New Zealand boasts one of the fastest-growing technological ecosystems in the world, thanks to its investment in the gaming industry, especially in app development.
The country’s tech sector has been given a huge lift by its creative gaming output and app-based games, including mobile video games and online casino platforms. New Zealand is quietly positioning itself as a major player in the global tech scene, and gaming apps are playing a crucial role in shaping the nation’s economic future. And with this growth comes the need for thoughtful regulation, especially in the associated iGaming sector. Read on as we explore how gaming is influencing the country’s tech ambitions.
New Zealand in the Midst of a Tech Boom
New Zealand’s technology sector has quietly grown into one of its most promising economic frontiers.
The number of tech companies has nearly doubled in the last two decades, and the country’s top 200 tech firms now generate close to NZD $18 billion annually.
A big part of that success has come from traditional pillars such as cloud software and advanced manufacturing. However, gaming is starting to share the spotlight.
Mobile and app-based development is proving to be a game-changer. App-focused tech is more scalable, cost-effective, and prioritises the users’ needs, making it ideal for New Zealand’s relatively small domestic market.
Developers don’t have to rely on massive infrastructure or deep-pocketed venture capital. Instead, many are building lightweight, globally viable products straight from laptops and co-working spaces.
Gaming revenues in New Zealand increased by 26 percent in 2024, reaching a record NZD $548 million, which is impressive considering the country was staring down the barrel of recession.
One of the main reasons behind the sector’s success story is the multi-faceted nature of its output. They produce high-quality products from every nook and cranny of the gaming sector.
The success of recent releases from established developers such as PikPok, a Wellington-based studio that has become a global name in mobile gaming, has also played its part. Titles such as ‘Into the Dead’ and ‘Flick Kick Football’ have reached millions of players worldwide. Grinding Gear Games (GGG), which is famous for Path of Exile, has also dipped into mobile development with Path of Exile: Mobile, recognising the need to reach a more diverse audience. PikPok and GGG have been exceptional, and Weta Workshop’s Tales of the Shire game, which is set to drop later this year, is expected to continue that trend.
Many developers in New Zealand’s indie gaming scene are now prioritising mobile or web-based app games to capitalise on lower barriers to entry. The goal is to distribute the games via Google Play and App Store with ease.
Following the UK’s Regulatory Blueprint
A significant portion of the gaming industry’s revenue comes from video games, but online gambling has the potential to take things up a notch.
Kiwis have shown significant interest in mobile casino games and other gambling platforms.
Many of the top 10 online casinos in NZ have mobile app versions that make it easier for players to access their favourite platforms at their convenience.
These platforms have the latest app design, making them more like mobile games and less like static betting platforms of old.
With the rise of smartphone usage and secure digital payment systems, iGaming apps have become one of the most accessible forms of entertainment in the country.
But this rapid rise has also prompted discussions about the need for effective regulation, and there are a few things New Zealand can learn from the United Kingdom (UK) in that regard.
New Zealand’s gambling laws are currently under review. The Gambling Act 2003 governs most gambling activities in the country, but it wasn’t designed for a digital world.
As a result, overseas-based iGaming platforms often operate in a legal grey area, offering services to New Zealanders without being based or taxed locally.
The government is trying to get their operations under control by bringing more structure to the iGaming sector, and this is where the UK offers a practical path forward.
The UK is often placed on a high pedestal when it comes to regulating online gambling. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has developed one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for digital betting and gaming.
For example, their system requires all iGaming operators serving UK customers to acquire a UKGC license, ensuring they meet ironclad standards of fairness, transparency and responsible gaming.
Operators must also offer deposit limits and access to support services for problem gambling.
If New Zealand builds its framework using similar principles, it can create a safe and regulated environment that supports both innovation and public welfare.
A licensing regime could also open doors for homegrown iGaming start-ups, enabling them to compete on a level playing field while contributing to the domestic economy through taxes and job creation.