What is the state of the gambling industry in New Zealand

What is the state of the gambling industry in New Zealand?

Published on 12/11/2024 13:27:16

It’s almost impossible to think about the gambling industry without considering nations like New Zealand. Actually, looking at the statistics, some studies claim that about 80% of the country’s population gambles in one way or another. As if that is not enough, a recent report found that the government could generate revenues of up to $500m starting from 2026 after it starts to regulate the online casino sector.

And as a serious gambler, you never want to miss out on such statistics. Remember, the online casino industry is always evolving, and you may want to keep up with current trends to have an optimal experience. That is exactly what this article will be about. We will go into depth to highlight the current trends in the country and uncover other amazing insights.

Important statistics about the current state of the online casino industry

Ever since the first casino opened in 1994, a lot has changed in the sector. Who could imagine that what was once only accessed physically could have such a national following? The numbers speak for themselves—just as we mentioned in the beginning, about 4 in 5 New Zealanders gamble. In fact, NZ online casinos have made it possible for players to access casino experiences from anywhere without worrying about reaching a physical position.

All that has been made possible by the widespread popularity of the internet in the region. By the way, do you actually know that, according to DataReportal, nearly 95.7% of New Zealanders have access to the internet as of 2024? Those who use it either weekly or more regularly at home are about 99%. You can now imagine what this means for those who might want some casino experiences but are unwilling to head over to a physical destination.

The role of tech advancements in the online casino industry

We always gravitate to experiences that improve life, so you have not stopped seeing innovations dominate the NZ gambling industry. Let’s begin this discussion by looking at the impact of mobile phones.

The popularity of mobile devices

Statista suggests that the number of mobile phone connections in NZ is about six million. You may be surprised to learn that this number actually exceeds the country’s population of about 5.223 million. And now, with these devices, New Zealanders can access online casinos on the go, in the office or even when traveling. You don’t have to get to a specific place to play as long as you have good internet connectivity.

The best part is that NZ online casinos are now taking advantage of this trend to tailor their services to mobile users. If you remember well, developers in the yesteryears would design websites using the desktop-first approach because desktops were quite popular. However, over the years, the approach has changed as users mostly access online services using their phones. And if we are to consider the numbers, Statista has identified about 1.6 million users in the overall mobile gaming industry.

Think with Google believes that tailoring your experiences for mobile could result in better business performance as 74% of users may likely return to your site if it is mobile-friendly. So, you can see why most NZ online casinos are turning to mobile-friendly designs – to increase their competitiveness. And this trend could actually continue in the next many years.

VR and AR

According to recent approximations, New Zealand’s general AV & VR could grow by 9.48% in the next few years. This is partly because the country’s gambling industry is increasingly welcoming this technology.

We no longer just want casual gameplay where we interact with mere computer characters – we want the gameplay to be as real as possible. And that is what VR & AR are all about. You can now spin some wheels or sit at a poker table and feel as though you were in Las Vegas itself. And what do you think could make you leave a platform if you found such experiences?

Another intriguing aspect of these technologies is the social experience they offer. Well, a good number of players will want an experience where they can participate with their friends and maybe compete against them. VR facilitates this by bringing the social charm that was somewhat lacking in yesteryears.

What lies ahead of us?

There are mixed reactions regarding the future of the gambling scene in New Zealand. Just the other day, a report revealed that about $140 million was lost yearly because of the unregulated nature of the industry. Realizing this, the government has hinted at plans to start regulating the industry by 2026.

And, of course, such moves could positively affect the industry. For instance, casino scams could be reduced, or the government could even collect more revenues from the sector. On top of that, we may see more innovations relying on technologies like AI emerge in the coming days.

Parting thoughts

As far as the gambling business in New Zealand is concerned, one will definitely agree that a lot has changed over the years. Thanks to the internet and mobile phones, most people can enjoy casino experiences regardless of borders.

Newer technologies, such as VR and AR, have given room for providers and developers to create more interactive experiences. With all these advancements, you can only imagine what the future holds.

Ring of Fire XL slot - when average rules the scene

Ring of Fire XL slot - when average rules the scene

Ring of Fire XL slot belongs to the most popular Kajot games on the internet. Why is the below average quality is not the issue

Play

1 Can 2 Can

1 Can 2 Can

Try 1 Can 2 Can online slot just for fun or learn the game here at Spin Castle

Play

Space Wars Online Slot Game

Space Wars Online Slot Game

Try Space Wars online slot just for fun or learn the game here at Spin Castle

Play