A Look at Online Casinos in New Zealand Versus Land-based Casinos

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New Zealanders love to gamble, and it is safe to say that they have plenty of choices available, with a variety of land-based and online casinos. In the following article, we are going to take a look at the legalities of both, the advantages and disadvantages of playing at either kind of casino, and the type of gambling that Kiwis enjoy.

 

Gambling Laws in New Zealand

All types of gambling within New Zealand are fully regulated by the 20003 Racing Act or the 2003 Gambling Act. The former covers betting on sporting events such as greyhound and horse racing, while the latter includes all other types of gambling. In accordance with the 2003 Gambling Act, only the different types of gambling mentioned in either of the acts are legal – all other types of gambling are strictly prohibited.

Gambling at a casino is perfectly legal in New Zealand, and there are six land-based casinos across the country that Kiwis can enjoy. These six casinos are heavily regulated, so you can be certain that they offer a safe gambling environment. In fact, the strict gambling laws in the country is one of the main reasons why tourists have no issues gambling at these brick-and-mortar casinos when they are visiting the beautiful country.

While operating a land-based casino is legal, operating an online casino in the country is prohibited. The 2003 Gambling Act declares that all types of remote interactive gambling in New Zealand is illegal, with one exception being the authorized games that the Lottery Commission or the Racing Board offer.

Any gambling that is conducted by someone at a distance courtesy of a communication device is classified as remote interactive gambling and is not allowed. Online casinos fit into this category, meaning that anyone who operates an online casino within New Zealand borders is breaking the law. However, the law does declare that the online gambling ban does not include gambling online within New Zealand’s borders via an operator that is situated abroad. Therefore, it is legal for Kiwis to gamble at online casino sites that are not operating within New Zealand. However, these overseas online casinos are not allowed to advertise their product in New Zealand.

The Differences Between Online Casinos and Land-Based Casinos

Now that we know more about the legalities of land-based and online casinos in New Zealand, we are now going to take a look at some of the differences that exist between the two.

Atmosphere

One of the most obvious differences between the two is the atmosphere. A brick-and-mortar casino usually has a buzzing atmosphere thanks to the large number of people inside. As soon as you step into a brick-and-mortar casino you will be able to feel the excited atmosphere in the air and you will become alert right away. To add to this, you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks at all of the best land-based casinos, so you can enjoy all of your favourite casino games while completely satiated.

When it comes to playing at an online casino, you are obviously not going to have any atmosphere and the only food and drinks that will be on offer will be whatever you happen to have in your cupboards and fridge.

Convenience

If you want to go and play some games at a land-based casino, you have to shower, put on some of your best clothes, and then make your way to the closest brick-and-mortar casino. After a long day at work, you might not want to go through all of that hassle just so you can play some of your favourite casino games. It might be fun once you get there, but it is not as convenient as an online casino. With an online casino, you can put on your most comfortable clothes, sit on your sofa or bed, and play your favourite games to your heart’s content.

Variety of Games

A land-based casino is obviously limited by the amount of space that they have on the floor. They must make sure that they have enough of every type of game on the floor to cater to all tastes – if they go for more of one type of game over another, then they run the risk of alienating some customers, which will mean lost money. Obviously, when it comes to online casinos, there is no such issue as they have unlimited space. Therefore, one advantage of playing at an online casino instead of a brick-and-mortar one is that there are way more games available for you to choose from.

Bonuses and Promos

The online casino industry is a competitive one, and it is for this reason that most online casinos have a variety of bonuses and promotions on offer to their customers. When you sign up with an online casino, there will usually be some type of Welcome Bonus that you will be able to claim. This means that you can get some extra money to kickstart your online gambling experience. Also, the most popular online casinos in New Zealand will give you the chance to earn loyalty points that you can later trade in for some great prizes.

When it comes to land-based casinos, you will not be able to claim any bonuses or promotions as they are never on offer. Thus, this is another thing that online casinos have over land-based ones.

The Importance of Playing with New Zealand Dollars

If you are in New Zealand and you decide to register with an online casino from abroad, you should make sure that they accept New Zealand dollars before you go ahead and register with them. You do not want to sign up with an online bookie that does not accept New Zealand dollars as this means that you will be subjected to conversion fees whenever you go ahead and make a deposit. These conversion fees can be quite high, so avoid them at all costs.

Thankfully, there are many great online casinos that are happy to accept Kiwis as well as New Zealand dollars, and below are some of them:

  • JackpotCity Casino
  • Gate 777
  • Wildz
  • Caxino Casino
  • Betway Casino
  • Raging Bull
  • Jonny Jackpot
  • Lucky Nugget

 

Phil Helmuth

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Phil Helmuth

Philip “Phil” Jerome Helmuth Jr is a professional American poker player who has a nett worth of $20 million. He was born on July 16, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin. Better known as the Poker Brat, this millionaire made his fortune at the World Series of Poker.

This world-renowned Poker player stands at an outrageous 6’7 tall, and his personality is as big as his physical appearance. He’s been quoted as saying “If luck weren’t involved I guess I’d win every one” as well as “I have revolutionised the way to play Texas Hold ’em “living up to his nickname with his bratty quirks.

Gambling Career

Hellmuth played his very first game of poker in the confines of a friend’s room and immediately became hooked. He then started playing high stakes local games mingling amongst doctors, professors and business people. As time passed, Phil built a substantial bankroll before heading to Las Vegas to become a professional poker player.

It was persistence that paid off in the long run, and he had his very first win at the tables with some low stake cash games after nine consecutive losses. His career skyrocketed after that, and when it comes to poker, it does not get any better than the World Series and here Phil Helmuth has dominated by winning a record-breaking 15 bracelets.

His most impressive feat was in 2018 in a game of No Limit Hold ’em where he won $485 082, not bad for a day’s work especially when he was contemplating sitting the game out.

Conclusion

Phil Helmuth is a true legend in the world of poker, but he is more than that. He also has a charitable side. He has raised over $240 million for numerous charity poker events, and his global work consists of fundraising galas for Ante Up For Africa, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Eva Longoria’s Eva’s Heroes and many more.

Amarillo Slim

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Amarillo Slim

Introduction

Thomas Austin Preston Jr born on the 31ST December 1928 and known as Amarillo Slim was a professional American Gambler. Amarillo Slim was a colourful man and known for his Poker skills, huge Stetson hat and witty remarks during gameplay.

Amarillo Slims Gambling Career.

Amarillo Slim rose to fame in 1970 with the advent of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas and featured his favourite game Texas Hold’em. Over the years he won millions and even played Poker with former US Presidents Lyndon B Johnson and Richard Nixon and the notorious Columbian drug Lord Pablo Escobar.

He even won $300 000 in dominoes when he beat the famous country singer Willie Nelson. This colourful and non-conventional gambler also claimed a victory in a table tennis match using frying pans and Coke bottles as paddles. Larry Flynt, an adult magazine publisher, met his match and lost $2 000 000 in a Poker Game against Amarillo Slim who has always claimed the trick to winning is knowing the odds.

In 1992 Amarillo Slim was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame and continued to compete in tournaments throughout the world. He also appeared in a movie called All in: The Poker Movie released in 2012, the year this five-time Poker World Series winner passed away at the age of 83.

Wrapping it Up

Amarillo Slim was a legend and is recognized as the best gambler that ever lived. His gambling career extended beyond Poker and, he won bets not only in pool halls but rivers, jail cells and golf courses. He insisted he was not a compulsive gambler but a professional. In a book, he published he wrote the following “You see neighbour I never go looking for a sucker. I look for a champion and make a sucker out of him.”

King Charles II

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King Charles II

King Charles II was considered a gambling man, not only in card games but in the moves he made to restore the English Monarchy. Born on the 29 May 1630 and referred to as the “Merry King’. In 1679 Charles II dissolved Parliament as he was tired of conflict and ruled alone for his remaining years and his years of reign in English history are known as the Restoration period.

This beguiling Ruler had his childhood ripped away from him by the Civil War, and the execution of his father in 1649 shattered his world.

King Charles II Favourite Form of Gambling

King Charles II considered himself a somewhat professional Jockey. He was obsessed with sport and placing bets on horse racing. He even built a palace for his convenience at Newmarket, the racecourse he frequented. Today Newmarket is considered the headquarters of British Horseracing and hosts two of England’s five Classic Races, the 1000 and the 2000 Guineas.

Gambling was so popular amongst British Royalty that King Charles II and many other Monarchs had their own personal croupier named Sir Thomas Neale. He provided royalty with cards, dice and would oversee the bets and payouts between Kings and their subjects. He also found opponents for the King that were more than willing to lose, which kept The King happy and entertained continuously.

Gambling during this era:

The aristocracy believed gambling set a bad precedent and did not want the lower class to come into wealth. Particularly not via this channel and King Charles II shut down all gambling dens throughout London. Furthermore, he ensured the commoners had no access to any form of gambling. The Monarchy also thought such activities disrupted society and distracted them from working. Only members of the Royal Court were allowed to gamble.