What’s hot & new

notification image

How ‘very demure’ became a lifestyle movement and a legal fight

36 minutes ago

notification image

"Unfortunately, you can not access Jaak Casino through CasinoWow website any longer."

24 hours ago

notification image

North Korea calls for foreign partnership with new casino

1 day ago

notification image

New game added! See the review of Top Eagle here

2 days ago

notification image

Emmy awards 2024: A night of historic wins and memorable moments

2 days ago

notification image

New casino added! See the review of Ybets Casino casino here

2 days ago

notification image

"Unfortunately, Kaiser Slots casino can not be accessed through CasinoWow any longer."

3 days ago

notification image

Crypto's massive growth sparks an increase in young investors

3 days ago

notification image

New game added! See the review of Take-Off! here

3 days ago

notification image

The 17th Dream Drop Jackpot winner has been crowned

6 days ago

Discover loads of curious Gambling Guides!

What’s hot & new

notification image

How ‘very demure’ became a lifestyle movement and a legal fight

36 minutes ago

notification image

"Unfortunately, you can not access Jaak Casino through CasinoWow website any longer."

24 hours ago

notification image

North Korea calls for foreign partnership with new casino

1 day ago

notification image

New game added! See the review of Top Eagle here

2 days ago

notification image

Emmy awards 2024: A night of historic wins and memorable moments

2 days ago

notification image

New casino added! See the review of Ybets Casino casino here

2 days ago

notification image

"Unfortunately, Kaiser Slots casino can not be accessed through CasinoWow any longer."

3 days ago

notification image

Crypto's massive growth sparks an increase in young investors

3 days ago

notification image

New game added! See the review of Take-Off! here

3 days ago

notification image

The 17th Dream Drop Jackpot winner has been crowned

6 days ago

loader search icon
Popular pages
Our top casino picks for United States of America 🏆
BitStarz Casino logo
Let’s Lucky Casino logo
Wazamba Casino logo
Lucky 31 Casino logo
LV BET Casino logo
Lucky Dreams Casino logo

    The future of licensed online gambling in New Zealand

    news thumbnail image

    Licensed online casino gaming, currently planned for 2026, will ensure New Zealand's online gambling future.

    New Zealand surprised the online gambling industry by announcing that it is in the process of creating a licensed online casino framework.

    The amended Gambling Act will aim to “minimise harm, support tax collection, and provide consumer protections” while encouraging the growth and development of a safe and honest online casino industry in New Zealand.

    Licensed gambling gets the green light

    For the most part, Australia and New Zealand are lumped together when it comes to how the industry views gambling regulations. However, the country has not regulated licensed online casinos until now.

    Up until this moment, Kiwis were only legally allowed to gamble at sites outside NZ. However, this is set to change pretty soon.

    “There will be a licencing 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.”

    In a post on Beehive.gov.nz, the official website of the New Zealand Government, the Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden confirmed that the government has tacitly agreed to institute a multi-license gambling framework.

    Thus, New Zealand's gambling regulations are becoming more severe. The government is adamant that it will only tolerate licensed operators to ensure the proper control and growth of the new licensed marketplace. Once the new regime is established, enticing a Kiwi player to gamble at unlicensed casinos will become illegal.

    The regulation aims to protect player's first

    While global casino operators rejoiced at the news, van Velden stressed that while the government will have a financial upside, that is not the primary focus of the new Gambling Act.

    “Licensing is how we regulate most forms of gambling domestically. 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.”

    The government's decision to license the industry is based on its recognition of the demand for games of chance. It feels that a regulatory framework ensures that the country’s online gambling community can gamble responsibly and play in a safe and fair environment rather than relying on potentially predatory offshore operators.

    Casino operators are on hold until 2026

    In a move that further supports its stance on community well-being, New Zealand will not open its borders to legal online gambling until 2026 at the earliest.

    “I expect the new regulatory system to be in place from early 2026, and the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the Select Committee process. Once established, the Department of Internal Affairs will be the regulator.”

    The post confirms that the government will only offer a limited number of licenses, which will have to be acquired through an auction. The licenses will be valid for three years, allowing operators to provide slots, table games, and other casino games in New Zealand.

    However, the right to offer these products, even one licensed, relies on “meeting regulatory requirements.” Failing to do so will result in the online casino losing its license and being permanently expelled from the market.

    While the newly minted market will allow license holders to advertise their bonuses and services through local media such as television, radio, print and local online outlets, it will still be illegal for an online casino to sponsor sporting teams, venues and events.

    Published: September 2, 2024

    Anything incorrect or missing?

    Let us know
    Deni avatar image

    Article by Deni

    CasinoWow Contributor

    Hi, I’m Deni and I am here to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about online casinos and games and, of course, have fun while doing it. I do so through in-depth research and a keen eye for detail resulting in comprehensive reviews and engaging articles. Let’s explore the iGaming world together!

    Related content

    NEXT UP IN REGULATIONS

    THE LATEST

    Most popular

    news item
    North Korea calls for foreign partnership with new casino
    news item
    Crypto's massive growth sparks an increase in young investors
    news item
    The 17th Dream Drop Jackpot winner has been crowned
    news item
    Decoding popular colour schemes in online casinos and their purpose
    news item
    Jackpotz Mania continues at BitStarz Casino!
    banner image

    Popular

    Special Guides

    Features

    CasinoWow

    banner image

    Related content

    NEXT UP IN REGULATIONS

    THE LATEST

    compass icon

    Guides

    Online gambling guides
    press icon

    News

    Latest gambling stories
    questionmark icon

    Help

    Online gambling FAQs

    CasinoWow © 2024

    CasinoWow.com Cookies

    We use 🍪 cookies to improve your user experience. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

    Accept
    subscribe icon

    SUBSCRIBE for EXCLUSIVE offers!

    Be the first to get exclusive bonuses and WOW casino promotions! Get access to our new online casinos, top stories and special iGaming events for FREE.

    follow us icon

    Share this page across social platforms!

    facebook share icon Facebook
    x share icon Twitter
    instagram icon Instagram
    linkedin share icon Linkedin