A Look at the eSports Industry in New Zealand

The eSports industry had grown exponentially since late 2009 when Riot Games released the League of Legends games. This industry has also seen tremendous growth in New Zealand. As a result, three sports: soccer, football, and baseball, have reported a constant increase in viewership. However several additional games have also captured the interests of the gaming and gambling community there. With thousands of tournaments taking place, the country established the New Zealand Esports Federation (NZESF) as a monitoring and investigation service mainly related to competitive integrity and youth protection.

New Zealand Esports Federation (NZESF)

The New Zealand eSports Federation became the National Sports Organisation in 2020. This means it is the only national sporting organization for esports approved by the New Zealand government. NZESF has thus become a member of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), which will protect youth and apply a competitive integrity policy. 

ESIC was set up in 2016 to ensure that eSports competitions remain fair and regulated. By entering partnerships with the most prominent online casino platforms in New Zealand and CasinoDeps brands, this non-profit entity reduces problems in eSports, including cases of corruption, match-fixing, and doping.

Mission objectives

Nominated as the voice of Esports in New Zealand, NZESF leads and supports the Kiwi esports players to enhance and safeguard the future of the industry. The regulatory body was founded with the following main objectives:

• To defend the esports recognition as an indoor sport in New Zealand by promoting this activity’s participation and including the country in the Olympics.
• The entity will also promote a balanced lifestyle for esports players to provide educational advantages of this practice and oversee video games for younger participants.
• NZESF is also a regulatory body for sports events, companies, and competitions across New Zealand.

As the New Zealand Esports Federation is tasked with regulating eSports companies, one key reason for establishing this body is to promote esports and its benefits to the general public. NZESF constantly tries to broaden the players by increasing participation by educating people, players, and schools. 

The members who want to host esports events also receive support in order for the Federation to gather local esports organizations, professional or amateur players, and volunteers. Members receive support and protection, allowing them to have the best chance to succeed. They can compete while maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle to prevent esports addiction.

Limitations and restrictions

Despite its many functions, several things do fall outside its jurisdiction. NZESF does not provide funding. However, it does help associations apply for funding. Additionally, the National Sporting organization does not offer legal advice. That said, it can assist consumers in searching for independent legal advice. 

NZESF cannot decide whether teams, players, or organizations should engage in esports. Still, this entity is always available to listen to the members’ needs to help overcome universal challenges that all members may experience. It is also worth mentioning that the federation does not have or maintain a professional esports team. Even so, it can provide an opportunity for the local teams to represent New Zealand at esports events as the E Blacks.

In New Zealand, eSports Federation has been recognized as a national sporting organization. It also has become a member of the Esports Integrity Commission. To promote esports participation in New Zealand, this entity supports esports and video games for youth and the community. Due to the wide-reaching influence of games and esports, the NZESF also handles esports betting. The aim is to promote integrity and provide global rules on issues associated with esports bets. This policy ensures Kiwi players have the opportunity to represent New Zealand in worldwide competition.

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