Peter Smith
On paper, the 2003 Gambling Act sets the boundaries. It permits everything from lotteries and bingo to pokies, horse racing, and licensed land-based casinos. Yet the same law bans “remote interactive gambling,” which blocks New Zealand-based online casinos. The twist? Offshore casinos can legally accept Kiwi players, and that’s where crypto gaming has started to thrive.
A growing appetite for offshore options
Because New Zealand law restricts locally based operators, many players head online to overseas casinos that welcome them. And in recent years, crypto casinos have become the standouts. Instead of betting with New Zealand dollars, players convert their budgets into Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital coins. Once linked to a crypto wallet, they can access pokies, poker, blackjack, and roulette just as they would in a traditional setting.
The attraction is clear. Crypto transactions are lightning fast, often processed within minutes compared to days with banks. They’re also highly secure, locked in by blockchain technology. For players who value privacy, crypto offers pseudonymous access and a level of anonymity that traditional payment systems can’t match. It’s not surprising that large numbers of Kiwis are gravitating toward these platforms.
What sets crypto gambling apart?
Beyond the speed and security, crypto casinos are reshaping the experience of gambling. Many platforms now feature “provably fair” systems, a concept unique to crypto casinos. These systems allow players to verify the fairness of game outcomes through cryptographic calculations, providing a level of transparency and trust that traditional casinos often lack.
Operators are also innovating with crypto-native features. Community-driven platforms allow live chat, tipping, and reward systems that make the environment feel more like a digital social hub than a solo pastime. Some casinos have even introduced exclusive crypto-only games, adding an edge of novelty to the usual mix of online casino games that already dominate the scene.
The numbers speak for themselves. The global gross gaming revenue for crypto casinos soared to a staggering $81.4 billion in 2024, marking a fivefold increase in less than a year. Leading operators boast tens of millions of users, challenging the dominance of long-established gambling giants.
The road ahead in New Zealand
Despite the rise, challenges remain. Regulators are tightening licensing rules worldwide, and New Zealand’s government has yet to find a way to tax offshore crypto casinos. That means all the profits and growth are flowing overseas, which could fuel political debate about loosening local restrictions. However, this also presents an opportunity for New Zealand to develop its own crypto gaming industry and potentially benefit from the global surge in crypto gambling.
At the same time, technology is moving fast. Industry insiders see decentralised betting, VR-based casino environments, and AI-driven personalisation as the next wave of disruption in the crypto gaming industry. These innovations could significantly enhance the gaming experience, making crypto gaming feel like a natural evolution rather than a gamble on the unknown for Kiwis already comfortable with digital wallets and blockchain transactions.
So, what does the future hold?
The trend lines suggest yes. Crypto gaming is already reshaping how New Zealanders approach online gambling, even without a homegrown industry. Unless regulators step in with new rules, the offshore crypto casinos will keep growing their share of the Kiwi market. And if the global surge is any indication, New Zealand is likely to see crypto gambling go from an intriguing option to a mainstream choice in the years ahead.
Peter Smith
