Monthly Archives: October 2011

Interactive gambling scene in New Zealand

Originally Posted on Monday Aug 1 15:11:00 BST 2011 The online gambling scene in New Zealand is developing in a similar way to any unregulated market, with many people feeling that it is out of control. Although online gambling is against the law in the country, there does not appear to be any move afoot…

NZ Lotteries to increase online gambling?

Originally Posted on Sunday Jul 17 15:14:00 BST 2011 The Lotteries Commission has unveiled plans to increase sales, and these plans include the introduction of online Lotto scratchies. Also in the plans would be the availability of Lotto tickets in supermarkets and more ideas for online gaming, including making Instant Kiwi available on the internet. …

Gambling using smart-phones

Originally Posted on Friday Jul 1 16:28:00 BST 2011: The London Guardian reported today that gambling, using new generation smart-phones, is on the rise. Figures released from bookmaker Paddy Power show an increase of 34% in gamblers placing their bets through their phones.  Paddy Power said that their mobile revenues more than quadrupled during last…

In defense of New Zealand’s pokies

Originally Posted on Sunday Jun 12 16:37:00 BST 2011 An hotel proprietor in New Zealand has spoken up about the bad press pokies sometimes get. She said that the machines in the hotel were enjoyed by many people, usually as a way of relieving stress, but also by women who come out with their husbands…

Would a Samoan casino attract gamblers from New Zealand?

Originally Posted on Tuesday May 24 16:03:00 BST 2011 The Samoan Prime Minister has proposed a Vegas style casino be built near one of their main tourist resorts. There is concern that this would attract the wrong sort of people, bringing with it prostitution, racketeering and even an increase in people with gambling problems.  After…

Should NZ online poker winnings be taxed?

Originally Posted on Friday May 6 16:39:00 BST 2011 Many of New Zealand’s top online poker players are earning huge sums of money, but virtually non of this is reaching the taxman. Professional gamblers can put winnings straight into their bank accounts and keep them under the tax radar.  Although players are supposed to pay…

Online gambling TV ad starts in NZ

Originally Posted on Sunday Apr 17 14:24:00 BST 2011 One of the best known online gambling names, Pokerstars.com, began a television campaign in New Zealand this week, just as the FBI in America decided to clamp down on three online gaming sites. Online gambling has been illegal in the US since 2006, but many states…

Christchurch casino due to reopen?

Originally Posted on Saturday Apr 2 14:34:00 BST 2011 Christchurch casino has been closed since the devastating earthquake in February. It’s closure has meant hard times for the 600 staff members, who were given the choice of redundancy plus 4 weeks holiday pay, or to leave the job without pay with the promise of a…

Kiwi lottery grows in spite of recession

Originally Posted on Thursday Mar 24 12:42:00 GMT 2011 New Zealand players are still spending on lotteries in spite of tough economic times and the chance of actually winning a big jackpot something like one in 3.8 million. It seems likely that the economy came pretty close to recession in the second half of 2010, with…

SkyCity to open up new pokie room

Originally Posted on Friday Mar 4 7:35:00 GMT 2011 As part of SkyCity’s $30 million Auckland development plans they are opening a new Diamond Room which will include up to 250 poker machines.  This facility will primarily target international visitors. The first part of the development will open in July, with extra gambling space, restaurant and bars…