New Zealand online casino bill passes final hurdle
New Zealand has approved its first dedicated framework for online casino gambling, with Parliament passing the Online Casino Gambling Bill at its final reading, paving the way for a regulated national market.
The legislation introduces a licensing regime that will allow up to 15 gambling sites to offer online casino products legally, replacing a long-standing grey market dominated by offshore providers.
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The Department of Internal Affairs will oversee the sector, with new powers to enforce compliance, including financial penalties and takedown orders against unlicensed operators targeting local players.
Licensed NZ online casinos will be required to implement strict harm minimisation measures, including tools to identify and exclude problem gamblers, alongside transparency and reporting standards.
The reforms are also designed to capture tax revenue previously lost to offshore platforms, with a portion earmarked for community initiatives such as grassroots sport.
Major international operators, including Entain, have already signalled interest, as the government moves to finalise detailed regulations ahead of market launch.
Entain looks to be in a strong position to secure at least three of these licenses, with the Isle of Man-based company striking a long-term deal with TAB New Zealand in 2023, which gave it control over New Zealand’s legal sports wagering offering.
The New Zealand government has issued an ultimatum to offshore gambling sites, with a December 1 deadline to apply for licensing, or withdraw from the market.
While things like advertising guidelines are yet to be formalised, Kiws can expect a fully-regulated online casino industry by early 2027.
