Casino Age NZ

Are you wondering what the legal gambling age is in New Zealand? If so, this article will provide all the information you need to know about casino age requirements in New Zealand. We'll discuss where and when it's legal for people of different ages to gamble and how these laws are enforced.

You'll also learn about the potential consequences if someone breaks the law by gambling while underage. So, read on to find out more about the rules surrounding casino age in New Zealand!

Highlights:

• The legal gambling age depends on the type of gambling
• In New Zealand, there are only offshore/international online casinos
• If you gamble under 18, you might get a fine

What Is The Legal Gambling Age in New Zealand?

The state regulates basically any field of life, including gambling. In New Zealand, you are basically classed as an adult from the age of 20, this is when you can legally enter a casino, earn adult minimum wages, or serve on a jury.

The legal casino age in New Zealand is 20 years and over. However, this applies only to land-based casinos. Let's not forget there are other gambling activities, such as lotteries, sports betting, scratch cards, the Instant Kiwi Lottery, or restaurant pokies, where you can legally participate when you’re 18 or over. In the case of Lotto, there are no gambling age restrictions. Even children can buy tickets.

Gambling Type	Legal Gambling Age
Lotto	No limit
Scratch Cards	18
Instant Play	18
Instant Kiwi Lottery	18
Restaurant/Pub Pokies	18
Sports Betting	18
Online Casino Gambling	18
Land-Based Casino	20

Lotto

There is no age restriction for lotteries like Lotto, Keno, or Play 3, so anyone can buy tickets irrespective of their age. However, if you are under 18 and have won more than NZ$1,000, your parent or legal guardian will need to sign a consent form before you can collect your prise.

Scratch Cards & Instant Lottery

Scratch cards and instant lottery tickets are available for purchase by anyone over 18. The NZ Gambling Act 2003 prohibits any person under 18 from buying a ticket, even if it is for someone else. Sellers might get fines up to NZ$1,000 for selling tickets to minors.

Sports Betting

Sports betting is perfectly legal in New Zealand if you are 18 or over. The sole betting operator in NZ is Totalisator Agency Board (TAB), which provides both online and offline sports betting and racing services.

Restaurant/Pub Pokies

Anyone aged 18 or over is allowed to play pokies in pubs, bars, and restaurants. Pokie machines are found in almost every pub around New Zealand, so it’s easy to find them even if you are a minor.

Age Limits at NZ Online Casinos

Online gambling laws are different in New Zealand. The law states that online casino gambling isn't allowed in New Zealand and doesn't specify an age limit. However, it doesn't mean that you can't play at online casinos or sportsbooks; it just means that you have to do so on offshore casino gambling sites.

These offshore gambling sites are subject to the regulations of their home country, not New Zealand's. The majority of online gambling sites are regulated by reputable jurisdictions and require players to be at least 18 years old before they can register an account. This means that, in general, the minimum casino age for online gambling in New Zealand is 18.

However, being offshore doesn't necessarily mean the site is worse or less safe. Many offshore online casinos are licenced by some of the most trusted gambling authorities in the world, like Malta’s MGA and the UK Gambling Commission. Keep in mind that it is not easy to get a license. The company needs to comply with their strict rules and regulations, such as game fairness, minimum age requirement, and responsible gambling policies.

How to check if a casino holds a license? Visit their website, and you will find the licence badge at the bottom. You will see there the licence of one of the regulators listed below. To make things easier for you, we found the minimum age requirements for each of them.

• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) = 18+
• Curacao eGaming Commission = 18+
• United Kingdom Gambling Commission = 18+
• Gibraltar Regulatory Authority = 18+

Documents Required for Proof of Casino Age NZ

If you want to enter a land-based casino or register at a fast payout casino NZ, then you will have to prove your age with some form of ID. At offline casinos, most NZ players will be asked to present a driver's licence or ID.

Whereas, at online casinos, you need to upload a scan of one of these documents. Many casino gambling sites also want you to submit a recent utility bill that confirms your address or even a copy of your passport. Look at the checklist below to find out what documents you'll need to provide. Keep in mind that usually only one of the following documents is enough to prove your age:

• NZ driver's licence
• NZ passport or overseas passport
• Kiwi Access Card
• HANZ

Fines For Underage Gambling in NZ

Most gambling activities in New Zealand are regulated by the Gambling Act 2003. It sets strict rules and regulations that operators must follow, along with the age limit. According to the law, anyone under 18 cannot gamble in land-based casinos or other gambling venues, even if adults supervise them.

If a minor is caught gambling, he may get fined up to NZ$500. On the other hand, operators can get fined up to NZ$1,000 if they are found allowing gambling by minors. Additionally, the government may even revoke their gambling licence if they are found guilty of breaking the law.

Looking for something else? We recommend our article about the latest innovation in the online casino world – open banking casinos. If you want to play online with cash – we also have something for you – Paysafe casinos.

FAQs Casino Age NZ

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Dan