When you think of New Zealand, a wealth of different images may appear in your mind. It might be the sight of the iconic All Blacks performing the Haka before a game of rugby, or maybe a beautiful landscape of crystal-clear lakes and stunning mountains. For some, it could even be the image of two hobbits on a journey to save Middle-earth. What many people aren’t aware of, however, is New Zealand’s growing presence on the global tech scene, with several of the world’s most exciting tech startups and companies calling it home. Within this, it has also emerged that it is in fact the gaming industry that is leading the way, helping to shape the future of New Zealand’s growing tech market. So, what exactly has been simmering in this exciting Pacific nation?

An emerging tech hub

New Zealand’s tech sector has experienced impressive growth over the last twenty years, with the number of companies working within the sector nearly doubling and the annual revenues of its 200 biggest companies reaching a massive $17.95 billion. Much of this growth has come from high-tech manufacturing and ICT services; however, other sectors such as biotech, fintech, and gaming are now starting to make a real impact on the industry as it looks ahead. Notable members of this emerging tech hub include cloud-based accounting company Xero, who now employ over four thousand people and offers their services on an international scale, as well as innovative startup Halter, which is helping to bring agriculture methods to a new level with their virtual fencing and digital pasture management methods. Wherever you look in New Zealand, it appears as though talented and driven teams are finding opportunities for technological upheaval, bringing new ideas to the table and, importantly, creating products and services that people want.

Gaming industry driving growth

The gaming sector is one such area that has seen significant activity, quickly growing into one of the country’s fastest-growing creative industries. In fact, 2024 saw gaming revenues up a huge 26% on the previous year, reaching $548 million and highlighting the upward trajectory the industry appears to be following. This is made all the more impressive considering New Zealand’s turbulent economic position over the past year, which has seen the country dip into recession.

One of the key reasons behind the sector’s success lies in the multi-faceted nature of its output, with high-quality products emerging from every direction of the gaming sphere. Kiwi video games have been the main driver thanks to the success of recent releases from established developers like PikPok and Grinding Gear Games. And as the iconic Weta Workshop looks to release its Tales of the Shire game later this year, industry insiders are confident that video games will continue to provide a vital engine to the sector.

Elsewhere, New Zealand has experienced somewhat of an explosion in the popularity of online casino games in recent years, creating a new channel for investment and innovation. While Kiwis can already access many minimum deposit casinos at Casino.org, upcoming changes to New Zealand’s gambling laws will likely open up this sector even more, providing the chance for emerging startups to find their place in the market and allowing iGaming to provide a boost to the overall gaming sector.

The third area of gaming that has found impressive, and to some, maybe unexpected growth, is in traditional board and table games. This has been primarily influenced by the resounding success of Legendary Story Studios’ trading card game Flesh and Blood. Such a hit in fact that the developer was crowned the fastest growing business in New Zealand by Deloitte in 2022. Finding success in what is an increasingly niche market like board games truly highlights New Zealand’s unique ability to nurture gaming talent.

Why New Zealand

So, what is it about this small country in the South Pacific that makes it such a fertile breeding ground for emerging gaming companies?

Government support

Recognising the country’s impressive ability to punch above its weights in the gaming sector, in 2019 the government followed through with its promise to commit $10 million towards the establishment of the Centre for Digital Excellence (CODE) in Dunedin – a purpose-built hub ‘designed to support a sustainable and equitable expansion of New Zealand’s video game development industry.’ With such strong government support, emerging companies will feel confident that their industry is a priority and a key cog in government plans for economic growth.

A talented workforce

Without a worthwhile product to sell, it is impossible to find success in the gaming industry. Fortunately for New Zealand, it appears as though they have a high density of talent in their small gaming workforce. With little over 1,000 people working in gaming in the country (for context, US developer Activision Blizzard counts 13,000 on their books), the ability to produce such high-quality releases like Path of Exiles 2 highlights a unique ability to tap into what players actually want to play.

Global market focus

As a small nation, New Zealand’s tech industries operate with a global mindset from the get-go, aware that meaningful growth will ultimately come from exporting to larger markets. This means that companies think big, focusing on global trends and preferences while fostering international partnerships early on. This mindset is reflected in the country’s games industry, where thinking beyond borders is a necessary strategic decision.

As New Zealand’s tech market continues to develop, its importance to the country’s economy is becoming increasingly evident. Driven by sectors such as gaming, which are providing the blueprint for other areas to similarly expand and grow, New Zealand could soon see its tech companies become its largest and most valuable export. While there remain challenges ahead for these emerging sectors, most notably tackling the ongoing issue of skills shortages in key areas and competing with developing industries elsewhere, it is hoped that vital talent will continue to emerge.

Thailand has always had a unique relationship with chance. Whether it’s the lottery numbers hidden in a dream or a whispered sports tip passed along at a street market, gambling—formal or otherwise—sits quietly but powerfully within Thai culture. It’s not just about the thrill of the win. It’s about tradition, belief, and a little bit of magic.

Now, with smartphones replacing bet slips and live odds showing up where incense once burned, platforms like ยูฟ่าเบท are becoming unlikely but fitting temples of luck. These digital spaces aren’t just tools—they’re cultural mirrors. They reflect how modern Thai gamblers engage with identity, history, and technology all at once.

A Longstanding Dance with Luck

To understand the present, it helps to look back. Gambling in Thailand dates back centuries, woven into festivals, folklore, and everyday life. Before apps and logins, locals placed bets on Muay Thai matches, cockfights, and informal card games. The Thai government even ran its own lottery system as early as the 1800s—part entertainment, part revenue generator.

But even before the numbers were printed on a ticket, they were drawn from dreams. Many Thais believe in interpreting dreams, signs, and omens as messages from the spiritual realm. A snake in a dream could mean a lucky number is coming. A certain date on the calendar might feel cosmically significant. Gambling, in this context, isn’t seen as a vice—it’s a form of communion with fate.

The Spiritual Layer Most Outsiders Miss

Western narratives around gambling often strip it down to logic and luck—odds, math, maybe addiction. But in Thailand, there’s an entirely different layer. Many bettors light incense before a lottery draw. Others visit temples and ask monks for lucky numbers. Some even make offerings to ancient spirits or deities believed to bring fortune.

This blend of spirituality and chance hasn’t disappeared with the arrival of online betting. In fact, it’s evolving. Thai gamblers still look for signs. But now they might enter those numbers into a digital sportsbook or casino platform instead of a physical ticket. They might watch a live football match on their phone, whispering a quick prayer before placing an in-game bet. Ritual meets real-time tech.

Platforms Like UFABET Aren’t Just Convenient—They’re Familiar

Let’s talk about why Thai players are turning to digital platforms like ยูฟ่าเบท. On the surface, it’s about access. These platforms offer easy sign-up, live updates, secure payments, and a menu of games that range from baccarat to Premier League betting.

But there’s more to it than convenience.

Thai users aren’t just playing to win—they’re playing to belong. Online platforms have become social spaces. Group chats buzz with tips and lucky streaks. Communities form around certain games or strategies. There’s even a language to it—slang, emojis, and phrases that are uniquely Thai. It’s a cultural identity that’s gone digital.

And these platforms don’t ignore that. Many are designed with Thai language support, popular local games, and payment systems that align with how people already use mobile money in their daily lives. It’s not just gambling; it’s gambling in Thai style.

Superstition Still Shapes the Digital Experience

Even in digital spaces, tradition persists. Some users only log in on “lucky days” based on their zodiac sign. Others swear by specific colors or screen names that have brought them good fortune. Some even pick betting times based on auspicious hours recommended by fortune tellers.

Online gambling platforms—knowingly or not—have become a new ritual ground. And users bring all their cultural habits with them. One bettor might avoid certain numbers that are considered unlucky. Another might always bet after meditating. Technology hasn’t erased these habits; it’s adapted to them.

Betting as a Form of Cultural Rebellion

It’s important to acknowledge the legal gray area. Gambling is heavily restricted in Thailand, with the exception of the national lottery and betting on horse races. But underground betting and online platforms are booming. Why?

Because gambling also acts as a quiet form of rebellion.

For many, placing a bet is more than just a game—it’s a way to push back against a system that doesn’t always feel fair. It’s a way to take control, even if just for a moment. And digital platforms offer a discreet, safe space to do it. No smoky back rooms. No risky handoffs. Just a login, a mobile screen, and a moment of personal agency.

Thai Games, Global Style

It’s fascinating to see which games Thai users gravitate toward. Sports betting is massive, especially football. But casino games like baccarat and hi-lo (a traditional dice game known as “Sic Bo”) also have deep roots in local culture. These games mimic real-life versions often played during festivals or family gatherings.

So when someone in Bangkok logs into a digital casino to play baccarat, they’re not just mimicking a James Bond movie—they’re reliving family nights, street corner challenges, or temple fair fun. And the fact that these platforms offer localized versions of such games? That’s not just smart marketing—it’s cultural fluency.

Mobile-First, Culture-Forward

One key reason why online gambling fits so well into Thai culture: mobile-first behavior. Thailand has one of the highest mobile internet usage rates in Southeast Asia. People are used to doing everything from paying bills to ordering street food through their phones.

So naturally, betting followed suit.

Platforms that perform well on mobile—both in function and feel—are more than just popular. They’re practical. And the ones that embrace local customs, payment methods, and visual styles? They feel like they were built for Thai users, not just available to them.

Why This Isn’t Just a Trend

What we’re seeing in Thailand isn’t a fad. It’s a cultural shift. It’s not about tech replacing tradition—it’s about tech supporting it in new formats. And that’s why it matters.

Thai gamblers aren’t giving up their values. They’re carrying them online. They’re blending belief and behavior in a way that makes perfect sense for a society that’s long embraced both spirituality and innovation.

And that makes online gambling platforms more than a pastime. It makes them part of the national story.

Final Thoughts: What the “Temple” Really Means

Calling a platform like UFABET the “new temple of luck” isn’t about exaggeration. It’s about recognizing that these platforms aren’t just functional—they’re sacred in their own way. They offer ritual, community, tradition, and a sense of connection to something larger than the game.

For Thai players, a bet isn’t just a wager. It’s a wish, a belief, a personal symbol of hope. And now, thanks to modern tools, they can place that wish anytime, anywhere—without losing the cultural heartbeat behind it.

So the next time someone logs on, they’re not just gambling. They’re continuing a legacy.

And that’s the real jackpot.

When two or more people jointly own a property, one of the owners might force the sale of the property by implementing a partition action or a lawsuit.

According to statistics, of the about 1.8 million property transactions, an average of 82,000 transactions per year, 6.1% are forced transactions.

If you’re also a co-owner of a property and there’s a forced sale coming up, then here is everything you need to know.

What is a Forced Sale?

A forced sale, also known as a partition lawsuit, is a legal procedure in which any co-owner of a jointly owned property can order a court-ordered sale.

The sale takes place under court supervision and ends in the division of the property or through the sale proceeds. However, filing a lawsuit should only be considered as a last resort.

Before going to court, remember that you can also force the sale through persuasion and even the threat of a lawsuit. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• See yourself from the other co-owner’s perspective and try to figure out what they want and why.
• See how the other co-owners might be harmed if you take matters to court.
• Explain how a voluntary sale could prevent the unnecessary time and money associated with litigation.
• Try to devise a specific course of action, such as a buyout, voluntary sale, or even keeping the property.

Disagreements in Co-ownership of Properties

Two or more people might want to co-own a property for many reasons, such as making it an appealing investment opportunity, a joint tenancy with a family member, or a vacation timeshare with a loved one.

However, when joint owners can compromise on dividing the assets and splitting the profits, there are litigation teams that are specially trained to handle court-ordered forced sales.

Another thing to remember is that any decision related to the property requires agreement from all the co-owners. This is why, when there are disagreements, mitigating them can become a challenge.

There are different reasons why co-owners might disagree on a jointly-owned property:

• One co-owner might need funds for personal use, which might prompt them to sell the property.
• One of the co-owners might decide to move somewhere else or start a family on a bigger property.
• There can be sudden conflicts over property management, such as disagreements on repairs and maintenance.
• If the property proves to be an investment, then co-owners can have different ideas, such as whether to keep or sell the property.

Partition Action on Inherited Property

As a co-owner, you must know your rights to an inherited property. Partition actions can arise in the context of probate when there’s a dispute regarding the joint ownership of a property that has been passed down from an ancestor.

Maybe multiple beneficiaries have inherited the property together through an estate or trust fund distribution.

However, if beneficiaries don’t want to jointly own the property or they can’t agree on how to divide up their interest, then a partition action can be brought and forced.

For example, when someone leaves a will mentioning the property to multiple beneficiaries, the ones who wish to terminate their obligation to the property can seek a partition lawsuit.

If you’re from California, get in touch with a reliable real estate attorney California. They will have all the knowledge about local laws and regulations, ensuring a favorable verdict.

Requirements for a Partition Action

The most basic requirement for a partition action is that you have to be the co-owner of the property. If your name doesn’t appear on the property title, you can’t file a lawsuit.

When it comes to probate, a will or a trust might designate the property to pass over to more than one estate beneficiary.

However, until the executor or trustee transfers the title to the beneficiaries, the latter will not be allowed to bring in any partition action.

For example, if the executor or trustee delays selling or transferring the property because they are living in it without paying any rent, you can claim to remove or surcharge the executor or trustee for fiduciary or financial misconduct.

How to Win a Partition Action?

You first have to pressure the other party by convincing them of a voluntary sale or by obtaining a court order for sale.

However, if you wish to stop the sale, you can win through a buyout or by asking the other owners to halt the partition action.

If any resolution fails, the party wanting the property sale will probably win the partition action.

Conclusion

As a co-owner, you need to know your rights and duties regarding a jointly-owned property. So, don’t wait anymore and get in touch with a reputable attorney today.

Pets are more than just furry friends who learn tricks and snuggle with us after a long day at work. In 2025, pets are members of the family deserving of the same approach to wellness that humans expect.

That means today’s pet owners are investing in anything from health supplements to pet-focused clothing instead of the usual bags of kibbles.

And pets are experiencing more than just routine visits to the vet’s office as owners work to create tailored health plans that help their companions thrive.

Keep reading to discover some of the latest wellness trends in 2025!

The Impact of Supplements

Pet supplements have emerged as a key component of today’s wellness plans. Supplements can support brain and joint health, helping pets feel more alert and active than they would from eating just a standard bowl of food.

Some of the best supplements can suppress inflammation, preventing arthritis in your dogs joints. Ingredients like turmeric, black pepper, and hemp protein help formulate these joint care supplements.

And, best of all, you can sprinkle them over your pet’s food, making it easy to fool even the pickiest eaters into taking a bite.

Some supplements can help calm pets who may feel anxious due to loud noises from storms or fireworks. And others are infused with omega-3s to support shiny coats and better cognitive function in dogs.

Pet owners can select supplements that improve digestion or ones loaded with vitamins and minerals that promote overall wellness. When pet owners observe the positive changes in their pets, they might just be inspired to enhance their own approach to personal wellness, too.

How Pets Are Influencing Fashion and Music

Pet wellness is also finding its way into the fashion and entertainment industries. Yes, that’s right – you can build a coordinated wardrobe of clothing for both you and your pet. Athletic brands are selling matching gear for owners and their furry companions, so you can look more stylish on your next walk around the block.

But it’s not just about designs and colors. These same brands are prioritizing sustainable materials to help entice pet owners who want to support eco-friendly practices. This added layer of awareness on the part of fashion designers can help pet owners create a personal brand that reflects their priorities.

The music scene has also become intentional about targeting pets. Humans can benefit from listening to calming, ambient music when they’re feeling stressed.

So why not offer the same type of music to pets prone to feeling anxious? If your pet grows anxious when a storm rolls into town or you’re taking a road trip, you can find playlists geared toward soothing their mind. Plus, the music can help ease your stress levels, too!

Building a Better Wellness Plan

As a dutiful pet owner, it’s easy to get caught up in spoiling your pets with the best products and services to create the healthiest life possible for them. But when you step back for a moment, it’s easier to see how these wellness trends can benefit your own life, too. Pursuing a higher level of pet wellness has informed revisions we can make to our wellness routines – and businesses have taken notice.

For instance, you can find wellness kits tailored to both pets and their owners and have them delivered to your doorstep. These customizable boxes may include supplements for both pets and parents, plus some fashionable gear to help you look your best for a playdate at the park.

In 2025, it’s clear that pet care and human self-care have become intertwined, and it’s a benefit for everyone. When pet owners take control of their nutrition and mobility and seek solutions for stress management, they’ll be more present for their pets.

The Pet Wellness Revolution

The pet wellness revolution shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. And with the increased connection between pet and human wellness, the potential to reap the benefits of better self-care is strong.

Dietary supplements, fashion trends, and pet-focused music are helping pet owners provide better lives for their furry friends. And, in the process, pet owners are embracing the opportunity to improve their own lives, as well. Pet wellness has become the inspiration for human wellness, and fortunately, that’s a positive development with staying power.