Regulations set for online casino gambling market.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has outlined plans for a new system to regulate online casino gambling in New Zealand. The proposed regulations aim to create a safer and more compliant online gambling environment by introducing stricter rules on advertising, age verification, and penalties for non-compliance.
The Government will draft an Online Gambling Bill, which will prohibit advertising appealing to children, require acceptable age verification systems from operators, and impose fines of up to $5 million on those who break the law. The new regulatory system is expected to be in place by early 2026.
Minister van Velden's goal is not to increase online gambling but to enable New Zealanders who wish to play casino games online safely. Currently, many Kiwis gamble on offshore websites, and the proposed regulations aim to channel customers towards up to 15 licensed operators. Further regulations will be developed on advertising rules, harm minimisation, and consumer protection requirements, mirroring the approach used in the existing Gambling Act.
The Minister plans to take the Bill through Parliament next year and solicit public feedback during the Select Committee stage.