The country is planning on launching a regulated iGaming market sometime in 2026
New Zealand is moving forward with a new Online Gambling Bill aimed at regulating online casino gambling, an area that has previously lacked formal oversight in the country. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden, who leads this initiative, highlighted the bill’s purpose of ensuring safer, more controlled online gambling for New Zealanders by establishing clear guidelines that prioritize harm prevention and consumer protection.
Minister van Velden stressed that the bill’s framework is designed to address issues of unregulated gambling, which has left many New Zealanders using offshore sites where protections are minimal. The new bill proposes strict guidelines for advertising, age verification, and penalties, including fines reaching up to $5 million for operators who fail to comply. A significant part of the plan is to limit gambling harm by setting rules that protect vulnerable groups, such as young people, and by enforcing strict advertising standards.
The proposed system will introduce up to 15 licensed operators, who will need to adhere to a range of safety measures. This includes an age-verification system that meets New Zealand’s regulatory standards, restrictions on frequency and spending, and options for self-exclusion to help people manage their gambling habits. The framework also emphasizes consumer protection, with requirements for licensed operators to clearly inform players about safe gambling practices and provide access to resources for those who may need assistance.
Set to be drafted in early 2025 and introduced to Parliament by mid-2025, the bill aims to have its regulatory measures in place by 2026. There will also be an opportunity for public input during the Select Committee stage, allowing New Zealanders to share their views on the proposed regulations. Minister van Velden described this framework as essential for creating a safer environment for online gambling, aiming to protect the public while establishing industry standards that promote responsible gaming.
