Best eSports Casinos in New Zealand: Top 10 Casino Websites 2024

Choosing an online bookmaker

Punters must take the appropriate steps to protect themselves from gambling malpractices. The first task is choosing the right online eSports bookmaker to avoid those with a history of gambling malpractices. That includes ensuring the chosen bookie has the relevant licenses and permits. Before players opt for any esport bookie, they should also examine esports bookmaker ratings from trusted ranking sites and user reviews.

History of esports betting in New Zealand

Esports are relatively new in New Zealand compared to other types of gambling. This is attributed to the fact that it took a while before they were incorporated into the mainstream gambling industry, meaning many gambling operators did not offer eSports betting markets until about a decade ago. Also, eSports gaming was largely unregulated in the past, making it difficult for the gambling providers to determine the odds to offer punters.

Esports nowadays in New Zealand

Despite being relatively new, eSports gambling has proven to be very popular in New Zealand based on the number of punters who bet on the games regularly. Statistics indicate that it had the second-highest growth rate in the last five years, with regular sports betting the highest. Many online gambling operators currently offer various eSports betting markets, allowing New Zealand punters to bet on their favorite eSports matches and tournaments.

Future of esports betting

Esports betting will more than likely continue soaring in popularity in New Zealand. That mostly is because it is increasingly becoming easier to access eSports betting markets. The eSports gaming world is also growing, with more punters being able to participate in tournaments and events or follow the games they enjoy playing. More trustworthy organizations are also managing eSports gaming events, increasing the number of betting markets available. The increasing prevalence of eSports gaming will increase the popularity of eSports betting, just as was the case for regular sports.

The history of New Zealand gambling

Gambling in New Zealand dates from when the first European settlers came. Gambling was illegalized soon after its introduction and remained prohibited for most of the colonial period. In 1908, the Gambling Act was adopted, legalizing gambling on racing sports only. Gambling began thriving in the country under the new laws, to the extent that illegal gambling operations flooded the market. The government introduced further regulations but did not prohibit gambling.

In 1951, state-sanctioned lotteries and pokies were legalized after the New Zealand government introduced the Totalisator Agency Board. Gambling outside racetracks was also legalized, leading to the opening of land-based casinos.

Significant historical changes

During the 1980s, there were economic reforms, which led to a liberalization of marketing and regulatory regimes. Most of the gambling restraints were lifted, setting the stage for the New Zealand gambling industry to boom. For example, electronic pokies were introduced in 1991 and took about 35% of the gambling industry market share within half a decade.

Another significant change came about after introducing online gambling, which took New Zealand and the entire world by storm in the late 1990s. Online gambling continues to evolve, attracting more and more punters over time. Live betting is one of the many gambling products facilitated by online gambling, which improved the gambling experience of most punters and led to the growth of the gambling industry.

The introduction of eSports betting also caused shockwaves in the gambling industry. That was especially the case during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, which had disrupted most of the gambling markets. eSports betting markets were available when the popular regular sports betting markets were unavailable. The eSports events were the least affected. That made punters view eSports as one of the most reliable betting options, sparking its popularity growth.

Future of gambling in New Zealand

Gambling, in general, is likely going to continue thriving in New Zealand. The improving technology can be attributed to the ever-increasing online gambling industry. The government will most likely support the growth of the gambling industry, albeit with regulations set to protect punters. That is because of the income the gambling industry will generate as it continues to grow.

Esports legislation in New Zealand

Currently, New Zealand laws prohibit eSports betting. The Gambling Act of 2003 prohibits remote interactive gambling, under which eSports gambling falls. However, that is regarding remote gambling operations based in the country. Betting on eSports in offshore bookmakers is legal, although unregulated. That is for as long as the betting operators do not flaunt any other associated laws, such as illegal advertising. Thanks to that, a majority of the licensed international eSports bookies allow New Zealand punters to register and play.

Betting Acts in New Zealand

All rules and regulations regarding gambling in New Zealand are stipulated under the Gambling Act of 2003. Accordingly, gambling is illegal unless authorized under or by the act. The act divides gambling into four classes, which define the specifications under which gambling can be allowed.

Class 1

Gambling operations allowed to operate as class 1 are not permitted prize turnovers of more than $500. The proceeds arising from the gambling operation must be applied to the winners. Individuals are allowed to conduct Class 1 gambling.

Class 2

Class 2 gambling includes those with prizes totaling between $500 and $5000. The gambling turnover must be less than $25000 and more than $500. No license is required for Class 2 gambling, though it has to be run by societies.

Class 3 and 4

For Class 3, the gambling operations must have prizes valued at $5000 or more. Class 4 covers gambling operations that employ gaming machines. Class 3 and 4 gambling can only be legally operated after obtaining a license.

Remote interactive gambling

According to section 9(2) (b) of the Gambling Act 2003, remote interactive gambling is prohibited. Remote interactive gambling refers to access to gambling services from a distance via communication devices such as computers and telephones. To fall within the definition, a punter must make payments to the remote casino operator directly or indirectly. However, the rule includes several exceptions.

The prohibition of remote interactive gambling does not apply to overseas gambling. Participating in gambling online is legal if the online casino is licensed and regulated by a foreign jurisdiction. That has the downside of punters having their legal protection based in the casino host country, which can be challenging to enforce.

The Gambling Act 2003 also recognizes that technology will keep changing, influencing the types of communication channels and devices and gambling methods. The legislators are responsible for handling any significant changes on a case-by-case basis, based on the existing laws and regulations.

Gambling authorities in New Zealand

The central authority in charge of gambling operations in New Zealand is the Gambling Commission. It is responsible for licensing casino venues and operators, hearing complaints from punters and operators, approving changes to casino licenses, hearing appeals against decisions, and advising the government regarding gambling matters.

License application

Applicants for casino operator licenses must file the proper application forms and pay $347,555.55 as an application fee to the Commission. The Commission will then send the application to several agencies, including the police. The agencies will next write reports that are sent back to the Commission, and the Commission requests the applicant for any additional submissions as per the reports. The Commission then decides whether to grant the license, refuse it, or grant it with conditions.

An almost similar procedure is followed when applying for the operator's license renewal and application for a casino venue license. Among the submissions required for the applications are proof of financial capabilities, identification documents, and verified fingerprints.

New Zealand players' favorite games

New Zealand eSports punters tend to bet on some titles more than others. That is usually mostly because of the low house edges or attractive odds of the games and how entertaining they are to follow. Below are a few of the most popular video games.

DOTA 2

DOTA 2 is a multiplayer game set in a battle arena. Some of the reasons why the game is so popular among players are that it is free to play, can be played alongside friends, has numerous unique features, relies on strategies, and is quite entertaining. Punters love the game because it is usually featured in numerous eSports tournaments, making it easier to find the game's betting markets.

League of Legends (LoL)

LoL is another popular eSports title among New Zealanders and is a multiplayer online battle arena game. One of the top reasons punters love betting on the League of Legends tournaments is that the game does not accept Riot endorsed mechanisms that alter the probability of a player winning. Punters can thus bet without fear of players influencing the results.

FIFA

FIFA is an association football-based video game. The game simulates everything that happens in the real association football leagues and tournaments, including the names and appearance of the actual players. Association football is already one of the most popular sports in New Zealand, making it not a surprise that the video game has many fans.

Payment methods in New Zealand

New Zealand punters have numerous payment methods to consider as most international eSports casinos usually offer a majority of the mainstream options. Unfortunately, local payment methods can be pretty challenging, as there are no local eSports bookies. That means they might have to incur currency conversion costs in most cases. Below are the most popular payment methods.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are commonly used because they are accepted in nearly all international online eSports casinos. Some casinos also offer payment method bonuses to punters who use bank cards. The main challenge of using bank cards is they do not support withdrawals from bookmakers. Punters thus have to find alternative payment methods for withdrawing funds.

E-Wallets

E-wallets help solve the problem of using bank cards. Most e-wallets support deposits and withdrawals, meaning punters can stick to a single payment method for all gambling-related transactions. Some commonly used options in eSports gaming circles include PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Upaycard. Punters can choose their preferred e-wallet based on their gaming needs.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are also becoming a welcome payment method among New Zealanders. That mostly is because cryptocurrencies offer the highest levels of privacy. Punters can make transactions without providing their banking or personal information, and no transaction can be traced back to a particular punter.

FAQs

Is eSports gambling legal in New Zealand?

eSports gambling is prohibited in New Zealand if the eSports casino is based within the country. Betting on eSports on sites based in other countries is legal. However, punters must be 18 years or older to gamble.

Can New Zealand punters watch eSports online?

Anyone in New Zealand can follow most eSports tournaments or matches by streaming online. The most popular streaming provider for eSports in New Zealand is Twitch. However, numerous other platforms and individuals boast of offering streaming services for most tournaments.

How can New Zealand punters bet on eSports?

eSports punters must first choose a suitable international betting site and register for an account. They can then select a convenient payment method and deposit funds into the account, which they can use as wagers for any eSports match offered by the eSports betting site.

Do New Zealand eSports punters pay tax on their winnings?

New Zealand eSports punters generally do not pay any taxes to the government for any winnings they receive in international eSports bookmaker. There are no regulations set in place for gambling online in international casinos. However, the winnings are usually taxed per the country's laws where the sportsbooks are based.

Most Popular eSports Bookies in New Zealand