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Read Full BioNew Zealand has announced its intention to develop a regulated online gambling sector by inviting international operators to register their interest earlier this week ahead of new planned legislation.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) revealed its latest development is part of the government’s broader effort to create a safer, more controlled national online gambling industry.
The initial Online Gambling Bill disclosed earlier this year will include the issuing of up to 15 licenses to approved gambling operators through a competitive vetting system.
The planned framework would look to eradicate the unregulated wagering market. It would better protect New Zealanders who frequently turn to offshore iGaming platforms. The offshore markets offer minimal player protections.
Early Engagement to Facilitate New Zealand’s Regulatory Goals
Trina Lowry, New Zealand’s Director of the Gambling Implementation Programme, used the announcement to emphasize the importance of engaging with potential operators early in the process.
“For online casino operators interested in entering the New Zealand market, the most important thing you can do is register your interest at http://www.dia.govt.nz/OGI,” Lowry said as part of the announcement.
The purpose behind the advanced regulatory structure is to minimize the harm of problematic gambling, protect consumers, and establish effective controls through comprehensive regulation. Lowry believes that licensing operators will better serve New Zealand bettors than the existing practice of wagering on unregulated offshore alternatives.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden also detailed the need for safer iGaming options, stating, “My goal is not to increase online gambling but to enable New Zealanders to play casino games more safely.”
While it is still legal for New Zealanders to gamble using offshore sites, the government’s primary concern is that they do not come with regulatory player safeguards that protect its citizens.
Given that the new legislation will prohibit unlicensed operators from offering gambling services or access to advertising in New Zealand, experts believe this will defend against fraud, as well as protect the gambling public.
Focus On Protecting Minors, Feedback Welcome From The Public
One of the focal points within the enhanced measures to increase consumer protections will be to prohibit any advertising aimed at minors.
This mirrors a global trend as highlighted by the recent investigation into Midnite by the UK’s Advertising Standard Agency for an alleged breach of the Code of Non-Broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code).
In addition to this, operators will also have to follow stringent age verification protocols, with failure to comply leading to fines of up to NZ$5 million (around US$3 million).
The two-part approach of its regulatory implementation will focus on legislative development in tandem with its practical rollout by the DIA’s Online Gambling Implementation team.
In doing so, the New Zealand government will ensure that the legal framework and the operational infrastructure directly align.
Industry stakeholders, as well as the public, have been invited to provide feedback throughout the Select Committee stage, which is anticipated to last through mid-2025. With this, the government wants to demonstrate complete transparency and ongoing engagement throughout the process.
While the window for applications for New Zealand gambling licenses has not yet opened, as of this week, the DIA has opened the door for operators to register interests.
Designed to support the invitation to gambling operators, the DIA has also released a short video that offers an insight into the process. In it, it explains the purpose of the new legislation, the goals of the Online Gambling Implementation Programme, as well as how it will be rolled out.
