The new Online Casino Gambling Bill proposed in New Zealand aims to ban credit card deposits at online casinos or betting sites as a central harm-minimization measure.The...
New Zealand pushes iGaming market launch to 2027
Despite efforts to launch the regulated iGaming market in New Zealand in mid-2026, the government has announced that the timeline will be pushed until early 2027.
The Online Casino Gambling Bill, New Zealand’s first official iGaming bill, is expected to allow issuing licenses from December 1, 2026, while operators will be able to legally launch their platforms starting from the first quarter of 2027.
The bill aims to limit problem gambling and restrict exposure to illegal websites, while introducing a 4% community-funding provision, which will allocate the proceeds to different community programs and sports organizations.
A total of 15 iGaming licenses will be provided, and on top of the 4% community funding contribution, operators will pay a 12% international gambling duty and a 1.24% levy to fund initiatives against gambling harm.
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden stated that the government’s main goal is to reduce gambling harm and address the concerns about problem gambling through the bill. Additionally, the measures include rules for gambling advertising and set clear guidelines and limitations to protect minors from exposure to iGaming-related harm.
A final reading and vote on the bill are scheduled in the second half of 2026, as the government is planning to conduct a formal review of the iGaming market after two years of operation.
Under New Zealand’s Online Casino Gaming Bill, operators will be required to pay 4% of their gross gaming revenue (GGR) to community funding.The introduction of the new...
