Casino Gambling Statistics in New Zealand 2024

Written by Mark Dash |
Reviewed by Edward Howarth
February 7, 2024
2175 Views
Casino Gaming Statistics in New Zealand 2024

It is no longer news that the world of online gaming has gained fans from all over the world, but New Zealand beats all countries by having the maximum number of people involved in online gambling.

The gambling industry in New Zealand is a great entertainment source. Reports state that around 80% of New Zealanders engage in gambling activities.

The gambling market is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. They play an important role in managing the massive industry which expands each year. This industry is important for both people and the country’s economy. 

Online Gambling In New Zealand Statistics 2024

  • The online gambling industry in New Zealand is expected to make around US$1.25 billion in revenue in 2024. 
  • The online casino market is expected to have a volume of about US$0.64 billion in 2024. 
  • When we talk about the average revenue per user (ARPU) in the online gambling market in New Zealand, it’s estimated to be around US$2.52k in 2024.
  • It is foreseen that the revenue will grow at a rate of 6.03% per year (CAGR 2024-2028), and reach a market volume of about US$1.58 billion by 2028.
  • The user penetration rate in the online gambling market in New Zealand is estimated to be 9.9% in 2024. 
  • The number of users in the online gambling market in New Zealand is expected to reach 590.9k users by 2028.
  • New Zealand’s online gambling industry is growing as more Kiwis use eServices to fulfill their gaming needs.
  • In 2024, the United States is predicted to earn the highest revenue, reaching US$23,030.00 million.

The study found that bank transfers, Visa and Paysafe cards remain the most popular payment systems in terms of payment volume. It’s about creating a comprehensive gaming experience – you can learn about New Zealand gaming websites with payments here. Best paying online casinos always try to provide more methods to deposit and withdraw to improve the user experience.

How Many Kiwis Lose In Gambling?

Kiwis lose a significant amount in gambling. In 2016, New Zealand lost more than $843 million in pokies. In 2020, the loss amount increased to approx. $1 billion.

Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) says Kiwis increase their betting activities each year. They spent around $2.625 billion on lotteries, prize competitions, games of chance, and instant games in 2021.

Statistics on New Zealand’s Gambling Industry

The Covid-19 pandemic had a bad impact on New Zealand’s gambling industry. It caused the annual gambling profits to drop, resulting in major losses.

Despite these challenges, New Zealand’s gambling industry witnesses a large number of bettors, generating good revenue each year. 

Here’s a breakdown of the numbers involved:

New Zealand’s gambling expenditure totaled up to $2.4 billion in 2018

Gambling expenditure in New Zealand increases each year. Kiwis spend a good deal of money on gaming machines, such as poker machines outside casinos. These machines are found in every corner of the country.

New Zealand has over 17,799 poker machines

Poker machines, or pokies, are found everywhere in the country. It makes an important part of their gambling culture. Pokies became popular after the government made gambling legal. Around 82% of poker machines are in clubs and pubs, and the rest 18% are in NZ online casinos.

NZ’s Department of Internal Affairs says, people in New Zealand, spend $572 on average on various casinos games

Besides pokies, people also play other games such as lotteries, sports betting, scratch cards, race betting, and casino games. People show great interest and spend a lot of money to indulge in these games.

Kiwis spend $528 million on gaming machines in 2022

Kiwis never hesitate to spend money on pokies as they are addicted to it. These poker machines create false wins, pulling more people to play. To retain gamblers’ interest, these machines occasionally give out “free spins.” These winnings make players want to invest more money and the cycle continues.

People using pokie machines may suffer harm

Health Navigator New Zealand says, 49% of pokies players experience negative effects. Other 26% that bet on sports and race events also face the same problem. Despite gambling being a bad activity, people engage themselves in it.

Harm from gambling isn’t just about losing money. It also causes lower self-esteem, feelings of shame, increased alcohol consumption, hopelessness, and strained relationships with loved ones.

New Zealand’s online gambling industry is booming

The online gambling industry in New Zealand is expanding and may cross $1.1 billion in revenue in 2024.

The market may expand at a 7.88% annual growth rate from 2023 to 2027. The worth of the online gambling industry should be $1.51 billion in 2027.

Digital casinos are extremely popular in New Zealand

In New Zealand, more than 80% of people are into NZ dollar casinos. The interesting thing is that local online gambling is not legal in the country. TAB and Lotto NZ are the only two legal service providers.

Kiwis gamble online on foreign websites, making it hard for NZ’s Department of Internal Affairs to regulate it.

New Zealand loses money in online gambling every year

The country loses $140 million in online gambling each year because it is not regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. Online gambling activities don’t contribute to the local economy because they take place on foreign sites.

Due to this reason, New Zealand is losing a lot of revenue. This is bad both for the country and its people. This can be solved by making online gambling fully legal in the country.

Latest developments in the casino industry

We’ve done our research on innovation and new developments in the gambling industry and have prepared the key talking points for you:

  1. Adoption of new technologies like VR, blockchain, and integrated resort experiences that combine gaming, entertainment, hospitality, etc. This is enhancing the overall player experience and attracting new demographics.
  2. A shift towards more sustainable and socially responsible practices when it comes to gambling. This includes a focus on responsible gambling, compliance, and reducing environmental impact.
  3. Expansion of online and mobile gaming, including integration across different devices. This allows casinos to reach new markets and demographics especially younger players.
  4. Live casinos with real dealers are becoming increasingly popular for games like blackjack and baccarat, providing an engaging experience.
  5. Slot machines still dominate casino floors but are getting technology upgrades to connect them to apps and provide real-time data to operators.
  6. Continued growth of sports betting in the US with 39 states now allowing legal sportsbooks. However, some brands are scaling back advertising spend.

Final Words

Gambling in New Zealand is an important social activity. People love to play and spend money on different gambling games. Despite gambling being popular, the country loses a lot of money each year. This is because online gambling is not fully legal in the country.

Author Mark Dash

I've been a computer gaming enthusiast since I was a kid, and after working as a freelancer for several New Zealand magazines I continue to be a gamer and became editor-in-chief of DashTickets and write about New Zealand, tourism and gaming. I am a big fan of research and analytical approach in preparing publications. About Mark Dash | Twitter | Facebook

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