As part of a regulatory overhaul, New Zealand plans to limit the number of licenses for online casino operators to 15 in order to slow down the rapid growth of this sector.
Licensed operators will be required to implement age verification systems and prohibit advertisements targeting children.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden stated that the new rules will come into effect in early 2026 and carry penalties of up to NZ$5 million ($3 million) for non-compliance.
“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,” van Velden said.
“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.”
Licensed operators will be required to maintain “acceptable age verification systems,” she added.
Van Velden also emphasized that further rules are being developed regarding advertising, consumer protection, and risk reduction, based on New Zealand’s existing Gambling Act, which will allow regulators to “flexibility to adjust the regulations where necessary.”
“I look forward to taking the bill through parliament next year and hearing feedback from the public during the select committee stage,” van Velden added.
In July, the government first outlined plans to introduce a licensing system, specifying that licensed operators will only be able to offer online casinos, excluding sports betting and lottery products, and must set a minimum player age of 18.
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