New Zealand: Announced Bill Regulating Online Casino Gambling

On 13 November 2024, the Internal Affairs Minister announced the Government's decision to draft a new Online Gambling Bill aimed at regulating online casino gambling in New Zealand. The bill seeks to create a safer and compliant regulated online gambling market, with objectives to prevent and minimise gambling harm and limit crime opportunities. Key measures would include banning advertising targeting children, mandating age verification systems for operators, and imposing fines up to NZD 5'000'000 for non-compliance. According to the Minister, there is a lack of regulation in New Zealand's online casino gambling, allowing New Zealanders to gamble on thousands of offshore gambling websites. This shall be reduced to fifteen licensed operators. The Bill is expected to be in place by early 2026, with further regulations on advertising, harm minimisation, and consumer protection to be developed.