New Zealand Sets Sights on Regulated iGaming Market
The New Zealand government has officially announced plans to establish a licensing framework to oversee and regulate its online casino market.
The licensing framework will be the first major reform to New Zealand’s gambling laws under the new government. (Source: Mario Ame, Pexels)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The government has outlined a comprehensive approach to regulating online casinos, with the aim to mitigate risks, ensure tax compliance, and safeguard New Zealand players through robust consumer protection measures.
According to the minister of internal affairs, Brooke van Velden, the new regulatory framework is expected to be implemented by early 2026. Her department will oversee the licensing and supervision of new online casinos in the jurisdiction.
A limited number of 3-year licenses will be issued through an auction to bidders who satisfy stringent regulatory standards. Licensees will be allowed to advertise their online casino services, but only within strict limits. Moreover, online casinos must be entirely separated from other forms of gambling, like sports betting and lottery.
Under the new framework, players will need to be 18 years or older to access online casinos in the country.
This development, when implemented, will be the first major reform to New Zealand’s gambling laws under the current government. It also means that unlicensed online casino platforms will no longer be able to legally operate in the New Zealand online gambling market.
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Industry Backs Reform
The New Zealand government has been receiving praises from several quarters for the landmark reform, including the SkyCity Entertainment Group.
Regulation of the online casino market in New Zealand is something we have been looking forward to, and we are pleased to see the government taking steps towards this. We are supportive of an online regulatory system that is designed to minimise harm, support tax collection, and provide consumer protections to New Zealanders. Strict limitations on advertising, banning sponsorship, separating online casinos and sports betting and having probity checks for operators are all good ways of ensuring a market that looks after Kiwis.
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