As previously mentioned, online gambling is a popular pastime in New Zealand, and this is made easy with some of the most relaxed regulations regarding online casinos. However, the Gambling Act 2003 regulates all forms of gambling in New Zealand – including online casinos – and all operators must be licensed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) before offering their services to players. The DIA sets out strict rules for advertising and marketing and responsible gaming measures that all operators must implement. For example, all online casino games must be fair and random (with no manipulation or cheating allowed). The Gambling Commission also protects players from fraudulent activities and monitors all licensed operators closely.
New Zealand is home to various online casinos offering a unique gaming experience. The first type of online casino is the traditional casino – these are usually powered by software from well-known providers (such as Microgaming or Playtech) and offer a range of classic slots, table games and video poker. The second type of online casino is the live dealer casino – these are powered by real dealers who interact with players via webcam while they play their favourite games (such as blackjack or roulette). Finally, progressive jackpot casinos are also available, offering prizes for lucky players who hit certain combinations on their slot machines or other games.