worth reading payment T&Cs.
- Security: This is an obvious consideration when choosing a site to play online games. Check that the casino uses SSL encryption technology and has robust privacy policies.
- Bonus offers: Before deciding where to spend your money, check out the welcome offer as well as any subsequent offers available for regular customers. Don’t forget to read the terms and conditions of these, as things like wagering requirements and time scales mean that what looks like a good offer is actually a bad one.
Responsible gaming practices
When it comes to playing online casino games, it’s important to play responsibly. Any good online casino will have support tools for responsible gaming. Here is some advice on how to stay safe:
Set limits
Before starting to play, you should seriously consider how much you’ve got available to play with. You should only ever play with money you can afford to lose. Setting limits on your account is a good idea – this allows you to manage your spending better, so you keep track.
Many online casinos offer tools and built-in features like deposit limit setting and session duration reminders. Even if you’re not worried about spending too much now, setting a limit at the start means you won’t end up succumbing to problem gambling.
Know the signs of problem gambling
It’s also useful to read up on the warning signs of problem gambling. If you don’t know what to look for, you might find yourself falling into it. Some of the signs include:
- Trying to chase losses.
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on playing.
- Hiding your gambling activities from your family.
- Neglecting responsibilities (personal or financial).
Getting help
If you find yourself in trouble, there are lots of places you can go for support. These include the Gambling Helpline. This is available 24/7 by texting 8006. There are also other gambling support services available around the country.
Other online gaming options
Besides online gambling games, there are other online gaming options available to New Zealanders. Here are some of the options:
Esports
You have probably seen in the media that esports are enjoying significant growth in the country. There is a growing community of players and teams around New Zealand. Tournaments and esports events are hosted regularly, and these showcase the top talent of gamers. Popular games include League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Dota 2. These games have intense gameplay and attract large audiences around the world.
To get started with esports, it’s a good idea to select a game that interests you, and familiarise yourself with the mechanics and strategies. Then, start watching professional matches and participate in amateur tournaments.
Online multiplayer games
Many esports games are also online multiplayer games that you can play casually. Games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, Minecraft and Apex Legends have vast player bases. To find the right game for you, consider factors like preferred gameplay style and community size. These games also provide opportunities for social interaction. You can even join Discord servers to enhance this social aspect of gaming.
Mobile gaming
Popular mobile games in New Zealand include Among Us, Candy Crush Saga and Clash Royale. These games cater to various tastes and demographics. They are great for players looking to enjoy gaming on the go, without being tied to a console or PC.
New Zealand gamers have so many options for online fun!
To summarise, online gaming in New Zealand has seen growth in recent years. From casino gaming to esports, there are many options to choose from.
For those starting out, especially with online gambling, it’s important to set rules and boundaries about how much you’re willing to spend (or lose). If you’re simply playing for fun, this won’t apply. Checking licensing and security is also paramount. Once you’ve done all that, you can start enjoying all that the online gaming world has to offer.