The New Zealand Government has agreed on further details regarding the regulation of online casinos in the country.
Back in July, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden announced New Zealand’s plans to have a new online casino regulatory system “in place from early 2026”. At the time, the Government stated that the online casino regulation was “designed to minimise harm, support tax collection and provide consumer protections to New Zealanders”.
Online gambling will be prohibited for those aged 18 or over, with operators only able to offer online casino games, not sports betting or lottery. The Department of Internal Affairs will be the regulator.
In addition, licensed gambling operators will be allowed to advertise, but with strict limits in place. Previously, advertising by licensed gambling operators was prohibited. Sponsorship by online casinos will remain illegal.
Providing an update earlier this week, van Velden noted that further decisions have been taken by the New Zealand Government regarding online casino regulation, stating that a new Online Gambling Bill will be drafted.
In July, the Government said that only a limited number would be allocated via auction, each lasting three years and being conditional on meeting regulatory requirements. The total number of licences to be issued has now been revealed to be up to 15.
In addition, the regulatory system will prohibit advertising that appeals to minors, require operators to have age verification systems and the regulator will issue fines of up to NZ$5m (€2.8m) for operators who don’t comply with regulations.
Van Velden commented: “A new Online Gambling Bill will be drafted with the purpose to regulate online casino gambling to facilitate a safer and compliant regulated online gambling market. More importantly, it will prevent and minimise online gambling harm and limit opportunities for crime and dishonesty.
“I am pleased that the system will deliver to these objectives by prohibiting advertising that appeals to children, requiring online gambling operators to have an acceptable age verification system, and introducing fines of up to $5m for operators that break the law.”
The Internal Affairs Minister reiterated one of the Government’s goals with the regulations; to protect players who wish to play online casino games, noting as well that additional regulations will be developed covering player protection and advertising.
“My goal is not to increase the amount of gambling that is happening online, but to enable New Zealanders who wish to play casino games online to do so more safely than they can today,” stated van Velden.
“Currently, New Zealanders can and do gamble on thousands of offshore gambling websites. By introducing a regulatory system my intention is to channel customers towards up to 15 licensed operators.
“Further regulations will be developed on the detailed rules around advertising, as well as harm minimisation and consumer protection requirements. This is the same approach used in the existing Gambling Act and will give us more flexibility to adjust the regulations where necessary.”
Van Velden once again stated that the online casino regulatory system would be in place from early 2026, but added that it will also be presented to Parliament next year.
“The new regulatory system will be in place by early 2026. I look forward to taking the Bill through Parliament next year and hearing feedback from the public during the Select Committee stage.”