New Zealand's proposed online gambling regulations have sparked debate, with local casino operators expressing concerns about the upcoming competitive licensing process.
The New Zealand government plans to issue 15 online casino operator licenses through a competitive auction, expected to generate approximately NZ$719 million (US$417 million) in gambling taxes over four years.
The proposed regulations aim to address existing loopholes by imposing a 12% gambling tax on the total revenue from offshore operators.
It is worth noting that there are currently about 30 online gambling operators in the New Zealand market.
SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge highlighted the potential challenges faced by local operators, stating, "These offshore operators are massive companies with huge balance sheets and substantial bank account funds.
"They can afford to bid high for these licenses. Therefore, we believe the government must consider the necessity of having New Zealand-licensed operators."
Walbridge continued to argue that New Zealand operators are better equipped to prioritize responsible gambling and adhere to local regulatory standards.
Christchurch Casino CEO Brett Anderson also expressed similar views, believing that the current proposal may not fully consider the country's long-term interests.
Earlier this week, the casino made headlines as the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) began legal proceedings against it for non-compliance, citing deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
While both executives welcomed the license cap and emphasized that fewer operators could reduce advertising saturation and create a more controllable market, they urged the government to consider not only the financial bids but also the broader social and economic impacts when awarding licenses.
