Online Casino Gambling Bill introduced to New Zealand parliament
New Zealand has taken a step toward regulating online gambling with the introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill in the House of Representatives. The legislation, presented by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden, establishes a licensing regime for online casino operators and aims to create a safer, more compliant gambling environment.
“The Online Casino Gambling Bill will introduce a regulatory system for online gambling in New Zealand, which will prioritise harm minimisation, consumer protection, and tax collection,” van Velden said in a statement.
Under the Bill, the Secretary for Internal Affairs will be empowered to grant up to 15 licences to online casino operators through a three-stage licensing process. Licences will be valid for up to three years, with a possible renewal of up to five years.
Companies applying must submit detailed business plans, and all licensed operators will be subject to advertising restrictions. Advertising is permitted under the Bill to encourage the use of regulated platforms, reducing reliance on unregulated offshore sites.
Enforcement and consumer safeguards
The Bill introduces strong enforcement mechanisms to support the new regulatory framework. It prohibits unlicensed operators from offering or advertising online gambling services, with fines of up to NZD5 million ($3 million) for breaches.
The Secretary will have the authority to issue formal warnings, take-down notices, and pecuniary penalties and may also suspend or cancel licences. Further, operators must comply with a wide range of duties, including ensuring all users are over 18, preventing problem gambling, and not offering credit.
Operators must also establish internal complaints processes and submit quarterly reports to the Secretary. The Secretary will maintain a public register of operators and licences.
Select committee to review later this year
The Online Casino Gambling Bill is scheduled to move to the select committee process later in 2025, allowing public submissions and debate. “New Zealanders will have the ability to have their say through the select committee process,” van Velden said.
Secondary legislation is currently being developed to define specific standards for harm prevention, consumer protection, record-keeping, and advertising practices. The Bill also grants the authority to introduce fees, levies, or charges to support cost recovery.
Racing Industry Act amendments support TAB exclusivity
The government has also confirmed that amendments to the Racing Industry Act 2020 have received royal assent. These amendments expand TAB New Zealand’s exclusivity over land-based and now online racing and sports betting. The changes also strengthen enforcement against unlicensed offshore operators.
Anti-money laundering and tax alignment
To bolster compliance, the Bill makes consequential amendments to several laws, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, classifying licensed operators as reporting entities. It also aligns with the Gambling Act 2003, Gaming Duties Act 1971, and Gambling (Problem Gambling Levy) Regulations 2025, supporting broader regulatory and financial oversight.
