Gambling in New Zealand has a long history, dating back to the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that gambling was officially legalised and regulated by the government.
Gaming and Lotteries Act – 1951
Gambling in New Zealand was first regulated in 1951 with the passage of the Gaming and Lotteries Act. This act established the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as the primary regulator of gambling in the country and gave the government the power to issue licences and regulate gambling operations.
However, the 1951 act had some major limitations. It only covered casino-style gambling, it was not able to keep up with the changes in technology and the gambling industry was expanding rapidly. The act was replaced by the Gambling Act of 2003, which established a comprehensive regulatory framework for all forms of gambling in the country.
The Gambling Act of 2003
The Gambling Act of 2003 was a major step forward in regulating the industry and ensuring that gambling in New Zealand was conducted in a safe and responsible manner. The act established the Gambling Commission, which is responsible for issuing licences and regulating all forms of gambling in the country. It also established a number of consumer protection measures, such as the requirement for gambling operators to have responsible gambling policies in place and to provide information to players about the risks of gambling.
The Gambling Act of 2003 also established a regime for the regulation of online gambling. This included the requirement for online gambling operators to be licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission and to have consumer protection measures in place. The act also established a regime for the regulation of remote interactive gambling, which includes online casino games, online sports betting, and online lottery games.
The Gambling Act of 2003 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides a strong regulatory framework for the gambling industry in New Zealand. It has played an important role in ensuring that gambling in the country is conducted in a safe and responsible manner and has helped to protect consumers from the risks of problem gambling.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, gambling was officially legalised and regulated in New Zealand in 1951 with the passage of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, but it was not until the Gambling Act of 2003 that a comprehensive regulatory framework for all forms of gambling was established. This act has played an important role in ensuring that gambling in the country is conducted in a safe and responsible manner and has helped to protect consumers from the risks of problem gambling. Nowadays, the Gambling Commission continues to regulate the industry and make sure that the rules are followed.
