New NZ Gambling Rules Put Casino Marketing on Ice Until 2027

Casino operators like Casumo respond to New Zealand's new gambling laws by pausing marketing campaigns and revising strategies.

New Zealand’s new regulatory framework is coming into force on 1 May 2026. The new Online Casino Gambling Bill passed its final reading in Parliament on 22 April and received Royal Assent on 27 April.

It’s a new beginning for New Zealand online casinos with strict regulatory requirements and big changes. Leading platform, Casumo Casino, has already confirmed that it will suspend marketing activities in the country until new licensing is in place.

New Zealand’s online casino gambling bill

There are many changes to NZ gambling regulations, and more are expected to follow. On 1 May, enforcement begins. From this date, all unlicensed operators who continue advertising or promoting their services in the country will be penalised.

Online casinos can apply for a new licence until 1 December. If all goes well, licensed operators should be able to launch their services by early 2027.

Changes for Casumo Casino

Casumo Casino is among the serious operators ready to comply as they work towards a NZ licence. As such, they have already informed all players and partners that marketing activities towards New Zealand have been put on hold.

Casumo also expressed its goal of being fully licensed by early next year. Non-compliance could result in penalties of up to NZ$5 million and, more importantly, could jeopardise their chances of obtaining a licence.

For you, this means that Casumo will remain open and accessible, as all operators already active in the country. But they will no longer be actively promoting and advertising, as all marketing is on hold until a new licence is obtained.

The player impact

In short, you will still have access to your existing accounts at international casinos like Casumo until the end of the year, but there will no longer be new advertising and promotions popping up.

Under the new legislation, players will also have access to a safer gambling environment. All licensed casinos will now be required to implement strict harm prevention measures, including self-exclusion programmes and age verification.

It will be highly beneficial to the community as a portion of gambling revenue will go directly towards local sports clubs, grassroots organisations, and community groups.

Licensed operators will all be expected to pay a 12% goods and services levy on their profits, a rule brought in to close all previous tax loopholes, and ensure the regions get their cut of operator profits.

What about the NZ online gambling market?

Laws extend beyond local borders and apply to all online casino services offered to New Zealanders, no matter where operators are based.

As it stands, there are only 15 casino licences issued, so things are about to become even more competitive. Most major operators, such as Entain and Casumo, have already expressed their interest in acquiring one.

A new beginning

From May, casinos that operate without a licence could face enforcement action. This concerns you, too, as you should avoid unlicensed sites. They carry real risk, e.g., no dispute resolution, no tools to help you play responsibly, and no recourse if something goes wrong.

Responsible Gambling & Play Safe — Gamble RESPONSIBLY. At CasinoWow, we're dedicated to responsible gambling and we provide you with many resources to help you play safe.

Existing players can keep playing until the end of the year, but expect fewer marketing and promotions. New players may be looking at various restrictions when creating an account on an unlicensed platform.

The licensed market, though, is set to open early next year, at which point you will have a clearer, safer set of options.

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By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

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Last updated: May 4, 2026

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New NZ gambling rules put casino marketing on ice until 2027

New Zealand’s online casino gambling bill

Changes for Casumo Casino

The player impact

What about the NZ online gambling market?