Bill to regulate online casino gambling introduced in New Zealand
The proposal has been introduced by minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden.
New Zealand.- Minister of internal affairs Brooke van Velden has today (June 30) introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to the New Zealand House of Representatives. She said the proposed legislation would “prioritise harm minimisation, consumer protection and tax collection.”
The cabinet has already agreed to in regulate online casino gambling in New Zealand, and the Department of Internal Affairs has invited operators interested in an igaming licence to register on its website. The government plans to introduce the regulated market in 2026. Licences will be issued through a competitive process with a range of regulatory requirements to be considered.
Under Van Velden’s bill, up to 15 licences for online casino gambling operators would be auctioned. Companies applying for a licence would need to provide business plans. Licensed operators would be allowed to advertise with restrictions. Unlicensed operators would be prohibited, with fines of up to NZ$5m for breaches. The proposed legislation will proceed to the select committee later this year.
