In New Zealand, sports are not just a passion for the Kiwis, it is something intrinsically ingrained in the DNA of what it is to be a New Zealander. They represent a major part of the cultural fabric of everyday life in New Zealand and above all, Kiwis are supremely proud of all the sporting teams that represent the country of just over five million people.
People in New Zealand grow up naturally with sports. This often involves picking up a first cricket bat, rugby ball, or tennis racket and taking to the field at school, whether that is the rugby or cricket pitch or tennis court, all the while developing the taste of playing sports. Depending on the development, skills might be further developed and honed at university and could eventually lead down the professional path.
But regardless of whatever level is achieved from an early age, the deep-rooted attitude towards sports in New Zealand produces a fervent following of the All Blacks, the Black Caps, or the All Whites, and the other sporting teams that do the nation proud. Fan engagement is a key contributor to Kiwi success in sports, and Kiwis are discovering new ways to engage with sports.
There is plenty to cheer about for Kiwis on the international and domestic stages with the Black Caps recently sealing a historic whitewash win in India, which preceded a successful Autumn Nations Series for the All Blacks. But while turning up to the Eden Park, McLean Park, or the Basin Reserve makes for an incredibly fun outing, there is another way to follow sports that is proving especially popular with New Zealanders.
New experiences created by technology and software
More New Zealanders are jumping on the sports betting bandwagon and backing their favourite domestic teams and the country of course with bets placed on a growing range of sports betting operators available to those in NZ. The sports betting movement is gathering pace not just in New Zealand, but across the rest of the world, as more sports fans engage with the increasing number of betting markets offered across all sports.
This also includes the rapidly improving live in-play odds that offer the opportunity to bet along with the live action. The iGaming movement, as it is also known, has attracted sports fans in New Zealand who see betting as a natural partner to sports. Online sports books that are available to those in New Zealand often offer free bets for NZ popular sports, including rugby and cricket, but also for Formula One where Kiwi Liam Lawson is beginning to make a name for himself.
Whether Lawson gets the Red Bull seat that will likely be vacated by Sergio Perez remains to be seen, but with increased social interaction along with the added convenience of accessing online sports bookmakers on portable devices, the excitement and clamour around sports betting is rapidly rising in New Zealand and creating a new way for fans to engage with sports. Mobile apps are furthering the outreach for online bookmakers by simply keeping up with the digital wave and our increased reliance on digital devices such as smartphones and tablets.
A growing trend
Over the coming years, we can expect sports betting to continue its growth in New Zealand, as more people learn of the excitement and suspense of combining sports following with betting. As the industry grows within the country, better features, benefits, more engagement with and from fans, and greater regulation and awareness of sports betting and potential dangers can be expected. For a sports-mad nation, sports will take on an added meaning with the addition of sports betting.