New Zealand Moves To Introduce Gambling Regulations

Online gambling has taken the world by storm, with more and more countries moving to regulate this popular pastime. And with global revenue projected to reach US$107.70 billion by 2025, can you honestly blame them? Even the Kiwis want a piece of this lucrative pie. However, while they have been quick to embrace the undeniable convenience of online gambling, they have been slower to establish a secure environment for the local industry in New Zealand to thrive.

Growing concerns over the unregulated online gambling market in New Zealand have fuelled calls for stricter regulations. With an increasing number of New Zealanders engaging in online gambling, critics highlight the lack of safeguards to protect vulnerable players and ensure fair practices. The government has begun exploring measures to address these issues, aiming to implement a regulatory framework by 2026. Advocacy groups emphasise the need for responsible gambling measures and greater transparency, especially as promotions like the latest no deposit bonuses in NZ by NoDeposit365 attract more users to ensure all platforms are fully regulated.

The current absence of regulation leaves players at risk of exploitation, with limited recourse for resolving disputes or mitigating gambling harm. Many New Zealanders argue that introducing formal oversight would safeguard players and create a structured environment for the industry. As the conversation progresses, stakeholders await concrete steps to balance consumer protection with a thriving digital economy.

Controlled System

New Zealand’s online gambling market is undergoing a significant transformation as the government moves to introduce new regulations, shifting from an unregulated, offshore-driven market to a controlled, locally licensed system that prioritises player safety, responsible gambling, and economic benefits.

To address growing concerns about the current landscape, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has announced plans to introduce a new Online Gambling Bill. The proposed law, expected to take effect in 2026, is not intended to increase online gambling activity but rather to ensure that those who choose to participate can do so in a safer, well-regulated environment.

Currently, thousands of offshore gambling websites operate without local oversight, leaving players vulnerable to fraud, unfair practices, and gambling-related harm. The new regulations aim to tackle these risks by introducing strict licensing requirements, allowing up to 15 operators to legally provide services while adhering to strong consumer protection standards.

The primary objectives of these changes are to reduce gambling harm, protect consumers, and ensure the industry is properly monitored and taxed. The system will also be flexible, allowing for rule adjustments over time, similar to the existing Gambling Act. The bill is set to go through Parliament next year, followed by public consultation before becoming law.

Prioritising Player Protection

Deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and mandatory checks for at-risk players will be introduced as part of the new framework as the country moves to prioritise player safety. The Department of Internal Affairs will also crack down on advertising with strict rules to prevent minors from being exposed to harmful marketing materials. Online casino sponsorships will remain banned, and only players aged 18 and over will be allowed to gamble.

However, the new system will only cover online casino games, meaning sports betting and lotteries won’t be included. Additionally, all licensed operators will be required to follow strict rules governing the safety, fairness, and transparency of their platforms, ensuring that players are always protected from harm. Operators who fail to meet these standards could face fines of up to NZ$5 million (€2.8 million).

Stiff Competition

There is growing competition among high-profile operators to secure one of the 15 licenses available to operate in New Zealand’s upcoming regulated online gambling market. Major names like SkyCity, TAB NZ, Christchurch Casino, Grand Casino Dunedin, 888, Bet365, and Super Group (Betway) are all competing for a spot in this exclusive group of licensed operators.

Currently, 36 online gambling operators are already paying Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the New Zealand government, including global giants like Flutter, Bet365, and Entain. In the past three years, the top 15 operators have generated over 90% of the online gambling GST revenue, suggesting that a smaller pool of licensed operators could still generate significant tax income while keeping the regulatory framework more manageable.

While these licenses are expected to generate NZ$719 million (US$406.04 million) in gaming duty over the next four years, they also place local operators at a disadvantage. These local players don’t have the same financial resources to compete with larger international giants in the bidding process. This potential imbalance raises concerns about compliance and social responsibility, as larger offshore operators may not be as committed to meeting New Zealand’s local standards, potentially undermining the integrity of the market.

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Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

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