Classes in which Gambling Activities Are Divided
As stated in the Gambling Act 2003, the various forms of gambling that are legal in the country exist are divided into four categories, including Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4. Instant games, lottery, games of chance, and prize competitions fall into the first three classes, while gaming machines that are placed outside casinos fall into the fourth category of gaming activities.
The gambling activities that fall in the first category include such in which the turnover or prizes does not go over $500. No license is required in order for such gambling activities to be conducted. As for the requirements for the activities that come within the second class, their prizes must range between $500 and $2,000. The turnover, on the other hand, must be higher than $500 but not exceed $25,000. Once again, no license is required for activities of this kind.
The third and fourth classes include gambling activities in which the prizes that are awarded for one session go over the $5,000 limit. This time, a seal of approval is required, and it must be granted by the Department of Internal Affairs.
All gambling activities that do not fall within any of these four classes are considered illegal in New Zealand. Additionally, the Act includes a list of a number of prizes that cannot be awarded during gambling activities, including tobacco products, liquor, and firearms.
Apparently, the authorities in New Zealand acknowledge that gambling activities enjoy great popularity among citizens, and as a result, they strive to keep a tight grip on the conduction of such.
There are several authorities that are tasked with gambling-related matters, and of these is the Gambling Commission. It is an independent statutory decision-making body that appeals on licensing and enforcement decisions made by the Secretary of Internal Affairs. In addition to this, the Commission hears casino licensing applications.
The Department of Internal Affairs also plays a crucial role, and this is the authority that monitors and ensures compliance of all gambling activities that are conducted in New Zealand with the Gambling Act 2003.
Remote Interactive Gambling in New Zealand
Remote interactive gambling is discussed in Section 9(2)(b) of the Act, and the definition of such activities is “gambling by a person at a distance by interaction through a communication device.” The Gambling Act of 2003 puts a ban on all activities that fall within the above-mentioned description. As far as communication devices are concerned, these include radios, computers, telephones, and other similar devices. Still, there are some exceptions to these rules, and the Racing Board and Lotteries Commission have permission to offer legal forms of gambling remotely.
Advertising gambling activities that are executed overseas is not allowed in New Zealand. In order for a gambling activity to be regarded as such, players need to pay to take part in such. Additionally, an element of chance while winning the prize should be used.
It should also be clarified that the ban on remote gambling activities only applies to New Zealand-based operators, and not to online casinos operating overseas. In other words, residents of the country can legally take part in gambling activities over the Internet at betting platforms that are registered in other parts of the globe.
Before they start playing at overseas casinos, gambling enthusiasts should consider that this might incur a risk as they cannot turn to the authorities in the country to seek legal protection.