In New Zealand the law regulates the legal gambling age for both land-based casinos and online casinos. The minimum age requirement to enter a land-based casino in New Zealand is 20 years old. Online gambling laws are less strict, and the minimum age to join a casino is 18.
Anyone breaking the law may face fines of up to NZ$1000.
Personal Documents for Proof of Legal Age
Whether entering a land-based casino or registering at a gambling site, you must prove you are of legal age by showing a form of identification, for example a driver’s license. However, if you’re gambling online, you must upload a scan of these documents.
Gambling Age Depending on the Game
While you may be 18 and allowed to play some money games, you still won’t be able to participate in a poker game. Check out the complete list below with age restrictions for each type of game.
| Gambling Type | Minimum Age Requirement |
| Lotto | No limit |
| Scratch Cards | 18 |
| Instant Play | 18 |
| Instant Kiwi Lottery | 18 |
| Restaurant/Pub Pokies | 18 |
| Sports Betting | 18 |
| Online Casino Gambling | 18 |
| Land-Based Casino | 20 |
In the case of Lotto, there are no gambling age restrictions. Even children can buy tickets. However, if you are under 18 and have won more than NZ$1,000, your parents or a legal guardian will need to sign a consent form before you can claim your prize.
Can I enter a casino when I’m 18?
No. In NZ, the legal age to enter the gambling part of a casino is 20 years old. If you’re caught in a casino restricted area underage, you could be fined. Many casinos, such as SkyCity Casino Auckland, may also have company policies where a trespass order will be taken against any underage persons found on the gaming floor. Where this happens, you won’t be able to return to the casino for a period of up to 2 years – even if you happen to turn 20 during those 2 years.
You’re free to enter the unrestricted parts of the casino if you’re under 20 – e.g. restaurant in the casino building but outside the restricted area.
Online Casinos Age Limits
Did you know that opening an online casino in New Zealand is illegal? This rule is regulated by the Gambling Act 2003.
The Gambling Act imposes an age limit on specific casino games and gambling within the state. However, nothing prevents NZ players from registering at overseas online casinos. That’s because these sites are licensed and regulated by legal bodies. You can check whether an online casino holds a license by scrolling down to the bottom of the homepage. There, you may see one of the following licensing authorities:
- Malta Gaming Authority
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
The offshore gambling sites are subject to the regulations of their home country, not New Zealand’s. The majority of online gambling sites are regulated by reputable jurisdictions and require players to be at least 18 years old before they can register an account. This means that, in general, the minimum casino age for online gambling in New Zealand is 18.
Is it acceptable for my child to accompany me to the gaming area?
No, you cannot bring a child with you to the gaming area. Any person who’s below the legal gambling age is not allowed on the casino floor. This is very strictly enforced to ensure no underage person enters the restricted areas. However, they can enter the unrestricted areas outside the casino premises.
Last Updated on March 16, 2024