What is iGaming?
iGaming can be divided into two categories: real-money games and social games, which don't involve the use of real money. However, it has become a popular pastime for many Kiwi people. Learn about the newest NZ casino sites and understand the impact of this industry.
iGaming in NZ represents several million dollars for the country, as according to the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ), "the last quarter of 2023 generated gross revenue of 215.3 million euros." In other words, while this is a concern for those seeking to protect the well-being of gambling addicts, it is not a burden for the entities that exploit iGaming.
So, what is iGaming? It's a world of online games of chance, specifically online casino games, including poker, slots, and sports betting.
The Numbers That Demonstrate Growth
Our expert Vitoria Oliveira delved into the real numbers for New Zealand to demonstrate the true growth of iGaming in New Zealand in recent times. Using data provided by SRIJ, she concluded:
- There are 17 entities operating games of chance;
- Currently 920 thousand bettors play, a number that is growing;
- The numbers have been rising for 6 consecutive quarters, that is, since 2021.
Casino Dominates iGaming
The figures provided by SRIJ leave no doubt that, unlike sports betting, which has seen some revenue decline, casino gaming has seen gradual growth since 2022. In fact, in 2023, growth exceeded 50% compared to the same period in 2022, representing an increase of 133 million euros.
Other Aspects Lose Strength
Although these platforms have an increasing presence in the digital world, and also in various sports competitions, such as the New Zealand championship, the truth is that they have been losing strength, with fewer and fewer bets being placed.
However, these other aspects are always associated with teams, but according to the Secretary of State for Sport, João Paulo Correia, " the relationship between advertising platforms and football deserves deep reflection ."
With this in mind, there may be a paradigm shift in iGaming New Zealand in the short term, with some of the strength in partnerships with clubs being lost, as well as the heavy advertising presence in football stadiums.
Football Remains the Strongest Link in iGaming
Even with a significant loss in interest, football remains the king of sports in New Zealand, with 71.4% of betting volume being on this sport, followed by tennis, with 22.2%.
Gaming Machines Are the Highlight of Casinos
On the other hand, it is slot machines that have the greatest impact on online and land-based casinos, representing the true lever for the sustainability of this industry, accounting for 82.3% of the betting volume in this segment.
The Trend and Future of iGaming in New Zealand
It is clear from the figures released in the latest SRIJ report that the trend is focused and completely focused on gaming machines, which are the favorite game among gamblers.
This trend, which, according to the same report, is increasingly attracting young people between the ages of 25 and 34, accounts for a large portion of the total amount spent by gamblers in New Zealand, a figure spread across the 17 licensed and legal platforms that operate this market.
The future should involve the continued growth of casino games, not only online but also in-person, breaking the taboo around addiction and increasing the normalization of fun in these areas.
Security in the Pillar of the Near Future
On the other hand, the fight against illegalities may remain a major factor to consider in the future of iGaming in New Zealand, as all entities ensure the safety of their users and regulatory bodies work hard to ensure the safety of the New Zealand, with 1,500 sites having been closed since 2015 due to government blocking.
However, advertising is also a point that needs to be addressed to make iGaming New Zealand even more controlled, with more than 700 advertisements already blocked in the country, all in order to ensure that all games of chance and their users consume a completely legal and trustworthy service.
