New Zealand To Limit Online Gambling to 15 Licence Holders
The New Zealand government has announced plans to limit online gambling to 15 licence holders, with penalties of up to $5 million set for non-compliance. The legalisation of online gambling is sparking growing debate, with supporters arguing it will provide greater consumer protection, whilst critics warn it may encourage higher rates of gambling.
The proposed measures include a mandatory age verification system for players and a ban on advertisements targeting children. The new regulations are expected to come into effect in early 2026 when the legalisation of online gambling is introduced. According to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, the aim of the new legislation is not to promote online gambling but rather to ensure player safety.
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Strict Rules For Licence Holders
With the new legislation, the government aims to limit the number of licences for online casinos to fifteen. These licence holders will be required to adhere strictly to the rules, offering only casino games and excluding sports betting or lottery products. A minimum age of eighteen for players will also be introduced. Currently, online gambling in New Zealand is unregulated, leaving consumers without protection against fraud or rogue gambling platforms. Van Velden hopes that the new licensing requirements will channel gamblers towards reliable, approved providers, offering them better protection.
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Marketing And Reponsible Gambling
Alongside the licences, the New Zealand government is also focusing on the marketing of online casinos. There will be a strict ban on advertisements targeting children. The government hopes to minimise exposure to gambling ads for young people and reduce the risk of gambling addiction among vulnerable groups. This is part of a broader effort to improve regulation of the gambling industry and promote responsible gambling.
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New Regulations Expected For 2026
Only land based casinos are permitted to offer gambling. However, this will change in a few years with the planned legalisation of online casinos. The proposed legislation will be based on existing gambling laws, with additional rules developed for consumer protection and advertising restrictions. The government aims to submit the bill to Parliament next year. If the legislation is approved, the new regulations are expected to come into effect in early 2026.
Online casinos with international licences are currently not prohibited from offering their gambling products to NZ citizens. Via so-called loop holes, different online casino operators offer their websites to Kiwis, with SkyCity being one of the examples of a domestic casino brand that has moved its casino operators abroad to target players in New Zealand.
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