New Zealand to Introduce Online Casino Licensing for Safety and Tax

New Zealand will introduce licensing for online casinos in a groundbreaking move aimed at reducing harm, enhancing tax collection, and providing consumer protection, the government has announced.

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden stated that a regulatory framework is expected to be established by early 2026. The licenses will be limited in number and allocated through an auction process, each valid for three years, contingent on meeting all regulatory standards.

Licensed operators will be permitted to advertise under strict conditions, though they will be prohibited from providing sponsorships. The licenses will apply solely to online casino games, excluding sports betting and lottery products.

“There will be a licensing system for online casinos, requiring operators to adhere to specific criteria before offering services to New Zealanders. Unlicensed operators will be prohibited from serving New Zealanders,” van Velden said.

“This licensing approach aligns with how we regulate other forms of domestic gambling. The goal is not to increase gambling but to ensure operators meet consumer protection and harm minimization requirements, as well as contribute to tax revenue.

“I anticipate the new regulatory system to be operational by early 2026, with the public able to provide feedback during the Select Committee review. The Department of Internal Affairs will oversee the regulation once it is established.”

Further details will be provided later this year, according to the Minister.

SkyCity Entertainment Group, New Zealand’s sole land-based casino operator, has long advocated for regulated online gaming. The company, which operates SkyCity Online Casino under a Malta license, expressed support for the new regulations, emphasizing strong host responsibility and community benefits for New Zealand.

Read: New Zealand Casino Faces Five-Day Closure as part of Temporary License Suspension

Source: IAG