New Zealand to Regulate Online Casino Market by 2026
After months of anticipation, the New Zealand government has announced its plans to regulate the online casino market, marking a significant step towards controlling the digital gambling environment. The new licensing framework is expected to be operational by early 2026, focusing exclusively on online casino games, with no immediate plans to regulate sports betting or lottery products.
Framework Details
The regulatory framework will include several key elements designed to protect consumers and ensure fair play:
- Age Restriction: The minimum age for participating in online gambling will be set at 18.
- Licensing: A limited number of licenses will be issued via an auction process, ensuring that only qualified operators can enter the market.
- Consumer Protection: The framework emphasises harm minimisation, requiring operators to adhere to strict advertising limitations and probity checks.
- Separation of Gambling Types: Online casinos will be distinctly separated from sports betting and lottery services to prevent cross-promotional activities that could encourage excessive gambling.
Government and Industry Response
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, emphasised that these measures are not intended to increase gambling activity but to ensure operators meet stringent requirements for consumer protection and tax contributions. Van Velden stated, “This framework will ensure a safer gambling environment while supporting the government’s tax collection efforts and providing robust consumer protections.”
The introduction of these regulations has been met with approval from various stakeholders in the industry. The planned regulations aim to mitigate the adverse social impacts observed in other countries with less controlled gambling environments. Additionally, the New Zealand government aims to curb the outflow of gambling revenues to offshore operators by establishing a regulated local market.
Public Consultation and Implementation
Before the regulations are finalised, there will be opportunities for public feedback during the select committee process, ensuring that the framework considers the perspectives of various stakeholders. The government intends to launch this new regulatory framework by early 2026, allowing time for thorough preparation and stakeholder engagement.
New Zealand’s move to regulate the online casino market marks a proactive step towards creating a safer and more controlled gambling environment. By focusing on consumer protection and responsible gambling, the new framework aims to provide a balanced approach to digital gambling in the country. As the details of the regulations are refined, industry stakeholders and consumers alike will be closely watching the developments, anticipating a more secure and regulated online gambling landscape in New Zealand.
