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If you are under 20 years old you will not be able to go into a Casino. There are 4 major casinos in NZ; Auckland (Skycity Auckland), Queenstown (Skycity Queenstown), Christchurch (Christchurch Casino), and Dunedin (Dunedin Casino). The one in Auckland is located directly underneath the tower (pictured above), it is the biggest, and attracts the most players. All of them are pretty good, but nothing which compares to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or some other Casinos around the world.

The Kiwi is not as enthusiastic about gambling as its closest neighbour the Australians. Gambling is legalized but controlled by the government. The people who mostly frequent the casinos are the new gambler such as young people, or the older mostly retired who come to the casino to pass their time and try their luck. Although Casinos are found only on the major cities listed, Poker machines (Pokies, or Slot machines) can be found on many bars, pubs, and clubs throughout New Zealand.

Interesting: Prostitution in New Zealand is also legalised, but foreigners are not allowed to work in this area, it is reserved for the local sluts only.

A tab is the place where you go to place your bets on horse races or on various sporting events. You can find them in different locations, but are often found next to establishments, which have pokies (such as a bar). Casinos normally also have a TAB.

Lotteries are abundant, with many different types on offer. The most important ones are listed below.

Lotto – works pretty much the same of anywhere else in the world. You choose 6 numbers in a total of 40 numbers on a card.  Minimum of 4 games (0.50 cents each). 6 numbers are drawn from one basket, and one or two complementary numbers are drawn from another basket. You win accordingly to how many numbers you get right.

Note 1: For those who don’t want to pick you own numbers, the machine can randomly chooses numbers and makes games for you. All you need to ask for is a “Quick Pick”.

Note  2: There is an alternative game called Powerball, which is similar to the normal lotto but you get 8 numbers, one of them being the powerball, and you have the get 5 numbers right together with the powerball to be a division one winner. Click here. For more information.

Keno - 80 numbers on a card, with 20 being drawn. You pick as little or as many numbers as you want (1-20). The more numbers you pick e.g. max of 20, the more return you will receive if you get all numbers right. And then you choose how many games you would like to play with those numbers. E.g. 5 games (at 50cents a game). check the keno table.

Instant Scratchies – They are sold in places which also sell lotto tickets such as news agencies, convenience stores etc. An Instant Kiwi for example is a scratchy where you can earn up to 50,000 per year for 10 years. There are many different types of scratchies at different prices. You need to be at least 18 y.o to be able to buy one.

Problems and Solutions - In New Zealand there are many stories and cases of people who have sold their souls to gamble, and have lost everything in life, some even ending up in jail for stealing to support their addiction. Some leave their very young children at home, or locked in the car alone, to go gambling. There is a Gambling Help Line, which is free and works 24/7 to help those who have become addicted and need some help. The number is 0800 684 655.

Tip: When deciding to visit a casino to put a few bets on, establish a maximum that you are prepared to loose, and try to consider it like you have already lost that money. You should never gamble more than your planned maximum. Gambling can be a lot of fun, especially when with friends, but you have to be very careful and disciplined.