New Zealand Sets Rules Ahead of Online Casino Licensing

New Zealand has finalized a comprehensive regulatory framework for online casino gambling ahead of the country's upcoming licensing process. The new rules, which support the implementation of the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, will come into force on 3 July 2026, the same date that prospective operators can begin participating in the competitive licensing program.

Authorities introduced the regulations through an Order in Council following recommendations from the minister of internal affairs. The framework establishes standards covering player protection, advertising, operational procedures, reporting obligations, and taxation for licensed online casino businesses.

The licensing process will permit up to 15 operators to enter the market under the new regime.

Consumer Protection Measures Form Core of New Rules

A significant portion of the regulations focuses on responsible gambling requirements. Licensed operators must provide players with tools to manage their gambling activity by setting limits on deposits, spending, and playing time. These controls must be offered when a player opens an account and revisited on a monthly basis.

Players who wish to increase or remove previously established limits will face a mandatory 24-hour delay before changes can take effect.

The framework also introduces mandatory interruptions during gambling sessions. Operators must enforce a minimum five-minute break after 60 consecutive minutes of play. In addition, customers must have access to time-out options that can range from one day to three months.

Online casino platforms must display pop-up notifications containing information about session activity and gambling duration. Self-exclusion requests must be implemented within 24 hours, while operators are required to identify and assist customers who may be experiencing gambling-related harm. Companies also have the authority to exclude players for periods of up to two years when necessary.

Verification procedures form another key component of the regulations. Before an account can become active, customers must provide their full name, date of birth, and proof of age. Operators must also verify whether an individual has previously self-excluded or already holds an account on the same platform.

Advertising and Product Restrictions Introduced

The regulations place strict limits on how licensed operators can promote their services.

Advertising will not be permitted on the front pages of newspapers or other print publications, nor can operators advertise through public transport channels. Broadcast advertising faces scheduling restrictions and cannot appear during live programming or within 30 minutes before or after such broadcasts.

Several promotional practices have been prohibited entirely. These include affiliate marketing arrangements, sponsorship activities, endorsements, advertising designed to encourage impulsive gambling, and personalized promotions aimed at increasing player spending.

Marketing materials must avoid targeting minors and cannot be directed at audiences where individuals under the age of 18 represent more than 20% of the audience. Direct marketing communications require explicit customer consent and must include tools that allow recipients to manage the frequency and nature of promotional messages.

The regulations also address game design. Operators cannot permit players to run multiple slot sessions simultaneously, while autoplay functionality is prohibited. Network progressive jackpots can only operate within licensed platforms, except in the case of poker games involving only human participants.

Authorities have also banned game features that could encourage excessive or impulsive gambling behavior.

Levy, Reporting Duties, and Licensing Process Detailed

Financial and compliance obligations form another pillar of the new framework.

Licensed operators will be required to pay a quarterly levy equal to 3.5% of online gambling profits. The regulations include penalties for operators that fail to make payments on time.

Companies must maintain customer and compliance records for seven years and ensure game rules remain readily accessible to players. Operators will also need to submit quarterly and annual reports containing information on player activity, usage patterns, and financial performance.

Serious incidents must be reported to the secretary within five working days.

Prospective operators seeking entry into the market must first submit an expression of interest and pay a NZ$19,000 fee. Successful candidates will then proceed through a licensing auction and a more detailed application process.

Interest in the market is already emerging. During Entain's FY25 earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Stella David confirmed that the company plans to seek three licences under New Zealand's new regulatory system.

The regulations are expected to serve as the operational blueprint for licensed online casino businesses as New Zealand prepares to launch its regulated online gambling market in July.

Source:

New Zealand sets framework for online casino licensing, casinonewsdaily.com, June 9, 2026