Australia vs New Zealand: How Casino Trends Differ
I love Australia, and I love New Zealand. I also love casinos and learning about the different trends in different countries, so it’s no surprise that I know a lot about the differences between the current trends in both countries.
Although they’re not too far apart, they’re slightly different. I’d say New Zealand has more of an up-and-coming scene, and Australia is more established, but both are slightly restrictive compared to other countries.
Revenue in New Zealand for online gambling platforms is booming, estimated to reach $0.64bn by the end of 2024. It’s slightly different in Australia, estimated to reach $5.47bn by the end of 2029. But revenue isn’t the only difference. Read on for my analysis of the difference between trends in Australia and New Zealand.
Casino Culture
The revenue of online gambling platforms in New Zealand will be around $640 million by 2024 – I think that’s pretty good going In Australia, however, it is expected to hit $4.93bn in 2024 – but I noticed that was for the entire online gambling market, not specifically online gambling platforms. Online gambling platforms will make up a chunk of that. Still, I don’t think revenue is the only factor setting them apart.
The Australian scene is well-established within the country’s entertainment industry. I love online gambling platforms in Australia and gambling in general. The culture is massive. Think about gambling places like:
- The Crown in Melbourne
- The Treasury
- Wrest Point
- The Star Gold Coat
I’ve visited some of these, but my favorite has to be the crown – it’s an entire complex of luxury hotels, high-end boutiques, fancy dinner restaurants, and more. Could I afford the luxury hotels? Absolutely not.
New Zealand feels more small-scale and boutique-like. With just six gambling locations spread throughout the country, each one comes across as more intimate. The gambling locations are:
- Christchurch Casino.
- Grand Dunedin
- SkyCity Auckland
- SkyCity Hamilton
- SkyCity Queenstown
- SkyCity Wharf
One gambling location that stands out here is SkyCity Auckland – it has everything of an entertainment center, but on a much smaller scale than in Australia.
Online Casinos
I prefer online gambling platforms – I prefer anything where I don’t have to get off the sofa. When I looked at CasinoMeister NewZealand, it was clear to see there were tons of online gambling platforms in New Zealand and around the world that accept us Kiwis. In New Zealand, there’s been an explosion in the online market, but there are still only two leading online operators in the country. And they’re allowed to use offshore providers, giving access to dozens of international alternatives thanks to a recent policy shift. The policy shift gave the online iGaming industry a boom.
Australia does things differently. The Interactive Gambling Act passed into law in 2001, bans many forms of internet wagering, including real money like poker – it’s not as easy for me to play at online gambling platforms in Australia. Despite these restrictions, Australians have still managed to find ways of playing online, even though I know it remains massively overly regulated.
Still, the online casinos you can use are great, including all the slot machines, progressive jackpots, and live dealer games I could wish for.
Mobile Technology
Let me be blunt: mobile technologies have changed everything, including the online iGaming industry. Again, as I said, I’d rather pay for my sofa than get up and ready for the casino. And I’m not alone; I know many friends who have switched to using mobile apps for quick access to iGaming games. I’d say mobile gaming is booming in both countries, generating a revenue of US$0.93bn in Australia in 2024 and US$107.50m in 2024 for New Zealand.
Trends show more gamers in New Zealand are moving toward internet-based, cell phone-friendly platforms that provide accessibility and convenience through mobile gaming. The widespread use of smartphones with growing high-speed connectivity is a catalyst for online iGaming success in both countries.
Social and Legal Perspectives
Gambling is perceived differently in the legal frameworks of Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, gambling is an accepted form of entertainment. Many adults participate in gambling activity or another, whether it be at the local pub or a high-end casino. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) ensures that gambling operators follow strict guidelines to protect consumers.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has limited access to physical casinos but allows its citizens to play at online casinos from anywhere in the world. Gambling regulations are governed by the Department of Internal Affairs to ensure a fair game for all players involved. There are few land-based casinos, but numerous online options have been made available to Kiwis, creating a unique environment for gambling. It’s interesting to observe how each country’s policies dictate its casino culture.
What do you think about the trends in Australia and New Zealand? From what I have experienced, it is clear that Australia and New Zealand provide contrasting yet fascinating perspectives on trends in casino gaming.
