New Zealand unveils plans to regulate online casinos

[The Buzz]

For the first time, New Zealand will regulate online casinos, with a licensing framework expected to be implemented by 2026. The government has outlined a high-level approach to online casino regulation with the goals of minimizing harm, supporting tax collection, and providing consumer protections to New Zealand players.


According to Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, unlicensed operators will be prohibited from targeting players in the country under these new regulations.

From Gambling Insider:

“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.

Read more: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news...asinos-by-2026

[gmblr]

I did not find any wording on the marketing aspect in the new regulations. Has there been any clarification on how online casino marketing will be handled in New Zealand? Specifically, will it be possible to advertise bonuses and promotions, like in the UK and Ireland, or will it be more restricted, similar to the regulations in Ontario and Australia?

Martin

[NoDepositCasinos]

For the first time, New Zealand will regulate online casinos, with a licensing framework expected to be implemented by 2026. The government has outlined a high-level approach to online casino regulation with the goals of minimizing harm, supporting tax collection, and providing consumer protections to New Zealand players.


According to Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, unlicensed operators will be prohibited from targeting players in the country under these new regulations.

From Gambling Insider:



Read more: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news...asinos-by-2026

As always, my guess is that the measure is not so much about 'harm reduction' but rather to avoid economic losses and increase tax recaudation.

I did not find any wording on the marketing aspect in the new regulations. Has there been any clarification on how online casino marketing will be handled in New Zealand? Specifically, will it be possible to advertise bonuses and promotions, like in the UK and Ireland, or will it be more restricted, similar to the regulations in Ontario and Australia?

Martin

There isn't much information yet, but to the best of my knowledge, you can do it as long as you are promoting licensed operators. I will come back and add more information if I find something else.

[TheGooner]

The local TAB has a monopoly on local advertising - yes all online sites specifically targeting NZ are actually currently illegal - but THAT should change with these licenses.

Paddy power are doing the operation for the TAB - and they advertise joining bonuses and "free bets" - so I imagine valid licensees will also be able to offer these.

[AussiePunter]

This won't change anything with regard to the overseas operators. At least regulation will help local operators offer services to local clients, give the government some tax revenue and the customers some legal protections.

This should have happened a long time ago, and I applaud the baby steps they're making.

[Pokerface]

It was just a matter of time before NZ decided to do this. Agree with AussiePunter, will be some revenue gain and player protections.

[Media24_Andy]

According to Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, unlicensed operators will be prohibited from targeting players in the country under these new regulations.

Does anyone know "how" they will prohibit it? Making it illegal for NZ players to do, or just blocking the IP's of unregulated sites as and when they find them (a bit like the UK). Thanks.

[ocreditor]

Well it's about time that NZ will start discussing regulation, I honestly not sure what took them so long.

[oddsballs]

I did not find any wording on the marketing aspect in the new regulations. Has there been any clarification on how online casino marketing will be handled in New Zealand? Specifically, will it be possible to advertise bonuses and promotions, like in the UK and Ireland, or will it be more restricted, similar to the regulations in Ontario and Australia?

Martin

As long as you promoting licensed operators then I think you will be ok.

[TheGooner]

Well it's about time that NZ will start discussing regulation, I honestly not sure what took them so long.

They've legislated to local operators only previously - SKY Casino and govt run TAB (for sports).

However, after 6 years of a Labour government who's approach to tech could best be described as "luddite", a new coalition has come in and wants to raise revenue through new taxes to justify lowering income taxes.

Hence the approach of licensing new programs.

As always it's all about the money.

[AussiePunter]

Does anyone know "how" they will prohibit it? Making it illegal for NZ players to do, or just blocking the IP's of unregulated sites as and when they find them (a bit like the UK). Thanks.

I don't know how they will do it at all. I doubt they will make it illegal for NZ players to play, but it will be illegal for NZ operators, and even overseas operators to knowingly allow NZ players to play. That's how it is in Australia. But the reality is NZ cannot enforce laws in other countries, so overseas countries who have no interest in setting up shop in NZ still offer their services without fear or legal issues.

They may block the websites by IP, or DNS, which is easy enough to get around for most people. They may do an advertising blitz saying the reality which is "can you trust overseas operators to pay you?".

I haven't seen what has been proposed, but if they are allowing online slot machines, or "pokies" then that's a whole 'nother thing.

In Australia, any legit operator - for example, Bet365 allows Australians to bet on racing and sports, but block them from any kind of casino games such as Poker, BlackJack or online slots, this is due to extremely outdated laws that need to change with the times.

Unfortunately, gambling is a huge problem in Australia and no government would willingly loosen restrictions on any gambling related laws simply because it will be too easy for the opposition party to attack them for it.

In fact, the Australian government are currently debating a complete ban on gambling advertisements in the country, just like tobacco advertising is banned. This will no doubt be watered down enormously because of the power of the gambling lobbyists in Australia.