In New Zealand, gambling is considered an economically-significant industry. Citizens spend more than $1 billion on gambling activities every year, marking its popularity in the country. The demographics achieved by online slot operators in New Zealand are wide, as men and women and individuals belonging to different age groups take part in gambling activities.
According to research conducted by Statistics New Zealand, more than 90% of the population over the age of 18 participates in gambling activities at least once in their life. More than 80% admit to gambling at least once a year. 85% of New Zealanders play local lotteries regularly while 77% choose to take part in other forms of raffles. In addition, instant lottery games and electronic gaming machines are played by more than half of New Zealand’s population.
Gambling preferences seem to vary between age groups. Residents aged 25-34 are the most likely to take part in gambling activities while young New Zealanders, aged 18-24, tend to gamble. Of the younger population, those who gamble mostly take part in Instant Kiwi games and informal monetary bets with friends. Residents aged 25-34 are most likely to play poker machines and casino games. Middle-aged and senior citizens are most likely to play the lottery.
In addition, gambling behavior differed between the sexes. Gambling was previously a male-dominated activity, but recent years have seen more and more women get involved. In a study conducted in 1991, 699 100 people gambled, compared to about 349 500 women. In recent years, however, things have equated out with about half a million men and women both taking part in land-based gambling games and online casino activities.
More women than men play lottery, bingo and Instant Kiwi games. 80% of women compared to 70% of men play the lottery, 23% of women compared to 15% of men play bingo and 53% of women compared to 43% of men play the Instant Kiwi game. However, men outnumber women when it comes to sports betting as 12% of men compared to 5% of women bet on sports. Equal parts of men and women take part in poker machines (18% each) and casino games (15% each).
Problem gambling rates also vary between demographics. 34% of women are suspected problem gamblers, compared to 46% of men. Also, residents over the age of 40 are considered the most likely to develop unhealthy gambling habits, as 43% of players aged 40-49 are potential problem gamblers.