New Zealand is set to welcome regulated online casinos for the first time, with platforms expected to launch as early as 2026. Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced the new framework aimed at boosting tax revenue and protecting citizens from unregulated offshore gambling platforms that have targeted New Zealanders for years without consequence.
Under the new framework, online casino licenses will be limited and awarded through an auction process, with each permit valid for three years before renewal is required. The Department of Internal Affairs will oversee regulation of the industry, which currently only regulates sports betting and online lottery ticket sales.
Operators will be able to advertise within strict guidelines, but sponsorship opportunities will be restricted. Online casino games must be kept separate from other forms of gambling like sports betting and the lottery. The public will have a chance to provide feedback as the regulatory framework evolves.
SkyCity Entertainment Group, New Zealand’s largest land-based casino operator, has welcomed the news after advocating for online expansion for years. The company supports the emphasis on responsible gambling and community benefits in New Zealand, as well as the restrictions on advertising and limited number of licenses.
The government stands to benefit financially from the introduction of regulated online casinos. The National Party, which took office last year, projected annual earnings of NZ$179 million (US$105 million) from offshore gambling operators by compelling them to register and report earnings. IP geoblocking will be used to blacklist non-compliant platforms.
Overall, the move to regulate online casinos in New Zealand marks a significant shift in the country’s gambling landscape, with the aim of increasing revenue, protecting citizens, and promoting responsible gambling practices. The industry will be closely monitored by the Department of Internal Affairs, with input from the public as the regulatory framework progresses. SkyCity Entertainment Group and the government anticipate positive financial impacts from the new regulations, signaling a new era for online gambling in New Zealand.