New Zealand is gearing up to regulate its online casino industry with new measures to protect consumers and minimize harm. The proposal, announced on Wednesday, outlines plans to cap the number of licenses for online casino operators and implement stricter protections for New Zealanders.
The government aims to limit online gambling licenses to around 15 operators, restricting their offerings solely to casino games—excluding sports betting and lottery options. A key part of the plan is age verification, ensuring all platforms require players to be 18 or older. Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, emphasized that the objective is not to increase gambling but to make it safer. “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,” she stated.
The country’s online casino gambling is currently unregulated, leaving players with minimal consumer protections. With growing smartphone use and easy access to online platforms, the number of New Zealanders turning to offshore gambling websites has surged. In response, the government’s regulatory proposal seeks to redirect these players to licensed, safer local options.
The penalties for non-compliance are steep. Under the new framework, offenders could face fines of up to NZ$5 million (USD $3 million). The government plans to introduce the legislation in parliament next year, with a full rollout of the new system by early 2026. Additional regulations will also address advertising restrictions, with a focus on banning any promotions aimed at children.
According to Statista, online casino revenue in New Zealand could grow annually by about 6% from 2024 to 2029. This rising trend, combined with the convenience of online access, underscores the government’s push to establish a well-defined regulatory system that prioritizes consumer safety.
Future rules on advertising, consumer protection, and other details will be refined in the lead-up to finalizing the framework. Minister van Velden stated that these new measures are designed to channel customers away from unregulated sites and towards safe, licensed operators. “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 fifteen licensed operators,” she added.
As New Zealand prepares for this shift, the proposed regulatory system aligns with the government’s goal to balance consumer protection with safer gambling choices for New Zealanders.
The post NZ Government Plans Stricter Controls on Online Casino Operators appeared first on iGaming.org.