New Zealand is set to revolutionize its online gambling landscape by offering 15 online casino licenses under a groundbreaking gambling reform. The move, introduced by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden, aims to regulate the country’s online gambling market, which has been previously unregulated. This significant step follows the Cabinet’s decision to bring oversight to the online casino sector.
Under the new legislation, licensed operators will have the opportunity to advertise their services within defined restrictions, while unlicensed entities could face substantial fines for non-compliance. To secure one of the 15 three-year licenses, applicants must submit comprehensive business plans outlining their operational strategies tailored for the New Zealand market. Key industry players like SkyCity, TAB NZ, 888, and Bet365 have already expressed interest in entering the flourishing New Zealand iGaming sector once the market opens up.
Van Velden emphasized the development of detailed regulations on advertising and harm prevention to ensure that operators meet the necessary requirements. The government’s focus is on prioritizing harm minimization, consumer protection, and tax collection through the Online Casino Gambling Bill, which will pave the way for a structured regulatory system for online gambling in New Zealand.
The bill establishes a rigorous three-step licensing procedure, starting with an invitation for expressions of interest, followed by a competitive selection process, and concluding with formal license applications. The Department of Internal Affairs will oversee all regulatory aspects, including licensing, enforcement, and maintaining a public operator registry. Operators are mandated to implement measures to mitigate the risks associated with online casino gambling, such as excluding problem gamblers from their platforms.
Moreover, the bill prohibits operators from extending credit to gamblers for gambling purposes and from offering products resembling existing National Lottery games. This legislative move comes on the heels of a recent law designating TAB NZ as the sole legal provider of online sports and racing betting in New Zealand, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s betting landscape.
Notably, the National Party’s endorsement of gambling reform prior to its election victory in 2023 underscores the political significance of regulating the gambling industry. The clash between New Zealand’s main political parties regarding offshore gambling revenue highlights the potential economic impact of the new regulations, with projections suggesting substantial revenue gains.
As the Online Casino Gambling Bill progresses through the select committee process, New Zealanders will have the opportunity to voice their perspectives on the regulatory framework that will shape the future of online gambling in the country. The anticipated reforms are poised to inject dynamism into the nation’s betting industry and promote responsible gambling practices, setting a new standard for online casino operations in New Zealand.
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