New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Bill moved a step closer to becoming law after passing its first reading in Parliament on 15 July by 83 votes to 39. However, legal professionals say the legislation lacks vital regulatory clarity, raising doubts about whether the country can meet its targeted launch by July 2026.
The bill now moves to the Governance and Administration Committee for further review, and public consultation has begun. If passed, the legislation would open the door for up to 15 licensed operators to offer online casino games in a newly regulated market.
Industry Calls for More Time, Information
Legal experts argue that the government may be rushing the process. Jamie Nettleton, partner at Addisons, said: “Having looked at the bill, there are a lot of gaps still to be filled. In my view, it’s lacking in detail with respect to the legislation. There are a lot of broad brush statements, in terms of how the licensing should work.”
His colleague, Samuel Gauci, added that the current timeline doesn’t allow enough room for a proper regulatory consultation on gambling regulation in New Zealand. “Consultations are ongoing, but will they have enough time to draft regulations?” he questioned.
With the licence auction scheduled to begin in February 2026, operators say they need more detail to assess whether participation is worthwhile. “The government is looking for 15 operators… but if it’s not economically viable, they may struggle to fill those slots,”Nettleton warned.
What the Bill Covers—and What It Doesn’t
The bill, introduced in April by Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden, outlines some key requirements. Operators would pay a 12% offshore gambling duty, standard goods and services tax, and a 1.24% profit levy for harm prevention services. Advertising will be permitted, though restricted during children’s viewing hours, and age verification will be mandatory.
Additional rules, such as bans on celebrity endorsements and requirements for harm minimisation messaging, are expected but not yet finalized. “Operators need more information. The bill is not satisfying them at this time,”Gauci said.
Among those reportedly interested in a licence are SkyCity, 888, Bet365, Super Group (Betway), and TAB NZ—though Van Velden has confirmed that TAB NZ will not be eligible for an online casino licence.
Mixed Messages from Government Raise Concerns
The bill’s progress follows the 2023 election, which brought a centre-right coalition to power. Jarrod True of True Legal believes the new government sees online gambling as a way to raise funds without increasing taxes. “Had a left-leaning government been elected, it is unlikely that legislation enabling an expansion of gambling would have been pursued,” he said.
Public Pushback Expected
As the bill advances, opposition is likely. Labour MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene said the current version lacks adequate protections against gambling harm. True added that community gaming groups and advocacy organizations may also raise objections, particularly over differences in regulatory treatment between online and land-based gaming.
Despite these challenges, experts agree that regulation is necessary. “It’s better than what they had beforehand… but make it too hard to enter, and the black market will flourish,” Nettleton cautioned.
Source:
“Could New Zealand’s iGaming market struggle to launch on schedule?”, igamingbusiness.com, Jul 23, 2025
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