New Zealand to legalize online casinos by 2026
Date: 2024-07-31 Author: Robert Beloved Categories: CASINO
The New Zealand government is preparing for significant changes to gambling legislation. From 2026, the country plans to allow online casinos. This decision is aimed at minimizing gambling harm, ensuring tax revenue and protecting consumers.
New Zealand Home Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden made an official statement in which she emphasized the importance of a new approach to online casino regulation. “The New Zealand Government has agreed to a high-level approach to online casino regulation designed to minimize harm, promote tax collection and ensure consumer protection for New Zealanders,” van Velden said.
Goals of the new regulation
The minister emphasized that the purpose of the changes is not to increase the amount of gambling among citizens, but to ensure that operators comply with strict requirements. These requirements will focus on consumer protection, harm reduction and tax compliance. Van Weelden said: “This is not about increasing the amount of gambling New Zealanders do, it is about ensuring that operators comply with consumer protection, harm reduction and tax compliance requirements.”
There will be a limited number of online casino licences available. Licences will be awarded at auction and will be valid for three years, subject to compliance with all regulatory requirements. Licensed operators will only be able to offer online casino games, excluding sports betting and lottery products. Advertising will be allowed, but within strict limits, and sponsorship of online casinos will remain illegal. The minimum age for online gambling will be 18.
Introducing the new system
Minister van Weelden expects the new regulatory system to be in place from early 2026. She said the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the Select Committee that will be developing the new rules. Once the regulatory framework is in place, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will be the primary regulator.
New Zealand is taking a major step towards legalising and regulating online casinos, allowing the country to exercise greater control over the industry. The move aims to minimise gambling harm, increase tax revenue and protect consumers. The new regulatory framework is scheduled to be introduced in 2026, allowing time for careful preparation and public input.
