Online gambling can be considered a global phenomenon that has completely changed the industry. Thanks to growing digitalization, gamblers around the world can access their favourite games using any platform under the condition of an Internet connection.
However, each region has its own peculiarities in online gambling due to the technical base peculiarities, socio-cultural features, and so on. In this article, you can learn more about the state of the gambling industry in New Zealand and Zimbabwe: their similarities, differences, and perspectives.
The Legal Status of Online Gambling in New Zealand
The situation with online casinos in New Zealand is quite ambiguous. Slot machines, lotteries, racing events and various table games are four popular forms of online gambling among New Zealanders. Usually, Kiwi gamblers which provide a great selection of games along with attractive bonuses.
On the one hand, the country is open to offshore gaming sites that actively enter the market. Of course, they must feature relevant licenses and provide a secure making environment. On the other hand, local providers are under tight control and cannot launch new sites.
Regulatory Body Overseeing Online Gambling in NZ
New Zealand casinos are currently operated by the Gambling Act 2003. The :
- Gambling business control.
- Popularisation of responsible gambling.
- Ensuring fair play conditions and protecting the rights of players and providers.
- Use the funds from the gambling business for the country’s good.
Thanks to periodic revisions of the law, the gaming industry can actively adapt to changing realities and get the maximum benefit. It is worth saying that the New Zealand region has a longer gambling history than Zimbabwe. Thus, the country has gone through all the crises typical for the initial stages of online casino industry development, including regulation peculiarities, taxation policy, and so on.
Regional Gambling Statistics
According to regional statistics, the popularity of online gambling in New Zealand is constantly growing. For example, this can be seen in the per capita spending on casino games. There is also an increase in awareness about Responsible Gambling rules and the usage of self-exclusion programs among players. In the future, this trend will only increase.
However, there are small problems with offshore companies, the number of which is growing too fast. This puts a strain on the regulatory authorities to ensure that the gameplay is safe and gamblers are protected against fraud.
The Legal Status of Online Gambling in Zimbabwe
In contrast to New Zealand, in Zimbabwe, the increase in the popularity of gambling is much higher. This is explained by the relatively recent boom in digitalization of the region and the increasing access of the population to online gambling games. This tendency carries both advantages and disadvantages, which are described below.
Zimbabwe Gaming Regulatory Body
Currently, all casinos in Zimbabwe are controlled by the Law on Lotteries and Gambling. The law was first developed in 1998 but entered into force only in 2000. With its help, the state carries out the following actions:
- Regulates the gambling industry in an African country.
- Controls the entry of new providers into the market.
- Monitors the implementation of the responsive gambling rules.
- Ensures the safety of the players and more.
In addition, it contains all necessary instructions regarding tax policy and fees accrual for both local and overseas casinos.
Country-Specific Gambling Statistics
As mentioned above, the gambling market in this region is developing at a very fast pace. Out of the 16 million population, more and more people get access to the Internet and become casino clients. On the one hand, this brings investments to the region and replenishes the budget.
However, many of these gamblers do not have a sufficient understanding of basic Responsible Gambling. Because of this, there is a who either cannot get qualified help or are often unaware of the problem. This, in turn, leads to problems in the financial (debts, unstable income) and social (e.g. crimes) spheres.
Despite the colossal work of the regulatory authorities, it is still not enough at the present time. Therefore, in the future, the attention will be focused on the control of offshore gaming sites and the promotion of responsible gambling against the background of the growing interest of Zimbabweans in casino games.
Conclusion
The growing interest of the population in gambling games characterizes both countries. The development of or other countries shows that Kiwis are also distinguished by greater awareness of casino games’ risks and an understanding of Responsible Gambling principles.
However, this tendency is not so bright in Zimbabwe. Unlike Kiwis, the active involvement of Zimbabweans in gambling is explained by the difficult economic situation. Many Zim people consider casinos as a place where they can quickly earn money without considering all the associated risks.



