(AsiaGameHub) – New Zealand’s legislation to govern online gambling has cleared its final parliamentary hurdle and is now awaiting Royal Assent.
The existing Gambling Act, which dates back to 2003, has long been a point of contention due to a regulatory gap that permitted domestic users to access offshore online gambling platforms.
The incoming regulatory structure paves the way for a market launch featuring 15 online gambling permits, fostering a competitive landscape similar to other established international gaming jurisdictions.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden stated: “The Bill…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.”
The legislation introduces requirements for player protection systems, tax structures for permit holders, and legal consequences for non-compliance, including fines reaching up to NZ $5m (£2.1m) for significant or recurring violations.
“Under the new framework, up to 15 licences will be available through a competitive process. Licensed operators will be required to exclude problem gamblers, and meet strict harm prevention and consumer protection requirements,” van Velden added.
“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.”
Furthermore, following extensive advocacy from Labor MPs, the bill incorporates mandatory requirements to allocate a portion of the revenue generated by licensed online operators toward community initiatives across New Zealand.
“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,” the Minister noted.
Royal Assent is anticipated on 1 May. The current schedule aims to begin accepting licence applications on 1 December, with the 15 successful bidders slated to commence operations on 1 July 2027.
At present, Entain possesses an exclusive permit to provide sports betting via TAB NZ’s local operations. The international gambling firm has previously indicated its intention to secure three of the 15 available licences.
Conversely, SkyCity Entertainment Group, the nation’s primary land-based casino operator, may be less optimistic. The firm had previously communicated its reservations to van Velden regarding the introduction of a multi-licence online casino market.
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