New Zealand’s gambling landscape is set for a major shift, with the government revealing plans to launch a regulated online casino market through a new Online Gambling Bill.

Author: Alexandra Hoskins, Principal

The proposed legislation would allow up to 15 licensed operators to legally offer online casino games to New Zealand citizens by April 2026, following the bill's expected adoption in April 2025.

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has announced that the new bill will replace the current Gambling Act 2003 (NZ).

“My goal is not to increase the amount of gambling that is happening online, but to enable New Zealanders who wish to play casino games online to do so more safely than they can today,” van Velden stated.

“Currently, New Zealanders can and do gamble on thousands of offshore gambling websites. By introducing a regulatory system my intention is to channel customers towards up to 15 licensed operators.”

The primary objective of the new bill is to combat illegal offshore gambling and protect consumers from potential harm caused by unregulated online gambling websites. By offering a limited number of licenses, the government hopes to promote responsible gambling practices and ensure that operators are regulated within legal boundaries.

One of the proposed measures in the bill is the introduction of a mandatory levy on licensed operators' profits. This levy will contribute towards funding for problem gambling support services and education programs. This will not only help those affected by problem gambling but also promote responsible gambling practices among the general public. This similar levy structure has been implemented in the Northern Territory under the new Racing and Wagering Act 2024 (NT) which came into effect on 1 July 2024.

The bill will also implement stricter age verification processes to prevent underage individuals from accessing online gambling websites. Operators will be required to have robust systems in place to verify their customers' identities and ages before allowing them to place bets.

As a reflection of the stricter legislative requirements, operators who are granted a licence under this new legislation will be subject to regular audits and inspections to ensure they are compliant. Any operator found violating these regulations may face penalties such as fines or revocation of their licence.

The new Online Gambling Bill is a significant step towards regulating the online gambling market in New Zealand and protecting consumers from potential harm. By offering a limited number of licenses, implementing a mandatory levy, and enforcing strict regulations, the government aims to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment for its citizens. As such, it is imperative that operators comply with all requirements and operate ethically to ensure the success of this new legislation. This bill reflects the government's commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices and protecting its citizens from illegal offshore gambling activities.

NZ online gaming licence application advice

Senet has considerable experience navigating regulated licensing frameworks and can assist you with advice in understanding the proposed regulatory framework, navigating the probity assessment process and applying and bidding for an Online Gambling licence in New Zealand.

Contact the team at Senet to discuss New Zealand licensing in more detail.

Contact us