New Zealand Online Casino Bill Regulate & License Gambling

New Zealand is finally moving to regulate its rapidly growing online casino market with a comprehensive legislative overhaul.

The Online Casino Gambling Bill, introduced by Minister Brooke van Velden, aims to bring the grey market under government oversight.

By licensing operators and enforcing harm reduction standards, the bill promises to protect consumers and redirect gambling revenue to public benefit.

As the bill progresses through Parliament, operators and stakeholders must prepare for a fully licensed and monitored online gambling environment.

New Zealand Launches Landmark Online Casino Bill to Regulate Offshore Gambling and Protect Players

Key Points

• The new bill introduces up to 15 online casino licences, awarded via auction with strict eligibility criteria.
• Unlicensed offshore operators will face penalties up to NZ$5 million for targeting New Zealand players.
• TAB NZ’s exclusive rights now extend online, backed by a long-term partnership with Entain Australia and new legislative powers.

New Zealand Introduces Online Casino Legislation to Regulate a Booming but Unchecked Market

On 30 June 2025, New Zealand took a bold step toward modernising its gambling laws by introducing the Online Casino Gambling Bill to Parliament. The bill, presented by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden, is designed to bring much-needed regulation to a market long dominated by offshore operators.

Currently, New Zealanders can access unlicensed international gambling platforms, leading to billions in untaxed revenue and minimal consumer protection. With no national oversight, these offshore casinos operate in a regulatory void—devoid of harm minimisation requirements, advertising restrictions, or financial accountability.

Van Velden emphasized the bill’s core objectives:

“Harm minimisation, consumer protection, and responsible tax collection are at the heart of this legislative reform.”

Auction-Based Licensing to Limit Market Entry

The proposed law will establish a licensing system for online casinos, with up to 15 licences available via public auction. This model aims to control market size, prevent oversaturation, and ensure that only operators with robust infrastructure and responsible gaming policies enter the local market.

Applicants must submit detailed business and operational plans and pass rigorous due diligence by the national regulator. This approach mirrors international best practices from jurisdictions like the UK, Ontario, and Denmark.

Once licensed, operators will be allowed to advertise within New Zealand, though strict advertising standards—currently under development—will govern exposure and messaging, particularly around vulnerable populations.

Tough Penalties for Illegal Operators

To deter non-compliant activity, the bill introduces severe financial penalties for unlicensed operators targeting New Zealand players. Entities breaching the law could face fines of up to NZ$5 million, with further enforcement powers granted to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

This effort follows similar regulatory frameworks in Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany, where unlicensed advertising and offshore gaming have been heavily restricted.

Reinforcing Domestic Betting via TAB NZ and Entain

In parallel with the casino bill, New Zealand has enacted amendments to the Racing Industry Act 2020, effective 28 June, extending TAB NZ’s statutory exclusivity to cover online sports and racing betting.

Previously, TAB NZ held exclusive rights only for land-based betting. Now, thanks to these legislative updates, the organization gains full control over online wagering markets as well.

This development solidifies the country’s 25-year strategic partnership with Entain Australia, signed in June 2023. The agreement includes a NZ$100 million payment from Entain to TAB NZ, triggered by the successful implementation of the new gambling framework. In return, Entain is expected to deliver an upgraded betting experience and integrate advanced harm minimisation tools for New Zealand players.

This deal signals a pragmatic blend of public policy and commercial strategy, offering a pathway for sustainable funding of New Zealand’s racing and betting sectors.

New Zealand’s introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill marks a pivotal moment in its gambling history. By transitioning from a grey-market model to a regulated, transparent system, the government is prioritizing player protection, local revenue retention, and long-term market sustainability.

With the auction of licences, enforcement of advertising controls, and exclusive domestic rights awarded to TAB NZ and Entain, the nation is aligning its gambling policy with modern international standards. As the bill moves to the select committee stage later this year, both domestic and international operators must begin preparing for a strictly regulated, high-compliance environment.

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