Recently, there have been talks about legalizing online gambling in New Zealand. The news has gotten a lot of people excited, while others are asking; “Why now?” The reason for the decision has a lot to do with the growing popularity of the iGaming industry worldwide.
Online casinos are thriving, generating billions annually, and attracting more fans. These platforms also do a great job of stimulating local and national economies, which is why so many countries are becoming open to the idea of legalization.
New Zealand’s laws may prohibit gambling sites from operating within the country. However, they say nothing about players accessing outside casinos. In other words, players can access Karamba NZ and similar websites, and play an assortment of games.
What are Online Casinos?
Online casinos, as one might guess, are gambling platforms that a player could access online. However, unlike most internet gambling options, these ones are mainly located outside of the country in which they are being accessed. When using an internet-based casino, it is important to be aware of the site’s reputation. The two things to keep in mind are these; is it legal to play, and what steps has the casino taken to prove it is safe?
First, we must tackle the question of legality, as it is certainly the one that irks the most people. Yes, the New Zealand government has banned any online casinos from operating from within their borders. However, the laws do not prohibit local players from accessing casinos. In other words, there is no issue with playing your favorite games online, so long as you are doing it using a website, whose main HQ lies outside New Zealand.
As for reputation, well, that is what licenses are there for. Online casinos, much like land-based establishments, must be approved by a government entity. For example, in the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), is responsible for taking care of online casinos. It has a global reputation as one of the strictest organization when it comes to regulating online casinos. On the other hand, the Malta Gaming Association operates internationally, and has a stellar reputation, which is why most casinos available in New Zealand will carry its seal.
Pokies – A Favorite Game in New Zealand
Internet casinos tend to have expansive game libraries, with pokies being most people’s first choice. When a player first gets access to an online casino, they will tend to gravitate to the pokies games, because these are the games most often promoted on the front page. Navigating the pokies section at an online casino might be overwhelming at first. But, once new players get used to the site, and all of the different categories, they will have no issue discovering their new favorite game.
Pokies are a staple of the gambling industry, even in land-based casinos. They pepper their halls, numbering in the dozens, or even hundreds sometimes. It has been the case since Charles Fey created the first pokie machine, the Liberty Bell, back in the 1890s. The machines provide a simple and easy way to have fun, which is deeply tied to their immense success. However, there is so much more to online casinos than simply pokies. For those who want a greater challenge, or perhaps some more complexity, live casinos are a great choice.
The Growing Success of Live Gambling in NZ
Pokies are a fun time, to be sure. But, they are not for everyone. Some people may be put off by the repetitive nature. Others simply prefer the interactive side of gaming. For a long time, digital versions of popular casino games were available on internet gambling platforms. However, operators noticed that fans prefer the face-to-face experience. Plenty of tech-based podcasts talk about how technology has changed the world. In the realm of iGaming, we have a practical example of precisely that happening.
We are, of course, referencing live casinos. By incorporating live streaming technology, internet gambling platforms have managed to merge the two worlds together. Fans now get to experience the convenience of online casinos, while also enjoy the interactive element of land-based establishments. It really is the best of both worlds. So, if you think you will miss the face-to-face experience at online casinos, fear not. The iGaming industry has you covered.
When it comes to live gambling, most people’s first choice is going to be blackjack, with roulette being a very close second. These two games have the best reputation, both in brick-and-mortar and internet-based gambling establishments. The interesting thing about some casinos is that, at times, they offer players the ability to choose which dealer they might prefer, from a list of options, doubling the interactive feel of these websites.
How Bonuses Contribute to New Zealand’s iGaming Culture
Most reputable casinos come with a list of promotions and bonus offers, to make their players’ lives a little easier. First and foremost is the welcome offer, which lets new fans kick off with a pretty big advantage. By putting down a first deposit, players can get certain perks which usually manifest as a match bonus or free spins. The free spins allow new customers certain freedom to explore, while the match deposit extends their stay on the site.
But, existing customers must be kept happy as well, and most casinos are happy to do that. Most websites feature weekly promotions, which any active customer can make use of on a specific day. The tricky part here is that players have to pay attention to the time when the bonus is viable. If you miss the time pokies, you will have to come back again next week. So, don’t worry too much if you miss a day or two.
The final thing we would like to bring up regarding bonuses at gambling websites is the existence of VIP clubs and programs. In essence, a VIP club means that an online casino allows players to achieve a status, with which they get special perks. Some VIP programs require monthly subscriptions, while others exist as loyalty rewards. Whatever the case may be, a lot of gamblers are quite excited when they finally get to join the VIP section at their online casino.