Gambling Age and Laws in New Zealand

Whether it's picking up a lotto ticket, having a go at scratchcards, placing bets on your favorite sports, or soaking up the atmosphere at a casino while playing classic table games like roulette and blackjack, there's no shortage of ways to gamble. Nowadays, the online realm has expanded these opportunities even further. If you're curious about New Zealand's gambling laws, this guide is precisely what you need—it's designed to clear up the rules, limitations, and age requirements you'll face if you decide to gamble in NZ.

Gambling Type	Legal Gambling Age
Lotto	No age limit
Scratch Cards	18
Instant Play	18
Instant Kiwi Lottery	18
Sports Betting	18
Restaurant Pokies	18
Land-based Casinos	20
Online Casinos	18

Gambling Age NZ

In New Zealand, you officially become an adult at 20, qualifying you to serve on a jury or earn the adult minimum wage. However, by age 18, you're already allowed to purchase alcohol in bars, partake in elections, buy tobacco, and sign a lease. Additionally, at 16, you can leave school, marry with parental consent, and engage in consensual relationships.

Let’s tackle the question that’s probably brought you here: at what age can you legally start gambling in New Zealand ? It actually varies, depending on the type of gambling you choose .

Lotto

When it comes to lotteries like Lotto, Play 3, Keno, and Bullseye, the interesting part is that there's no age restriction. However, if your good fortune wins you a prize exceeding $1000 and you're under the age of 18, your claim must be validated by a parent or legal guardian.

Scratch Cards, Instant Play Games, and Instant Kiwi Lottery

Craving a scratch card? If you’re not yet 18, you’re out of luck—it’s illegal under the NZ Gambling Act of 2003. Likewise, selling these instant win games or frequently drawn lottery tickets to anyone under 18—or purchasing them for someone underage—is against the law and could result in fines as high as $1000.

Sports Betting

For sports or horse racing wagering, the powerful player is the Totalisator Agency Board, fondly known as the TAB, which requires you to be at least 18. Underage betting incurs a penalty of up to $500, while those placing bets for underage individuals risk a fine of up to $1000.

Pokies

The legal age to play gaming machines such as pokies Drinks and games go hand-in-hand in local venues like pubs and clubs, and you must be 18 to partake in both. If suspicion arises about you being under 18 after a slot victory or if any winnings are at stake, the venue holds the right to withhold money. Demonstrating your legal age within a week could, however, see those winnings back in your wallet. Establishments are expected to keep a detailed log, listing your name, address, the sum, and the date of your achievement.

Casinos

Casinos in New Zealand, limited to half a dozen establishments, have a threshold—20 years old for those wanting to enter and indulge in gaming or drinking. These casinos enforce strict regulations and controls for compliance. If you're past 18, you can still drink in certain non-gaming areas.

Accepted ID at NZ casinos include:

• A valid New Zealand or international passport
• A recognized New Zealand or international photo driver's license
• Any other government-issued ID that features a photo and your birth date

Alternatively, the Kiwi Access Card serves as a passport or driver's license substitute for both New Zealanders and foreign nationals, though it's only acquirable domestically. This ID confirms you're 18+ and comes at a price of $55, valid for a decade.

Tempted to use fake identification? Think twice. The consequences include a potential prosecution and fines up to $500.

SkyCity Casino, New Zealand’s large casino franchise, imposes strict repercussions if you're underage in a gaming environment—a trespass notice awaits, banning you from the establishment for two years, not to mention the possible prosecution and a $500 fine.

Similar repercussions apply for underage alcohol purchases at casinos: expect fines up to $2000 or an infringement fee of $200 accompanying a two-year exclusion from the venue.

Online Casino Age Rules for New Zealanders

With land-based gambling options in New Zealand being limited, many turn to the online world. For internet casino or sports betting, the minimum age requirement stands at 18. Despite prevailing myths, it's entirely legal for New Zealanders to access international gambling platforms. NZ online casinos For clarity and peace of mind, let’s dig a bit deeper. According to the Gambling Act of 2003, without government approval, gambling activities, including domestic online lotteries or TAB betting services, are forbidden. Offshore online casinos and bookmaker services aren’t under NZ jurisdiction, meaning individuals 18+ can gamble freely. A bonus: offshore winnings are tax-free.

Although the internet teems with casinos and sports betting sites offering unlimited configurations—from spinning slots to playing table games like blackjack or betting on your favorite football—caution should be exercised. Unregulated websites can make your money vanish. So let’s touch on the online regulation system.

Online casino oversight lacks a central global authority; sites typically comply with the laws of their home countries. Some countries enforce rigid standards, while in others, sites can operate with fewer checks. Many sites, however, adhere to reputable jurisdictional guidelines and independent certifications, like those by eCOGRA, safeguarding you if you join them. Thus, a little initial research goes a long way.

Regulations for Online Gambling

Some regions have legislated to allow companies to provide online gaming services, contingent on meeting specific licenses such as fair games, underage gambling prevention, and a clear accounting system. Significant jurisdictions recognized for integrity include the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and others.

In addition to jurisdiction, certification by renowned testing agencies like eCOGRA ensures a safe and fair gaming environment through regular audits.

To verify an online casino's licensing and certification, look for seals or links typically located in the site’s footer or elsewhere where they stand out. If the information isn’t easily accessible, it's best to avoid the site—it’s not like there’s a shortage of alternatives.

Ideally, you're now well informed about the legal age for various gambling options available to you in New Zealand.

Gambling can become habitual; make sure to enjoy it responsibly!