World

Online Gambling in New Zealand

Published

4 years ago

June 3, 2020

Gambling is a popular activity in New Zealand. The reported gambling expenditure in 2018/19, for instance, stood at $2 billion which highlights how profitable this industry has become. However, the legality of online gambling keeps coming up now and then. The challenges facing gambling enthusiasts in neighbouring Australia and other counties concern many players in the country.

Whether you are a resident here or you intend to visit the beautiful country, it’s essential to understand what the law says about this widespread practice. One of the most popular resources for online gambling brands in New Zealand is casinoReviews.net.nz.

Players can get detailed and objective reviews of online casinos in the country, state of the gambling laws, latest trends and other developments in the industry. Knowledge of the gambling law will help you play safely and confidently, and you can leverage the immense opportunities in the industry.

Who Runs Gambling in the country?

Before delving into gambling laws, you need to understand who authorises gambling in the country. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) ensures compliance with the gambling laws and licenses.

The Gambling Commission (GC) plays a more hands-on role in overseeing casino operations. GC sets license conditions, issues casino operating licenses and listens to appeals against decisions made by the Department of Internal Affairs.

While online casinos are the most popular form of gambling, players can also place bets on sports through different platforms. The Racing Board regulates soccer, horse racing, basketball, tennis and surfing. The Lotteries Commission of New Zealand, on the other hand, runs the popular MyLotto, the online gateway where players can buy tickets and hope to win.

Online Gambling in New Zealand

Is online gambling legal in New Zealand? It is the first question that comes to mind for casino players in the country. To get an answer to this question, you have to look keenly at the Gambling Act of 2003. It is the most relevant legislation when it comes to the question of the legality of casinos in the country.

The Act establishes classes of gambling are determined by the prize values and methods of gaming (Class 1, 2, 3&4). It also bans online interactive gambling with limited exceptions. However, the Act doesn’t prohibit foreign gambling websites. Through this law, online gamblers can freely use foreign-based casinos and other gambling platforms.

Are Land Based Casinos Legal?

There are only seven land-based casinos in the country despite the popularity of gambling. However, you’ll find many racetracks and bingo halls and high-street betting shops.

Since the first land-based casino appeared in 1994, the restrictive nature of licensing has hindered growth which in turn has seen more players opt to play online.

Playing at Online Casinos

While the Gambling Act restricts the establishment of land-based casinos and even New Zealand online casinos, offshore casinos continue to thrive. The biggest casino brands have identified this as one of the fastest-growing markets, and they have launched sites designed for local players.

It is now possible to play at foreign-based online casinos that process transactions in New Zealand dollars. These platforms also offer pokies and other popular casino games that local players enjoy. The best part about these casinos is that players keep their winnings as there are no taxation structures.

However, this lack of distinct laws also poses a significant risk for players in case of problems when playing. Luckily, the best online casinos carry licenses from reputable licensing authorities. The player should check the reputation, reliability, legitimacy and security features of any online casino they wish to sign up with to protect themselves.

The Mobile Casino Revolution

With over 80% of the population using smartphones, mobile gambling has snowballed. The Gambling Act considers mobile gambling apps illegal but local players can still download these apps. The biggest casino brands such as Leo Vegas Casino, Bet365 Casino, and Mr Green Casino now offer mobile casino experiences through apps and mobile-friendly websites.

With no local regulatory oversight, players should read reviews and testimonials and check the reputation of any mobile casino app or mobile casino website they wish to use.

So, are Online Casinos in New Zealand Legal?

The Gambling Act doesn’t explicitly ban online gambling on offshore casinos. It is this ambiguity that has seen the New Zealand Government through the NZ DIA express willingness to update the laws for today’s digital world.

For now, casino lovers in the country can sign up and win at foreign-based casinos. However, lack of regulatory oversight for these casinos poses a risk and it’s thus necessary for players to research keenly to ensure a safe and enjoyable casino experience.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.