New Zealand to allow online casinos by 2026
Once regulations are established, the Department of Internal Affairs will regulate the market.
New Zealand’s Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the New Zealand Government has “agreed to a high-level approach to regulating online casinos designed to minimise harm, support tax collection and provide consumer protections to New Zealanders.”
“This is not intended to increase the amount of gambling New Zealanders do but to ensure operators meet requirements for consumer protection and harm minimisation, as well as paying tax,” Van Velden affirmed.
The number of licences available will be limited, and will be allocated by auction. Each licence will last for three years, with the condition of meeting regulatory requirements.
Licensed operators, under the regulation, can only offer online casino games, not sports betting or lottery products; will be allowed to advertise but under strict limits; and sponsorship still remains illegal for online casinos. The minimum age for online gambling will be 18-years-old.
“I expect the new regulatory system to be in place from early 2026 and the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the Select Committee process. Once established, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will be the regulator,” Van Velden concluded.
New Zealand’s DIA have always been strict with regard to any regulatory compliance issues in the gambling sector, best demonstrated in the recent SkyCity case.
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