Companies Fined for Gambling Adverts in New Zealand

The casino industry in New Zealand is well-developed, with reports showing that around 80% of the population in the country engages in gambling entertainment. The local regulations and infrastructure make gambling more accessible to everyone and contributes to its popularity.

Facing stiff competition, online casinos resort to all available means to attract new customers. Gambling advertisements are effective, although these fall into the sensitive content category. It's for this reason why New Zealand regulatory bodies implement multiple restrictions and requirements for operators regarding means to attract players.

Written by Bonnie Gjurovska 3 minute read
companies fined for gambling adverts in new zealand

NZ Online Casinos and Gambling Advertising Regulations

In New Zealand, gambling is among the most popular forms of entertainment and therefore, players need to be familiar with legislation prior to engaging in the risky activity. Thrill seekers in the country over the age of 20 can play at regulated brick-and-mortar casinos in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland. The country does not permit virtual casinos to operate from New Zealand. However, no laws or restrictions are in place to prevent residents from playing at the best New Zealand online casinos not headquartered and licensed inside the country.

Local players can play at premier online casino sites reviewed by Top10Casinos.kiwi, welcoming Kiwis with attractive casino bonuses. New Zealand allows entertainment advertising as long as casino operators comply with the Gambling Advertising Code. Gambling ads must adhere to social responsibility principles and not mislead, confuse, or deceive players but rather inform about all outcome possibilities. Online casino ads must provide details regarding gambling harm and increase public awareness. As with most countries, advertising gambling is illegal or subject to strict rules and restrictions.

Companies Fined for Promoting Gambling in NZ

Beating the competition in the highly competitive gambling market can lead to operators pushing the boundaries. It often leads to violating the responsible advertising codes enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Advertising offshore gambling sites remains illegal in the country. It often fails to prevent online casinos from pushing their luck, which results in heavy fines. We look at a few instances in which operators got fined for their inability to comply with the regulations in New Zealand.

Entain

Entain, one of the largest gaming and sports betting groups, got accused of violating the New Zealand Gambling Act only a week after gaining ministerial approval. Party Casino, a subsidiary of Entain, sent out emails advertising sports betting, which violates the Gambling Act of 2003. There is a ban on betting ads sent via emails in the country, and on the same day, Entain also published its 365 and TAB NZ deals, contributing to the fine.

Jackpot City Casino

Jackpot City is popular online casino and praised by gamblers for its incredible game variety and amazing services. Entering the New Zealand market, Jackpot City used billboards to advertise its services. The strategy was unacceptable, as it violates regulations that promote social responsibility. The brand faced accusations of misleading potential players with the billboard ad that claimed not to be a gambling promotion while leading to the casino homepage. The advertisement went against legislation and was banned. However, the Jackpot City Casino can continue to offer services to players over 18 in New Zealand.

Impact on Society and Consumers

New Zealanders are thrilled by the opportunity to test and try their luck at top-rated online casinos. Players enjoy the opportunity to visit land-based casinos and the accessibility and convenience of online casino sites. The competition among online casinos aiming to attract player attention is fierce in the country, and players prefer well-known brands. Billboard and televised ads have proven most effective in engaging potential players, especially those featuring celebrities.

The New Zealand Gambling Act 2003 forbids the approach, forcing online casinos to explore other options to approach players. Most brands resort to impressive promotions, generous welcome bonuses, and increasing game variety. The country prevents promoting methods that potentially increase gambling-related harm. Internationally, addiction continues to be a challenge, adding to the importance of operators complying with responsible gambling principles.

New Zealand's Strategy to Ban Gambling Advertisements

Residents are passionate about gambling, and regulatory bodies utilize several measures to ensure fairness and transparency while minimizing potential harm. Banning advertisements that fail to comply with regulations in New Zealand is part of the aim to protect vulnerable players and children. Offshore operators entering the country to offer entertainment to Kiwis need to be aware of the advertising regulations and comply with the 2003 Gambling Act.

 Bonnie Gjurovska
Written by
Bonnie Gjurovska Managing Editor

With a master's degree in business law, Bonnie ventured into the world of online gambling in 2015. Starting out as content writer, she rose through the ranks to eventually manage her own team of writers while planning and structuring content for readers. Visit Bonnie's author page to find out more.

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