New Zealand unveils bill to regulate online casino gambling

New Zealand’s Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, has introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to the House of Representatives.

Velden stated:

This Bill establishes a regulatory framework for online gambling in New Zealand, with a focus on harm minimisation, consumer protection, and effective tax collection.

While online casino gambling in New Zealand remains largely unregulated, the Cabinet had previously committed to creating new legislation. The proposed Bill includes several key measures:

Up to 15 licences for online casino operators will be offered through a competitive auction process.

Applicants must submit comprehensive information to the regulator, including detailed business plans tailored to the New Zealand market.

Licensed operators will be permitted to advertise, though restrictions will apply.

Operating without a licence will be prohibited, with potential fines of up to $5 million for non-compliance.

The Bill is set to move to the select committee later this year, giving the public the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the legislative process.

This initiative fulfills Action 21 of the Coalition Government’s Quarter Two Action Plan.