Bruce Dias 
Kiwis love a flutter, whether it’s on the lotto, the pokies, or the races. Roughly 4 out of 5 New Zealand adults – both men and women – have a punt in some form each year. Online gambling is booming as part of this scene, contributing to a massive gambling industry worth about $61.5 billion USD in 2021.
We’re the 101RTP site – basically a bunch of Kiwi players who’ve been grinding through online casinos for years. We’ve tested hundreds of platforms, analysed countless slots, and even pulled over €1 million in profits using our tools and strategies. So, how do the fellas and the ladies compare when it comes to online betting?
Key Differences
Men in NZ tend to gamble online more frequently than women. Data shows Kiwis across all age groups visit offshore betting sites more often than women. Women are definitely active too. But they typically log in less often.
How much do they spend? Male players generally bet more money and take bigger risks per session. Studies show men gamble more frequently with higher spending than women. Ladies usually keep their wagers more modest.
What games do they prefer? Both genders love online pokies. But men are more drawn to competitive, skill-based gambling. For example, sports betting. Women often favour chance-based games like casino lotteries, bingo, or casual slot games.
Who Plays More Often?
As we already know, men are generally the more frequent players. Your average Kiwi bloke might be playing blackjack online several times a week. Whereas a typical female player might log in more occasionally. Part of this could be cultural. Gambling has long been popular among New Zealand men (think of all the chat about weekend rugby odds at the pub).
Women punt plenty too, but often in different contexts. Many prefer casual games like online lotto draws or a few rounds on the pokies for entertainment, seeking a low payout. These trends are shifting, though. Gambling isn’t just a “boys’ club” anymore.
This higher frequency does come with risks. Men historically show higher rates of problem gambling – about 4.2% of men versus 2.9% of women in some studies. Playing more often can carry extra risk. S it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Who Bets Bigger?
On average, men are putting more cash on the line. Multiple studies confirm they not only play more often, they also spend more per wager and per week than women. They might chase that big win on the blackjack table or keep upping the sports bet stakes. Women often take a more conservative approach.
International studies show men’s weekly gambling spend is around 1.4 times higher than women’s, even after accounting for income differences. If a female player sets aside $20 for a pokies night, a male player might be staking $30 or more on a sports multi-bet or poker tournament.
These are general trends, though. Not every guy’s a high-roller and not every woman’s betting pennies. But overall, the data tilts toward men wagering larger amounts and taking bigger risks.
Game Preferences and Playing Style
Men and women gravitate toward different gambling experiences online:
Men. Tend to be bigger risk-takers who love competitive or skill-based gambling. Sports betting pools and online poker rooms see more men. They enjoy the strategic side and adrenaline of beating the odds.
Women. Often favour chance-based games that are easy and social. Online lotto, scratchies, or pokies for low-key fun are popular choices.
Both. Equally appreciate the convenience and excitement of online gambling. Everyone loves being able to play anytime, anywhere – and nobody’s allergic to winning!
Bottom Line
While Kiwi men and women both love online gambling, they show clear differences in approach. Men typically log in more often and lay down bigger bets, riding the ups and downs of high-roller energy. Women tend to gamble less frequently with smaller wagers.
These are general tendencies, not hard rules. Every player’s unique. And the online casino doesn’t care about your gender when it dishes out a royal flush or jackpot win! The important takeaway for all Kiwi gamers is knowing your style and gambling within limits. Gambling should be about thrill and enjoyment. The moment it stops being fun (or affordable), it’s time to step back.
