The New Zealand government has announced plans to implement stricter regulations on the country's online casino industry, aimed at limiting the number of operator licenses and taking measures to protect minors and vulnerable users.
Interior Minister Brooke van Velden revealed that the proposal will take effect in early 2026, requiring online casino operators to implement age verification systems and prohibit advertising targeted at children.
The new licensing system is expected to allow up to 15 licensed online casino operators, with a clear focus on protecting New Zealand consumers from the harms of unregulated offshore gambling sites.
It is noteworthy that violations of these new regulations could result in fines of up to 5 million New Zealand dollars (approximately 2.96 million US dollars).
Commenting on the intent behind the new system, Brooke van Velden stated: "My goal is not to increase the number of online gambling options, but to make it safer for New Zealanders who wish to play casino games online than it is now.
"Currently, New Zealanders can gamble on thousands of overseas gambling sites. By introducing a regulatory system, my aim is to direct customers to no more than 15 licensed operators."
As part of the proposed regulations, operators will be restricted to offering only online casino games, excluding sports betting and lottery products, and must set the minimum age for users at 18 years old.
This represents a significant shift for New Zealand, which currently lacks a regulatory framework for online casino gambling, and where consumer protection is virtually non-existent.
The bill proposal will be submitted to Parliament in 2025, at which time more details on advertising standards and consumer protection will be formulated.
