Playing games is one of the oldest forms of human communication and there is evidence that our earliest ancestors would entertain themselves using rudimentary tiles, dice, and cards. However, for as long as there have been games of chance, there has been controversy surrounding the playing of those games, and even the ancient Greeks had restrictions imposed on them as most forms of gambling were illegal.
This attitude has come in and out of fashion over the centuries, with some cultures and periods being more accepting of the natural human urge to try and predict the future. Some cultures have been consistently strict about gambling, passing laws to limit the activity and creating social disdain for those who indulge in such hobbies.
The 21st century has seen a lot of changes in the way gambling is viewed, and the explosion in the popularity of online gaming has played a large part in this attitude shift. The availability of accessible, safe, and fun ways to play the odds has opened up a world of gaming that was previously only available to those who didn’t mind the slightly taboo nature of their activities.
Gambling in New Zealand
The approach the New Zealand government has taken to gambling has been relatively moderate, in global terms. The industry falls under the remit of the Department for Internal Affairs who ensure that a proportion of all profits that are generated by gambling are distributed back to the community.
From 1920 until 1961, bookmaking was illegal, and those who wanted to place bets on horse races had to do so at the track. During this time, national lotteries were introduced in the 1930s, paving the way for increasingly relaxed attitudes towards gambling that resulted in the government setting up a Totalizator Agency Board in 1961 to oversee betting shops and legalise bookmaking once again.
Since then, technology has been responsible for a number of legal updates, including the introduction of slot machines, more lotteries and more gaming options when the New Zealand Lotteries Commission was established in 1987. The availability of online gaming has also been accommodated by the existing regulatory bodies and New Zealand now has a thriving casino industry that serves millions of players on both islands and internationally.
Top casino games in New Zealand
The New Zealand government has continued to support the gambling industry and plough the income it generates back into the economy. The New Zealand gaming sector is growing swiftly, just as it is in many other countries, and players can enjoy the same high-quality games that they have come to expect from online providers.
Some of the most popular games among New Zealanders include:
Keno – it may not be the first game that comes to mind when you think of casinos, but keno has an enduring appeal and lots of people play Keno in NZ. Like a cross between a bingo and a lottery draw, players choose numbers, place their bets, and then wait to see whether their selections come up in the random draw.
Blackjack – this perennial favourite is an ideal blend of luck and skill and players appreciate the slightly less pressurised gaming experience you get when you are only up against the dealer. For those who want to experience the thrill of casino gaming without needing to psychoanalyse their fellow players, blackjack is exciting and engaging, but even beginners can potentially win big.
Slot machines – there is something about the eye-catching symbols, fast gameplay, and constant movement that makes slot machines, or pokies as they are called in New Zealand, a favourite the world over. Not only are they easy to play for beginners, but there are so many to choose from that anyone can find something to suit their interests and playing style.
Poker – for those who like to build up the tension as the prize pot grows, poker will always be one of the most appealing and unpredictable casino games. For every player who has drilled down into the statistics to play the odds based on probability, another is looking for any sign of weakness in their opponents to try and claim the prize pot.
Roulette – players who like to leave their fate completely in the hands of the universe love playing roulette and watching the ball bounce around to decide whether they are a winner or not. New Zealand casinos have followed the global trend towards favouring European roulette wheels that give a slightly better house edge, but there are US wheels available to those that prefer those odds.
Whatever games you love to play, New Zealand casinos tend to be well-appointed and packed with classic favourites as well as the latest additions to the market. Whether you play online or in person, NZ casinos are safe, secure, and fun.
