According to current New Zealand law, TAB NZ (New Zealand Racing and Betting Company) is prohibited from providing online casino gambling services due to its status as a statutory body. Despite this, TAB still hopes the government will amend the relevant laws to allow it to participate in New Zealand's upcoming online casino market.
TAB's Request to Amend the Law
According to a report by RNZ, TAB has proposed a NZ$150 million (approximately US$87.2 million) proposal to apply for one of the upcoming online casino licenses in New Zealand. However, the New Zealand government has not accepted TAB's request to amend the law.
Government Stance
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden explicitly stated that the government does not support participation in online casino gambling. She pointed out that the government should focus on providing core services needed by the public, rather than getting involved in the gambling sector. Racing Minister Winston Peters also opposed the amendment of the law.
TAB Pushes for Legislative Review
Despite the government's rejection of TAB's proposal, TAB stated that it will continue to push for a legislative review. TAB noted that an increasing number of young New Zealanders (aged 18 to 35) are choosing overseas online gambling companies over the local TAB.
Foreign Investment and Compliance Issues
A briefing released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs last year warned that due to TAB's partnership with London-based Entain, granting TAB a monopoly on online casinos could face scrutiny. The partnership agreement between Entain and TAB lasts for 25 years and could lead to most profits flowing overseas. Additionally, the briefing mentioned compliance issues with Entain in Australia.
Future Outlook
New Zealand is expected to launch its online casino licensing system in early 2026. According to the new regulations, the minimum age for online casinos is 18 years, and license holders can only offer casino games, not sports betting or lottery products.
Conclusion
The New Zealand government currently maintains a cautious attitude towards online casino gambling services, especially when it involves foreign participation and legal compliance issues. Although TAB hopes to gain market share through legal changes, its proposal has not received government support and may still face legal reviews and policy adjustments in the future.
