New Zealand’s gambling regulator is asking for operators who have an interest in the country’s online casino framework to register ahead of the launch of the new market.
Trina Lowry, the Online Gambling Implementation Programme Director, noted that the regulator wants input from operators so that the country’s online casino market is as cooperative as possible.
“As we continue to design and implement the system, we want to ensure it is clear, efficient and supportive for potential operators,” noted Lowry.
“To help us achieve this, we want to engage with operators to understand what information would be most helpful as the process unfolds and understand their experience and needs.”
Scheduled to go live in early 2026, New Zealand’s online casino market is expected to have up to 15 three-year licences available for operators via an auction.
The Department of Internal Affairs is expected to be the market’s regulator, and its corresponding online gambling bill is forecasted to progress through Parliament this year.
In a release on its website, the regulator called on operators to register their interest if they are eyeing New Zealand’s online casino market.
Operators will be expected to meet a variety of regulatory requirements to be considered for licensing, including a levy contribution to fund the country’s gambling harm support services.
How online casino operators will contribute under the upcoming regulations is yet to be disclosed. Still, Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health, recently stated that how they will contribute is currently being calculated.
One of the main reasons why New Zealand is opting to launch an online casino market is to protect its players against unregulated offshore operators, as the regulator has recently been on a push to crack down on the promotion of offshore online casinos.
“Online casino gambling is not new in New Zealand. Every day, New Zealanders gamble on a variety of offshore gambling websites,” added Lowry.
“Regulating this sector will help protect consumers, minimise gambling harm and provide regulatory oversight of online casino gambling providers operating in New Zealand.”
Advertising online casinos in New Zealand is strictly prohibited currently under the country’s Gambling Act 2003, but new legislation has been proposed to make it legal for licensed operators to advertise online casinos to New Zealanders.
The Department of Internal Affairs also recently released a video highlighting what operators can expect next regarding the New Zealand online casino market and the best way for them to engage with the regulator.
Last month, Delasport’s Global Sales Director, Reece Calderbank, described New Zealand’s iGaming sector as standing “at the threshold of a pivotal transformation” when assessing the potential of the country’s incoming regulatory framework.
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