Guide to Buying Poker Machines in NZ: 5 Essential Tips

Your love for pokies might have made you think of owning one for your personal use. Well, many countries have different gambling laws and also prohibit having a gaming machine at home.

For example in Australia, it is illegal to have a poker machine at home. But if you do so and you are caught with the machine it can result in an $11,000 fine, 12 months jail, or both. Also, you will have to surrender the machine to the concerned authorities.

So the question that most of the Kiwis want to know is can you buy poker machines in New Zealand? The answer is that yes you can but you need a license to buy one.

This means that though the law is not strict still you need to inquire whether you do require a license to buy a poker machine as all local NZ casinos do so to operate them.

That is why we call them licensed casinos. The gambling laws in New Zealand are administered by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). You can check their website and ask them what all you require to buy a pokies machine.

Rules To Buy Poker Machines in New Zealand

\You will find that the Gambling Act of 2003 is the primary law that regulates gambling in New Zealand. Sections 22 and 23 cover cases where no gambling license is required to operate.

Reading Section 22 one can interpret running poker tournaments, betting pools, housie (bingo), or other forms of gambling other than machines, where no cut (rake) is taken and the prize is under $500 is considered Class 1 Gambling.

This is fully legal and no license is required. Section 22 defines Class 2 Gambling, which is mostly for organizations, charities, and certain businesses.

Rules Differ With Types of Gambling

Class 3 gambling, as described in sections 27 and 28 of the Gambling Act 2003 is those where the prize offered in the gambling activity, or one session of the gambling, exceeds $5,000  like lotto, instant games, and house games, and does not involve a gaming machine, directly or indirectly.

Class 4 gambling is where any activity that involves the use of a gaming machine outside a casino but it may be run only by a corporate society and only to raise money for authorized purposes. With all the above legal information it’s time for you to find poker machines for sale in NZ and here are the wonderful 5 tips to do so.

5 Tips for Find Poker Machine for Sale in NZ

Most of the punters in NZ want poker machines or pokies machines that are refurbished. Which means you want to have old and used poker machines.

This is because players or pokies collectors just want poker machines for their private use or display at their pubs, clubs, or even in their drawing rooms at home.

For show fun or free play, poker machines come under private gambling which is not considered as a class of gambling in the eyes of the law. It is not covered by the 2004 game rules for each specific type of activity.

However, it must comply with the definition in the Act or it will become illegal gambling and participants will be subjected to the possibility of prosecution. 

So you need to first understand what the law says and then find the pokies machines that are for sale. Here are the 5 tips to find real poker machines for sale in New Zealand.

1. Get Them Direct From the Gaming Developers

If you wish to run a casino or buy for a charitable purpose or as an individual you can find poker machines to buy directly from the gaming developer.

Aristocrat is a leading global provider of gaming solutions, namely world-class software, systems, and hardware. Aristocrat’s products and services are available in over 55 countries around the world. To visit the Aristocrat website click here.

If you are interested in IGT pokies machines then you can visit them on their website and know more.

Another gaming developer is Konami Australia PTY Limited which was established in November 1996 and is now one of the leading designers and manufacturers of Gaming Machines.

Based in Botany, Sydney, Konami’s dedication to providing the most innovative, reliable, and profitable gaming equipment has earned it a reputation as one of the emerging leaders in a challenging marketplace. You can try your luck here too.

One more to mention is Star Games Corporation Pty which specializes in designing, manufacturing, and supplying sophisticated electronic gaming products and technologies to the gaming industry.

2. Find Pokies Machines at Auction Sites

You can find pokies machines on sale at various Auction sites in New Zealand like the Trademe or at eBid or Lixtor.

These are only a few examples as you will find many online auction sites where you can purchase these pokies machines. All you need is to register yourself at these sites and search for the pokies machines and you will find many of them listed with their photos and prices.

Select the one you wish to have and you can clear your doubts to know the details all directly with the seller through email.

When satisfied you can pay by various options mentioned on these sites, like Credit/debit cards, Cheques, Paypal, Cash deposit, Google checkout, Demand Draft, and many more modes of payment.

3. Get Real Poker Machines at Various Online Websites

Many online sites offer poker machines for sale. Like Fishpond which is a New Zealand online store that sells poker machines. On online websites, you will find a huge selection and prices that you can choose from.

The process is that you need to register at these online sites and search for pokies machines and you will find the listing with description, price, and photo of the machines. But one thing you have to look at is most of these online sites like eBay have these machines imported from the USA or the UK so you need to again check with the laws of your country whether you can buy these poker machines or not.

4. Have Them From Real Casinos That Sell Old Poker Machines

This is one of the easiest ways to find poker machines. Many real casinos in New Zealand also sell their old poker machines. These machines are for entertainment purposes and can be housed for your personal use.

Also, these machines can be bought by clubs, pubs, or charitable institutions and come under a certain class of gambling which is regulated by the gaming authorities and laws of New Zealand.

It is always important to keep an eye on the sales department of real land local casinos in NZ and ask them for any old machines for sale or auction.

5. Get From Gaming Machine Distributors

You can find poker machines with the Gaming Machine Distributors which are licensed IGT dealers for the whole of the South Island and have expanded their area of operation, to Christchurch, Canterbury the West Coast the Nelson and Marlborough regions.

Their Christchurch premises are located at 60-62 Montreal Street, Christchurch, and even offer extensive workshop repair facilities along with product assembly lines, spare parts department, and product showrooms with the latest release games and substantial warehouse facilities.

You can contact their Sales and Service staff at Nelson, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, and the West Coast.

Their primary activities are to sell and service the extensive range of IGT gaming machines, as well as jackpot link systems and ancillary equipment. They have been selling poker machines to Chartered Clubs, Sports Clubs, Hotels, Taverns, and a variety of Charitable Societies that own and operate gaming machines.

Accessories for Pokies

If you want some accessories of pokies machines that too can be found at online stores like Amazon and eBay. Also, many pokies sell accessories along with pokies machines.

One thing to remember is that all the pokies for sale are refurbished pokies or old pokies machines and carry a one-year or two-year warranty. This means you can change any pokies part that doesn’t work or have the pokies repaired in that warranty period.

These pokies on sale in New Zealand cost a range between $1000 – $ 5000. You need to check the condition of the pokies machine and see if its valuable parts are working or not.

Check the documents or any terms and conditions attached to the sale letter from the seller so that you don’t have to worry later on.

Refund Policy of the Seller

Many of the pokies machine sellers may charge for the shipment to the delivery address. You can ask for every detail about how the pokies machine will be delivered to you and whether will you bear the delivery charges or will the shipment be free of cost.

If your machine arrives damaged or faulty, you can return it for a refund. If you’ve changed your mind and want to send it back, you can ask the seller if they’ll accept a return.

• Better contact the direct seller before buying any machine and ask him about his terms for refunds.
• Always buy from a reputed online site and a well-established one like eBay or Amazon. At least they act as a third-party mediator to solve your problem.
• Know the seller and get feedback from other buyers. Better check it online and read his product reviews.
• If you want a refund to it on the period mentioned in the policy delaying can create a loss of money for you.

Such pokies on sale in New Zealand are not for commercial use until you obtain a license from the government. You can display these pokies for entertainment and use them at parties or functions without real money gameplay and simply for fun.

Besides these 5 tips to find real poker machines, it is advisable to go through the rules and regulations carefully and have a legal process to get these machines for your use and serve responsible gaming and gambling in the country.

Conclusion

while the love for pokies is understandable, it’s essential to navigate the legal landscape when considering buying poker machines. In New Zealand, a license is required for ownership, and understanding the Gambling Act of 2003 is crucial.

Whether purchased directly from gaming developers, at auctions, online websites, or from real casinos, adherence to legal requirements is paramount. Additionally, having a clear understanding of refund policies, checking the machine’s condition, and ensuring compliance with warranty terms are essential steps.

Always buy from reputable sellers to enjoy your pokies responsibly within legal boundaries.

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