The gambling industry is flourishing globally, prompting an increasing number of countries to implement regulations aimed at managing the sector and promoting responsible gaming. While some nations impose outright bans on risk-related entertainment, Northern Ireland and New Zealand have opted for a fully regulated gambling framework. In these regions, residents have access to a diverse range of games in physical casinos, but online gaming, or iGaming, is currently on the rise. This analysis will explore the effects of this growing trend in Northern Ireland and New Zealand, along with a comparison of customer preferences and relevant statistics.
New Zealand Gambling Industry
New Zealand has become a prominent destination for gambling, providing diverse entertainment choices for both residents and tourists. With numerous online gaming sites and several high-end brick-and-mortar casinos available, the country caters to the interests of gaming enthusiasts.
While the industry flourishes and offers a variety of activities, ensuring regulatory compliance and encouraging responsible gambling practices are critical priorities.
Regulation and statistics
Gambling regulations in New Zealand are relatively unique compared to other nations. While land-based casinos are permitted, allowing individuals over the age of 20 to enter, online gambling sites based in the country are prohibited. However, data indicates that as many as 80% of local youth engage in some form of gambling. It's important to note that only domestic platforms are banned; there are no laws preventing New Zealanders from accessing international operators and services. Many players take advantage of this loophole to explore the benefits of iGaming.
Online Gambling Trends and Free Bonuses
Online casinos are currently experiencing unprecedented popularity in the country, with an increasing demand for this form of entertainment. One major trend that has captivated New Zealanders is the abundance of no deposit promotions offered by gambling operators. These offers allow players to boost their initial bets and explore new games at the casino's expense. While mobile gambling is not a new phenomenon, its relevance shows no signs of waning. Many users prefer the convenience of playing on the go, prompting online casinos to optimise their platforms for smaller screens. This shift has also influenced software developers, who are focused on creating fast and visually appealing games tailored for mobile players.
Gambling Advertising Code
Many countries have already introduced special rules for the promotion of gambling entertainment, and New Zealand is one of them. Casino advertising is now everywhere, which can cause significant harm to vulnerable people. Therefore, regulators have put forward corresponding requirements for advertising campaigns, which should encourage safer gambling behaviour and inform users about potential threats. The Gambling Advertising Code obliges operators to adhere to numerous rules when promoting their services, especially targeting the younger generation, who are more prone to addictions and other related disorders. Additionally, companies that violate these rules are subject to significant fines and other penalties to ensure compliance and protect vulnerable audiences.
The Northern Ireland Gambling Market
Irish people are among the most active gamblers in the world - a huge part of the country's population loves risk and adrenaline entertainment. The sector in the country is legalised and regulated, which opens up many opportunities, but at the same time creates difficulties. What trends and threats does the gambling market pose to the country's population?
Regulatory framework and market size
Similar to New Zealand, Northern Ireland's gambling industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2022, the revenue from the gambling market reached £2 million and is still on the rise. It is important to mention that both local casinos and international companies can operate in the region, provided they obtain the necessary licences.
Trends and statistics
According to reports, up to 67% of the population of Northern Ireland prefer gambling in one form or another. At the same time, the state has many people addicted to gambling: according to statistics from 2023, about 2.3% of local residents suffer from ludomania.
This percentage is significantly higher than that of the UK, prompting regulators to implement additional measures aimed at protecting gamers in both online and offline casinos. With problem gambling rates notably high in Northern Ireland, enhancing responsible gambling practices has become a priority. This trend is reflected in the regulations established by both regulatory authorities and operators. Online casinos and bookmakers are adopting various strategies to raise user awareness about the risks associated with gambling, including launching targeted campaigns and educational initiatives, as well as instituting customer limits in both online and offline venues. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is the newest legislative body dedicated to providing comprehensive industry regulation and ensuring compliance with safe gambling standards.
Gambling advertising and its regulation
Casinos and bookmakers encounter intense competition within the country, prompting them to leverage all available methods for self-promotion. Nonetheless, the unrestricted advertising of gambling poses a significant challenge globally, as it can target vulnerable individuals. In Northern Ireland, operators must adhere to the established advertising standards in the UK, which aim to minimise potential harm to individuals.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) stipulates that casino advertisements should focus solely on delivering accurate information about the product or service being advertised, avoiding any misleading content. Furthermore, these advertisements must include details promoting responsible gambling practices and offer access to helplines and support services.
Final Thoughts
While the gambling regulations in New Zealand and Northern Ireland differ in certain aspects, their casinos share many similarities. Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on promoting safe gambling to mitigate the risks of negative impacts and gambling addiction. Consequently, both regions are prioritising customer awareness initiatives. Simultaneously, operators and game developers are concentrating on delivering high-quality content and mobile gambling applications to enhance player engagement.
