Online Pokies vs Offline Pokies: Popularity Rate in New Zealand
Even though online casinos go strong, brick and mortar casinos still perform well in New Zealand and it’s easy to see why: it’s difficult to beat the real life ambiance of a land-based casino. Both brick and mortar and online casinos have their benefits with pokies being the most popular type of casino game in both venues. Although your favourite channel depends on personal preference and location, it is very much worth comparing online pokies and offline pokies.
Online play is available 24/7, even when land based venues are long closed. This means that your favourite pokie games are only a click away when you’re at home and behind your laptop or desktop screen. And if you happen to be on the go, most of the pokies are available on smartphones and new pokie games are optimised for access from your telephone, tablet, or laptop.
Table of Contents
Average Gambling Spendings in NZ: Online vs. Offline
Online pokies has largely contributed to the popularity of online casinos in New Zealand which has resulted in an average annual spending of $ 600 per capita in NZ. This is a significant amount and speaks volumes about the enthusiasm of the people in NZ for online pokies. Movie themed pokies, classic pokies, progressive jackpots, Megaways games, all of these are now available in NZ.
The average amount spent on online gambling is higher than the average per capita gambling expenditure of $ 578 on gambling which includes all sorts of gambling. With a lockdown until April 2022 it is true that this amount could have been higher under normal circumstances although the higher cost of living continues to affect gambling related spendings. It is therefore expected that expenses on land based casinos and entertainment will feel the effects which should be less the case for games of chance offered on online platforms. More New Zealanders will choose online pokies as an alternative for offline.
Spendings on Gambling Are Volatile
Per capita gambling expenditure in New Zealand has been volatile over the last 5 years so figures might just vary in the next few years. Gambling in New Zealand falls into the following four main categories:
- NZ Racing Board (TAB).
- Lotteries.
- Gaming machines.
- Casinos.
Throughout the last 5 years, the average expenditure per Kiwi on lottery games has increased, whilst brick and mortar casino expenditure has declined. Gaming and TAB expenditure have remained relatively stable. Corona lockdowns have particularly affected gambling venues that largely depend on foot traffic, such as brick and mortar casinos and TABs. Expenditure on lotteries is known to be volatile on the whole, with larger jackpot prices often boosting a higher proportion of the population to engage in the action. Similarly, annual expenditure at casinos can largely vary. Local experts indicate that national initiatives to decrease the number of non-casino, and thus non-licenced live poker, and gaming machines had reduced gambling expenditure at casinos already before the corona pandemic erupted.
Very Important in a Country as Remote as NZ
Engaging in online play means you don’t need to drive long distances to get to the casino and you don’t have to worry about parking fees, drinks, snacks or full meals whilst you’re playing. This is particularly advantageous if you live far away from a casino which is certainly an important factor in some parts of the country. Saving you the effort of travelling to a land based casino, and instead having an online platform that gives you access to even more games is why more and more Kiwis opt for online play instead of traditional venues.
Entertainment complexes like Sky City Auckland have heaps of pokies and table games which even the most seasoned gambling enthusiast will appreciate. Whilst Auckland’s casino world class, it is not the norm. If you need to play pokies at a locally oriented or smaller venue, you’ll have to settle for a small offer of a few table games and perhaps a couple dozen pokies. When you play in an online casino, you will typically have access to thousands of titles, some of them exclusive to the online casino you’re signed up to. The other good thing is that you won’t have to wait for a seat since tables can be created instantly to meet demand (with live dealer casinos being an exception). Also, let’s not forget the benefit that you can easily access multiple casinos on your mobile device without the need to leave your chair and lose your spot. The possibilities are truly endless.
Mobile Play Continues To Grow
Widespread access to smartphones and mobile internet across the country has fuelled a boost in access to online casino games. Recent reports have shown that 90% of the population of New Zealand has access to smartphones today which isa 46% increase from 2013. Moreover, the country is known to have a good gaming culture, with about 70% of the population avidly playing video games and other casino games. This also explains why Kiwis are open-minded towards online games.
Bonuses Incentive Players To Turn To Online Gambling
Most of the bonuses are meant for online pokies which has contributed to the popularity of this particular type of casino game. At the same time, bonuses or other promotions are unknown for offline pokies with the only exception being pokie tournaments that award a certain price to the best performing player(s).
NZ Government Doesn’t Limit Kiwi Gamblers
Despite our government not yet licensing online gambling companies, it let’s it citizens of 18+ play at offshore online casino sites. The good thing about this is that the government also does not tax offshore made casino earnings which pretty much means that all winnings are net values. The extra motivation to move to only play for New Zealanders is knowing that playing online pokies is not illegal in our country.
The online casinos based out of New Zealand are beyond the jurisdiction of its government which is why Kiwis are allowed to act freely as long as the minimum age of 18 years is met. Most of the real money casinos are based in the EU with popular casino destinations being Malta, and Gibraltar. These gaming authorities of these countries issue licences that are used internationally to attract players from other countries, including NZ. Via our website you can choose any casino as all of our recommended casino sites hold at least one licence, sometimes even more licences.
The Future Looks Bright For Online Pokies
Online gambling and online pokies in particular have been highly popular in New Zealand for quite some time now and it is expected that this trend will not slow down any time soon. There are many major pokie wins that have served as an example for other Kiwis to play online casino games instead of offline games that tend to pay out a lot less. One of the most remarkable examples is that of the jackpot win of gambling enthusiast Rawiri Pou in 2017 thanks to playing the world famous Mega Moolah game leading to a whopping win of NZ $10 million.
References
- https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Casino-and-Non-Casino-Gaming-Gambling-Expenditure-Statistics-Explanations
- https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nightclubs-cafes-casinos-reopen-auckland-marathon-lockdown-ends-2021-12-03/
