New Zealand to Cap Online Casino Licences and Strengthen Gambling Safety Measures

New Regulations Aim to Protect Minors and Promote Safer Gambling Practices

New Zealand is preparing to tighten regulations in its online casino industry, with plans to cap licences at 15 and introduce mandatory age verification systems. The measures are designed to enhance consumer protections and limit exposure to unregulated gambling platforms.

Announcing the initiative, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden confirmed the changes are set to be implemented by early 2026. The proposed rules include a ban on advertisements targeting children and hefty penalties for breaches, with fines of up to NZ$5 million ($2.96 million).

Van Velden explained the government’s approach, stating:

“My goal is not to increase the amount of gambling that is happening online, but to enable New Zealanders who wish to play casino games online to do so more safely than they can today. Currently, New Zealanders can and do gamble on thousands of offshore gambling websites. By introducing a regulatory system my intention is to channel customers towards up to fifteen licensed operators.”

Under the proposed regulations, only online casino games will be permitted, excluding sports betting and lotteries. Operators will also be required to set a minimum user age of 18.

The move represents a significant shift for New Zealand, which currently lacks a regulatory framework for online casino gambling, leaving many consumers without safeguards. The government aims to finalise the legislation by 2025, providing clarity on advertising standards and additional consumer protection measures.

This initiative is expected to reshape the country’s gambling landscape, balancing market opportunities for operators with robust consumer protections.