New Zealand’s Big Push for Gambling Regulation

Currently, New Zealand’s Gambling Act of 2003 imposes stringent regulations on the online gambling landscape.

Lotto NZ and New Zealand Racing are the only online gambling choices regulated under the law. “Remote interactive gambling” hosted by operators in New Zealand is illegal; however, the Act does not prohibit Kiwis from accessing offshore gambling sites.

 It is against this backdrop that New Zealand is pushing towards comprehensive regulation of the online gambling market.

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 Government Introduces Online Gambling Bill

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill in the House of Representatives on June 19th, 2025. Officials had agreed to proceed with legislation to regulate the unregulated sector.

The bill proposes a licensing system for online casino gambling. Up to 15 licences will be made available through an auction process. Applicants must submit detailed information, including business plans for operations in the country.

Advertising Subject to Restrictions

Licensed operators may advertise services under strict conditions. Unlicensed operators are prohibited from advertising and face fines of up to NZ$5m ($3m).

Additional regulations are being developed covering advertising guidelines and harm minimisation standards to define operator obligations once the system launches.

Van Velden said the bill will introduce regulation prioritising consumer protection and tax collection and will proceed to the select committee later this year. 

Green Party Sides With Government

The Green Party voted with the coalition government in support of the bill, which could allow betting companies to operate in New Zealand by April 2026.

In the first reading on July 15th, the Green Party deviated from its opposition role to vote unanimously in favour. The bill passed 83 to 39, with Labour and Te Pāti Māori voting against.

Operators will be able to run online casinos if they prove effective age verification and harm prevention processes.

 Regulation a ‘Step in the Right Direction’

Green Party Internal Affairs Minister Benjamin Doyle commented on the bill, saying:

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With online gambling, it’s totally unregulated at the moment, and we see this as a very small step in the right direction to enact harm reduction techniques.

He added that the bill did not go far enough and hoped experts, advocacy groups and others in the select committee hearing would inform improvements.

The party also called for transparency on problem gambling funds and an iGaming advertising ban as New Zealand gears up for regulation.

 New Racing Act Update Bans Offshore Sports Betting

On June 28th, new measures as part of amendments to the Racing Industry Act 2020 took effect, prohibiting all online racing and sports betting offered by overseas operators, granting TAB NZ exclusive rights to provide these services within the country. 

According to the updated law, it is now illegal for any person or entity, except TAB NZ, to promote or accept bets from anyone located in the country. 

New Zealand’s regulator, the Department of Internal Affairs, has confirmed that it will oversee enforcement and has notified unlicensed operators to withdraw from the market with immediate effect.

 Responsible Operators Expected to Comply

Responsible gambling operators are expected to comply with the change in law by closing all New Zealand-based player accounts and promptly settling customers' outstanding balances. 

With online sports betting now strictly limited to TAB NZ, New Zealand’s regulatory overhaul aims to increase financial returns to local racing and sports bodies.