New Zealand to unveil iGaming legalization to fight offshore websites

[Wolf32]

The New Zealand government is moving towards legalising online casino gambling as part of efforts to stop offshore gambling sites from targeting players in the Pacific island nation.

The iGaming news comes from New Zealand’s Home Affairs Minister, the Hon Brooke van Velden, who confirmed this week that a regulatory framework for issuing online gaming licences will be in place by early 2026. Only a limited number of licences will be available, and operators will have to pass suitability checks, pay taxes on gross gaming revenue, ensure consumer protection and ensure responsible gaming.

The ultimate aim of expanding online gambling is to provide New Zealanders looking to gamble from the comfort of their own home with a safe online gaming environment – something offshore sites cannot provide, van Velden said

The minister explained:

Licensing is how we regulate most forms of gambling domestically. This is not about increasing the amount of gambling New Zealanders do, but about ensuring operators comply with consumer protection, harm minimisation and tax requirements.

New Zealand has a population of fewer than 5.5 million people, but it welcomes millions of tourists each year, who play a vital role in supporting the country’s economy.

Unlike the United States, where online sports betting and casino gambling have taken over TV adverts, Van Velden says New Zealand will take a different approach. The minister explained that licensed online gambling operators will be allowed to advertise “with strict restrictions” but will be prohibited from entering into sponsorship deals with sports teams, TV networks, stadiums etc.

Only people aged 18 and over will be allowed to access online gambling. Licensed operators will be given privileges to run online slots and table games, but not sports betting or lottery products.