Passing of the legislation marks a significant milestone in the establishment of New Zealand’s regulated online casino market
New Zealand’s new online casino regulations are set to come into force on 1 May after legislation passed its third and final reading in Parliament.
The Online Casino Gambling Bill now proceeds to Royal assent to be signed into law by the Governor-General, which is expected to happen in the next few days.
At that point it will become known as the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 and will come into force on 1 May .
The Department of Internal Affairs is expected to begin issuing licences from early 2027, with up to 15 licences available through a competitive selection process.
Online casinos that currently provide services to players in New Zealand are allowed to continue to operate until 1 December, although they must not advertise their services in the country. The new legislation will prohibit new providers from entering the market unless they are issued a licence.
The new regulatory regime strengthens consumer protections and ensures that a share of online casino gambling revenue goes back to communities across the country.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden said that the bill also supports the coalition agreement by closing the gambling tax loophole and requiring licensed online casino operators to pay tax, just like any other business operating in New Zealand.
“Licensed operators will be required to exclude problem gamblers, and meet strict harm prevention and consumer protection requirements,” said van Velden. “The Department of Internal Affairs will regulate the sector using strengthened enforcement tools, including take-down notices, formal warnings, enforceable undertakings, and penalties of up to $5 million for serious or persistent breaches.
“These tools will ensure that New Zealand law applies to all online casino gambling available in New Zealand, regardless of where operators are located, closing off avenues for avoidance and strengthening the regulator’s ability to monitor and enforce compliance by international operators.
“Submissions on this Bill made it clear that New Zealanders also want the benefits from the online casino gambling to flow back to local sports clubs, community groups, and grassroots organisations. This Bill delivers on that expectation.”
Further guidance about the licensing process will be published on 1 May.
Supporting regulations that cover advertising, harm minimisation and prevention, consumer protection, and cost recovery fees and levies, are expected to be established later this year to implement the licensing system.