The world is flooded with slot machines. Slots contribute more than 80% of casino revenue in many countries. The slots market is a popular one in New Zealand where electronic gaming machines are a very popular pastime.
Recent surveys show that 37% of adults gamble by choosing to play slots and poker machines. New Zealand’s slot machines account for 46% of all gambling expenditures. Poker machines generated $849 million in revenue in 2010, accounting for a significant portion of the $1.91 billion spent on gambling activities.
There are 2832 slot machines and poker machines in New Zealand casinos. More than half of them reside at Star City Casino, Auckland (1647). There are 190 people per slot machine in a country of only 4 million inhabitants. New Zealand has 120 people per one gaming machine compared to Australia’s 120. This shows that New Zealand is quickly becoming a major player in the Australian poker machine market. Australia is well-known for its gambling industry.
Slots have become a common feature in New Zealand’s entertainment and leisure markets over the years. You can find slot machines and other gambling machines in casinos in many countries. Slot machines can be found in New Zealand’s bars, hotels, and restaurants. These games are more accessible than in countries where they are restricted to casinos. There are 21 026 slot machines at all non-casino venues, including bars and hotels. They are available at more than 1700 locations across the country.
The number of people who play slots has increased in recent years. There has been a significant increase in New Zealand’s market for poker machines, particularly in Christchurch. Slots spending remains high despite the fact that many of the gaming venues in the area were damaged by the recent Earthquake. The area’s residents are spending 17% more on poker and slot machines than in the last quarter. Other parts of the country saw an increase of more than 3% between 2010 and 2011.
The New Zealand government took steps to stop problem gambling after the huge popularity of online slot machines and online casino slots. All slots and poker machines are equipped with Player Information Displays. These displays keep players informed about how long they’ve been playing and how much money they’ve spent. This allows players to keep track of their gaming and prevent them from overspending, which is a risk inherent in playing casino games.