The New Zealand gaming license imposes requirements when it comes to online casinos, among other things, that responsible gambling should take place and that the range of casino bonuses should be reduced. The idea behind the introduction of a New Zealand gaming license is to introduce a higher level of gaming security and consumer protection. In other words, it will be safer to play online at casinos that are under New Zealand law and these new regulations.
Who issues casino licenses?
The New Zealand gaming license is issued by the New Zealand lottery Inspectorate in New Zealand and it is done after they have checked that a casino meets the requirements. In connection with the change in the law, the lottery Inspectorate will change its name to the Gambling Authority and their work will be to take over all licensing for games aimed at New Zealand players. In this role, they will be responsible for controlling lotteries, land-based casinos, online casinos and other game types. A gaming tax of 18% will also be levied on all licensed companies, but players will be able to withdraw their winnings tax-free. With the casino license, the New Zealand lottery Inspectorate hopes to reduce the risks of gambling addiction among New Zealand players and be able to bring gaming companies back to New Zealand with job opportunities.
Casinos that have received a New Zealand gaming license
At the moment, about twenty companies have been granted a New Zealand gaming license and some of them provide more than one online casino. Applications are still being processed and many more have come in to the lottery Inspectorate. There is already a long list of approved online casinos that are among the largest in the industry see our list.
There will certainly be many more casinos on the list before the end of the year. If your favorite casino has not yet received the license, then there is time left before the new law comes into force.
Advantages
The advantages are many for us New Zealand players when it comes to the new gaming law. Security will be even better and we will be able to withdraw our profits tax-free. We will also be more protected against gambling addiction as the New Zealand authorities have more control over gambling than before. The idea of the license is therefore primarily to protect US consumers from getting hurt when we play on the internet and that in itself is very beneficial. It should also be possible to play without an account using BankID at the casinos that have a New Zealand gaming license, which means that you avoid tedious verification processes.
Cons
The disadvantages are not really that many when it comes to the introduction of the New Zealand gaming license. A negative aspect, however, is that bonus offers will decrease significantly. The New Zealand gaming license allows only one bonus per casino and player, and this must be obtained at the first game opportunity. However, this is also positive as competition and marketing can decrease significantly between the different sites. There will also be fewer sites for us Kiwis to play on as far from all online casinos will apply for a New Zealand gaming license. But this is also not so serious as there are plenty of gambling sites that have already received or at least applied for the New Zealand gaming license.
Summary
On January 1, 2019, the New Zealand gaming license will be introduced and already about twenty companies have been granted a New Zealand gaming license. At least as many have submitted their applications. Among the casinos that have already been approved, you will find, among others, LeoVegas, Unibet and Maria Casino, experienced gaming sites with good judgment.
The introduction of the gaming license will mean many advantages for us New Zealand players, such as higher security and Login using BankID, to name a few. However, bonus offers will decrease, which can be seen as both an advantage and a disadvantage. An advantage for Responsible Gambling but boring for players who like bonuses. We welcome this new game Law and believe it will do good.