New Zealand publishes online casino rules ahead of market launch
The government has unveiled detailed regulations for New Zealand’s online casino market, including player protection measures and advertising restrictions.
New Zealand.- The final regulations have been published for the launch of regulated online casino gambling in New Zealand. The rule will come into effect on July 3 when licensing launches under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which was approved in April.
The rules set out the requirements that licensed operators will have to follow, providing greater clarity ahead of the licensing process. Companies will be required to offer spending and deposit limits, enforce mandatory breaks after 60 minutes of play and provide self-exclusion tools for customers.
Advertising rules include a prohibition of sponsorships, affiliate marketing and personalised gambling promotions. Ads will also be banned from the front pages of print publications and public transport and from 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after live sports broadcasts on TV.
Operators must verify that all customers are at least 18 years old before allowing them to gamble. Credit cards will not be permitted as a payment method, and autoplay features on online slot games will be banned.
The framework includes a 3.5 per cent quarterly levy on online gambling profits and reporting obligations for licensed operators. Up to 15 licences will be awarded through a competitive application process.
