Authorities in New Zealand are doing an about-face on their regulations, choosing to authorize regulated online casinos under a strict licensing, taxation, and consumer protection regime, expected by early 2026.
As announced by the Minister of Internal Affairs on Tuesday, the new regulatory system should “be in place from early 2026”.
Minister Brooke van Velden clarified that “There will be a licensing system for online casinos, where operators will need to comply with a set of criteria before they will be able to offer services to New Zealanders. It will be illegal for unlicensed operators to offer services to New Zealanders”.
Under New Zealand legislation, the only way to gamble online was via the lotto and the New Zealand Racing Board (TAB). No New Zealand-based companies are currently allowed to offer online casino games.
Authorities indicate that there will be a limited number of licenses available, distributed by auction. Licenses are valid for three years and are conditional on regulatory requirements.
The minimum age for gambling will be set at 18, with operators only able to offer online casino games, ‘not sports betting or lottery products’.
The changes also mean that ‘licensed gambling operators will be allowed to advertise, which is currently prohibited, but with strict limits’.
Authorities further that ‘sponsorship by online casinos will remain illegal’.
Oversight will be conducted by the Department of Internal Affairs.
The Minister clarified that “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”.
Gaming operator SkyCity has already weighed in on the issue, noting that it ‘remains supporting of the regulation of online casino gaming in New Zealand with an emphasis on strong host responsibility and delivering community benefits in New Zealand’.
SkyCity operates land-based casinos in New Zealand and Australia.
