New Zealand’s online casino regulations are continuing to move forward as the Governance and Administration Committee received around 5,000 responses to a consultation on...
New Zealand proposed a 15-license model for online casinos
New Zealand proposed 15 licenses for online casino operators through an auction, as the new legislation aims to limit online sports betting to a single legal operator.
The New Zealand government has introduced legislation to regulate the casino market by 2026. The Online Casino Gambling Bill, proposed by Minister Brooke van Velden and led by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), suggests an auction process, where interested online casino operators must submit bids for 15 licenses.
Licensed iGaming operators will be required to share relevant business information with the New Zealand Commission. Ads will be allowed but with certain restrictions. Illegal operators or those who violate the regulations will face penalties of up to NZ$5 million (approximately US$3 million).
Minister Brooke van Velden said:
“The Online Casino Gambling Bill will introduce a regulatory system for online gambling in New Zealand, which will prioritize harm minimization, consumer protection, and tax collection.”
The DIA further added that details on advertising and player protection are still in development. The bill is expected to advance to the select committee stage later this year, allowing public consultation.
Legislative changes were also made with the revised Racing Industry Act 2020, which made TAB NZ the only legal sports betting operator in New Zealand. Entain holds a 25-year contract to operate TAB NZ and has not publicly raised objections to the casino licensing regulation.
Still, not all industry stakeholders agree with the 15-license plan. SkyCity Entertainment Group, which operates the country’s largest land-based casinos, has reportedly recommended that the government reduce the number of licenses, mentioning concerns over market saturation and consumer protection.
The bill’s progress through government will determine the final regulatory framework, including licensee obligations and law enforcement.
More than 50 sports companies in New Zealand oppose the Online Casino Gambling Bill, which could remove more than NZ$150 million from community sport funding.The...
