New Zealand is stepping into regulated iGaming with intent and precision.
The introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill marks a transformative moment in New Zealand’s digital gambling framework. The government is not expanding gambling—it is regulating an ungoverned digital sector that has left consumers vulnerable to offshore platforms operating without oversight or accountability.
This proposed bill:
- Allows for up to 15 licensed online casinos
- Enforces a three-year license term via competitive bidding
- Imposes up to $3 million in penalties on unlicensed operators or illegal advertising
- Introduces strict harm minimization rules, including betting caps, session time limits, and mandatory self-exclusion protocols
Operators like bet365, 888, SkyCity, and TAB have already expressed strong interest, signaling a potential shift toward safer, transparent online gambling access in the region.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden emphasized that the bill is focused on reducing risk and improving public safety, not encouraging more gambling.
If passed, New Zealand could emerge as a regulatory benchmark for other Asia-Pacific countries considering similar legislation.
