New Zealand gambling market size in 2024

Online gambling in New Zealand is on the rise. Many factors have contributed to the industry’s growth, including technological advancements and a robust regulatory framework.

Here’s everything you need to know regarding the online gambling landscape in New Zealand. 

Some important numbers

Statistics speak for themselves. They are the best indicator of how well New Zealand’s online gambling market is doing, and these are the most important numbers:

• • Revenue for 2024 is projected to reach US$1.25bn. 
• • The projected volume of the online casino market in 2024 is US$0.64bn. 
• • User penetration in the online gambling market for 2024 should be at 10.7%. 
• • The total number of online gamblers is expected to reach 697.2k by the end of 2029.
• • In 2024, the average revenue per user is expected to be US$2.21k. 
• • The industry’s revenue is projected to rise by 5.58% per year, leading to a projected market volume of US$1.64bn by the end of 2029. 

While on the subject of numbers, New Zealand’s residents should know that 0 online casinos in the country are licensed or regulated by the New Zealand Gambling Commission. 

While it’s illegal for local companies to offer casino games, the citizens are free to access offshore casino sites. According to Sam Bernard, New Zealand does not have a law that disallows playing in offshore remote online casinos. He adds that online casinos are a safe bet if you are looking for generous welcome bonuses, reliable payment options, and a wide variety of games (source: https://www.techopedia.com/gambling/new-zealand/online-casinos). 

What’s driving the growth?

Many factors have contributed to the overall growth of New Zealand’s online gambling market, but the increasing preference of people for online casino games is arguably the main one.

Gambling isn’t a new activity – it’s been around for centuries. Unlike in the old days when a person had to visit a brick-and-mortar casino to get access to games, the technological advancements of the 21st century allow them to do so without getting up from their couch. 

With online gambling, people get convenience and easy access to a wide range of games which, coupled with interesting bonuses & promos, makes it an attractive activity. 

There’s also the trend of mobile gambling, which contributes to the overall growth of the industry. This has made online gambling even more accessible, as people can play poker and roulette from their phones and tablets, depending on what they own. 

Besides gambling on the go, another market trend has won over New Zealand’s gambling market – sports betting.

With the worldwide sports betting and lottery market size amounting to US$235.46 billion, it’s definitely a force to be reckoned with – especially in a country that has a strong sports culture. Many online casinos have recognized the potential of sports betting, so many of them have special sportsbook sections. 

New Zealand’s regulation of the online gambling market

Even though the country has a somewhat contradictory framework when it comes to online gambling (with gambling being legal but forbidden for local companies), the government still ensures player safety. 

New Zealand’s online gambling market is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. The aim is to ensure that offshore casino operators comply with the law to deliver a safe gambling experience for players.

New Zealand’s residents know that the country has made efforts to protect them, which improves their level of trust in the system. This further motivates the citizens to partake in casino games, helping the market grow beyond proportion. 

The economic factor

New Zealand has a strong and stable economy, with residents that have decent salaries and a satisfactory standard of living. Not having to worry about life’s basic necessities frees them up to spend money on hobbies like gambling.

But New Zealanders aren’t the only ones who can access casino games in the country – tourists do it, as well. 

The country is a tourism powerhouse, with millions of people flocking every year. Many of them will engage in online casino games while visiting, especially if they come from an area where gambling is restricted.

This contributes to the rise of New Zealand’s online gambling industry, giving foreign visitors one more thing to do while in this beautiful country.

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