New Zealand Publishes Online Casino Rulebook

New Zealand has unveiled a detailed regulatory framework for online casino gambling, setting out operational standards, consumer safeguards, advertising restrictions and financial obligations before the country opens its licensing process next month.

The government formally released regulations on Friday to support the implementation of the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The measures will take effect on 3 July 2026, aligning with the expected launch of a competitive licensing process for companies seeking approval to operate in the market.

Authorities introduced the regulations through an Order in Council after recommendations from the minister of internal affairs. Industry participants are expected to examine the requirements closely as they consider whether to pursue one of the licences available under the new regime.

Consumer Safeguards Form Core of Rules

The new framework places significant emphasis on player protection. Licensed operators must allow customers to set daily, weekly or monthly limits on deposits, spending and playing time. Requests to increase or remove limits will be subject to a 24-hour waiting period.

Operators must also provide“break-in-play” features, including a minimum five-minute pause after 60 minutes of continuous gambling. Time-out options ranging from 24 hours to three months and session alerts will also be required.

Players may self-exclude for fixed periods or indefinitely, with operators required to process requests within 24 hours. Companies must also assist customers showing signs of gambling harm and may exclude them for up to two years.

Before accounts become active, operators must verify a customer's identity, age and date of birth and confirm that the individual is at least 18 years old.

Advertising and Payment Restrictions

The regulations ban the use of credit products, including credit cards and some gambling-linked payment methods. Customers may hold only one account and one deposit method with each operator, while changes to deposit methods will trigger a 24-hour lock period.

Advertising controls are extensive. Restrictions apply to placement, broadcast timing and audience composition. The rules prohibit sponsorship arrangements, endorsement-style promotions, affiliate marketing and advertising designed to encourage impulsive gambling. Promotions must not target people under 18 or audiences where more than 20% are underage.

Operators must also provide clear information about games and retain customer and compliance records for seven years after a business relationship ends.

Licensing Process Nears Launch

Additional product restrictions prohibit autoplay functions and prevent players from using more than one online slot game at a time. Network progressive jackpots will be limited to licensed platforms, except for poker games involving only human participants.

Operators will submit quarterly and annual reports covering player activity and profits and must report serious incidents within five working days. They will also pay a quarterly levy of 3.5% of online gambling profits.

The Online Casino Gambling Act allows the government to issue up to 15 licences through a competitive process. Applicants must first submit an expression of interest with a $19,000 fee before progressing to an auction and full licence application.

During Entain’s FY25 earnings call, chief executive Stella David said the company was targeting three licences under the new framework.

Source:

“New Zealand introduces online gambling regulations ahead of licensing process”, igamingbusiness.com. Jun 8, 2026