NZ Confirms 15 Online Casino Licences & Fines Up to NZ$5m – What Players Should Know

As the Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, has officially confirmed, Kiwis are about to experience major changes in the iGaming sector. The novelty: only 15 online casino licences will be granted as part of a wider plan to regulate the booming digital gambling sector.

The main goal is to bring offshore gambling operators under local regulation, improve player protections, and channel gambling revenue into the New Zealand economy. The government hopes to curb gambling problems and boost consumer safety by introducing a controlled licensing regime.

Why is This Important for Kiwi Players

At the moment, New Zealand’s Gambling Act 2003 leaves a huge gray area, allowing many offshore casinos to market aggressively to Kiwi players, and according to estimates, New Zealanders spend hundreds of millions each year on overseas gambling websites.

The new licensing system will finally address this loophole by allowing trusted online casino operators to offer real money gambling to players in New Zealand legally. However, they must comply with strict local rules.

Under the new proposals, licensed online casinos will need to:

• Prove they meet vigorous responsible gambling standards.
• Use advanced age and identity verification to protect minors.
• Offer clear self-exclusion tools and spending limits.
• Paying taxes in New Zealand contributes to the local economy.
• Undergo regular audits by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

If they fail to do so, they risk maximum fines of up to NZ$5 million, one of the heaviest penalties the country has imposed in the gambling space.

The plan was first hinted at in July 2024, but this week’s confirmation adds important details, including the exact number of licences and the scale of penalties for breaches. Some industry experts expect that the 15 licences will be issued to major international brands with a strong track record in player safety and fair play.

How Will This Impact Existing Players?

For Kiwi players, the changes should be largely positive. Licensed casinos likely need to offer clear terms, fair wagering requirements, and accessible customer support channels. Any disputes or complaints will be overseen by the DIA, which should increase accountability, which has long been lacking with offshore operators.

Players can expect a more transparent market overall, but there will still be a transition period. The full licensing process is likely to take several months, with the first sites expected to go live under local regulation by mid-to-late 2025.

Meanwhile, unlicensed operators who continue to target Kiwi players without a licence could face enforcement actions, including blocking payment services and advertising bans.

What Happens Next?

More details about the licensing application process and technical standards for operators are expected to be released early in 2025. Kiwi players should keep an eye on the DIA’s updates to see which casino brands are approved under the new regime.

This major policy shift confirms New Zealand’s intention to join other markets like the UK and parts of Europe, where online casinos operate legally under strict local licences.

Source: EGR Intel, 13 November 2024.