Bonuses aimed at persons 24 years of age or younger are prohibited
New Zealand gambling operators are bonuses only available to players 25 years and older. This was announced by the industry association VNLOK (licensed New Zealand Online gaming providers) on december 14. This decision is voluntary, and is part of a new advertising code that should protect young people from problem gambling. The decision of the VNLOK was made after extensive consultation with companies that offer games of chance, Stichting Reclame Code and media broadcasters.
Bonus restrictions are part of new advertising code
Since October 2021, selected gaming providers have been allowed to legally offer their games online to New Zealand consumers. There are currently (January 2023) eleven companies that have been gZodiaced such a license and that have received a online casino games have opened. In the last months of the year, many advertisements for the new casinos could be seen on television and on the internet. There was criticism: there would be too many advertisements and vulnerable young people would not be sufficiently protected from the temptations of gambling with (too) high stakes. The VNLOK was also unable to reach an agreement with, among other things, the Consumer Association on the frequency and content of the gambling advertisements.
The recent decision to stop handing out bonuses to players aged 24 or younger is part of the gambling industry's voluntary new advertising code. It also stipulates, for example, that casinos are no longer allowed to advertise their products between 06.00 and 21.00. There may also be a maximum of three gambling advertisements per advertising block on tv, and each commercial May last up to thirty seconds. Furthermore, advertisements in public spaces should not be shown in places where many young people or vulnerable consumers come, such as near schools, amusement parks and addiction facilities. In addition, each advertisement must be accompanied by a new disclaimer entitled: What does gambling cost you? Stop on time, 18+.
Up to $250 in bonus money, and no bonuses up to 25 years
The new advertising code of the VNLOK stipulates that the bonuses of online casinos may only be claimed by players who are at least 25 years old. Furthermore, each bonus may have a maximum value of $250, and these promotions may not be mentioned on tv, on the radio, and on public space advertisements. The bonus restrictions and other measures will initially apply until 1 March 2023. In October 2023, an evaluation of its effectiveness will be held by all parties involved, after which the code can still be adapted.
At the moment, New Zealanders aged 18 and over are allowed to play for money at online and brick-and-mortar casinos. The age of every gambler who creates a casino account must be checked by a casino. This is due, for example, to the fact that the player must log in with his iDIN, a digital identification similar to the well-known banking service iDEAL. New Zealanders aged 18 to 24 are still allowed to play for money at a casino under the new rules, but can no longer redeem any promotion on that gambling site.
Helma Lodders, president of the VNLOK, says about the advertising code:" It was not easy to unite the interests of all parties involved, but it has been possible to come up with a solid advertising code for online gambling that additionally protects consumers and specifically vulnerable groups. [...] Legally, numerous restrictive measures already apply to the promotion of online gambling. With this code, the members of the VNLOK – also listening to the social discussion – voluntarily add a lot to that. "
Bonuses should make the new regulated casinos viable
Online casino bonuses have been offered to new and existing gamblers for years. For example, a player who signs up at a casino can get a number of Free spins (rounds of play) for the slots get a gift. And players who transfer Play Money themselves for the first time often get the same amount added to their balance for free. Also, bonuses are distributed on new deposits, gamblers can get free bets for sports betting, and sometimes there is a tiered loyalty program, with additional benefits at each new level. These bonuses are an important way for gambling companies to warm new customers to their games of chance. They are also an essential tool to win the competitive battle in the competitive online gambling market.
The New Zealand Gaming Authority, which manages the new licences for gaming operators, would like many gamblers to switch to the new regulated range of legal casinos. these providers must prevent problematic gambling behaviour and be affiliated with the CRUKS register, so that gambling addicts can no longer play (whether temporarily or not) with any New Zealand company. That is also why casino bonuses are not banned in their entirety – The New Zealand providers must become competitive and catch players away from the unregulated gambling companies. The aim of the KSA is to have 80 percent of current online gamblers make the switch to the new legal providers.