Gambling is an incredibly popular activity no matter where you live. This is true in both New Zealand and Australia, where people not only love to play, but enjoy using online or land-based casinos when visiting either of the countries.

While the governments of both nations are reaping the benefits of these casinos through taxes they receive, they are also quite cautious about protecting citizens from becoming addicted to these games. This includes offering “opt out” lists that allow players to ban themselves from being able to play to protect themselves.

In addition, both nations have laws that restrict players based upon age. This is common in many countries but is taken seriously in both New Zealand and Australia where a legal gambling age is set in stone.

Taking Age Requirements Seriously

If you spend enough time traveling to different countries, you are likely to find that laws are often bent. What we mean is that a law may restrict an underage person from drinking or using a gambling establishment, but local law enforcement officials will often look the other way, especially if a gratuity is offered for them to do so.

In Australia and New Zealand, they take these restrictions quite seriously when it comes to underage gambling. Land-based casinos in Australia face severe penalties for allowing those restricted from gambling to do so, so they are adamant with staff that all guests must meet the prescribed age requirement.

This is true in New Zealand as well, where there are a number of online and land-based casinos that are available. The top online casinos NZ has to offer like those presented by bestcasinosites.net/new-zealand/, take all the necessary steps to prevent underage users from using their sites. This requires a number of steps that vet players to prevent any underage person from gaining access into the site.

Protecting Customers and Their Assets

These sites have become increasingly concerned about protecting users. This goes far beyond preventing underage users from accessing sites. Many online casino operators and law enforcement officials are becoming concerned about the increasing rate of cybercrime. Hackers, ransom where developers, and scammers are milking billions of dollars out of businesses and users. This is becoming such an issue that is expected that $1 trillion will have been stolen globally through cybercrime, an increase of 50% since 2018.

Casino operators are wanting to ensure that they take all the necessary steps to protect themselves and customers. This is why a rigorous process is taken to ensure that players are of legal age and authorized to play at a casino, whether online or at a land-based facility, and that they do not pose any threat to the security of the casino and its operations.

The Legal Age to Play

There are currently 14 land-based casinos in Australia. These facilities are in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. To use any one of these facilities, a person must be at least 18 years of age. Any person younger than this is banned from using a facility and could face a fine should they attempt to enter the casino or use its facilities illegally.

In addition, any person under the age of 18 is banned from using any site or venue that offers any type of real money games. These restrictions are taken quite seriously, and local establishments thoroughly check all guests entering the facilities to ensure that they are of the proper age.

In New Zealand, there are five land-based casinos and a number of online options that are available as well. To use one of these facilities or sites, a person must be at least 20 years old. A person caught using a casino and not being of the proper age can be fined up to $500.

However, it should be noted that there are some licensed operators in New Zealand that offer players who are 18 years of age or older the ability to play on their site. These sites maintain the proper certifications and licenses to operate but are granted a special exemption that allows them to offer their site to persons 18 years or older because they are located offshore or in another country near New Zealand. If you are 18 or 19, you will need to check with the online casino to see if you would be eligible to play there.

In New Zealand, persons who were 17 or over are allowed to purchase daily keno tickets as well.

Legitimate Reason to Be Concerned

In recent years, there have been many who have questioned the steep restrictions imposed upon the underaged. For example, in New Zealand someone who is 18 is able to purchase alcohol but they are unable to use a land-based casino. This seems like an absurd restriction to many.

However, there is a legitimate concern regarding the effects that gambling can have on young brains. Young minds are already attracted to activities that they consider to be “taboo,” and gambling is an exciting activity that provides the allure of winning real money. For a child who is already challenged socially, this becomes a great escape, and the Internet is making it easier than ever for teenagers to access these games.

This is why countries like New Zealand and Australia are taking underage gambling so seriously. They get how this can become an issue that can destroy a person’s life before he or she barely has the opportunity to get started in life. So, they are taking the proactive step of protecting young minds from accessing these games. The hope is that this can prevent any young person from the addictive effects that gambling can have on some.

Most Countries Get the Concern

While not all countries have imposed strict restrictions, the vast majority limit legalized gambling to persons who are at least 18 years of age. In Europe, for example, all 43 countries require that a person be at least 18 years old to be able to gamble.

Gambling has recently become legal in several states across America, and restrictions on those allowed to gamble vary from state to state. In many areas, a person is required to be at least 18. However, three states – Arizona, Iowa, and Louisiana – require a person to be at least 21. In Arkansas, a person can participate in the lottery or play bingo for money at 18, but cannot enter a casino until they are 21. In Canada, all provinces that offer gambling require that a person be at least 18 or 19.

Most countries in Asia require that a person be at least 21. This is not true in all of them, however. In South Korea, for example, a person can gamble who is 19. Gambling in Africa requires that a person be at least 18 in most countries. In Nigeria it is 20, and in Namibia the requirement is 21.

In South America, 15 countries allow gambling on sporting events or playing at a casino if a person is at least 18 years old. However, there are areas in both South America and Africa where no age restriction is set by law, at least not at the federal level. This leaves it up to the local municipality to determine the age for gambling and, in some instances, there is no restriction regarding age at all. Boys and girls who had barely reached puberty are allowed to legally gamble in these areas which poses a serious risk according to healthcare professionals.

There is no doubt that gambling can be an enjoyable activity. However, it is one that should only be enjoyed by those who are mature enough to be able to handle the activity. It is good that both New Zealand and Australia have taken the necessary steps to protect younger persons from getting involved in activities that could hurt them in the long run. The truth is that most countries recognize the need to protect younger persons from getting involved in this activity. It is a good thing they have chosen to do so.