New Zealand has introduced detailed regulations to implement the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, set to take effect on 3 July 2026, coinciding with the start of a competitive licensing process for prospective operators. These rules establish operational and advertising requirements for online casino platforms and introduce a levy on online gambling profits.
The regulations, enacted through an Order in Council following advice from the minister of internal affairs, prioritize consumer protection. Operators must allow players to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on playtime, deposits, and total spending. Limit-setting is prompted at account creation and monthly, with requests for increases or removals subject to a 24-hour waiting period. “Break-in-play” features are required, including a minimum five-minute pause after 60 minutes of continuous play, and time-out options ranging from 24 hours to three months. Mandatory pop-up alerts provide session details, and self-exclusions must be processed within 24 hours. Operators are also required to offer warnings and assistance to suspected problem gamblers, with authority to impose exclusions for up to two years.
Identification and payment measures are tightly controlled. Customers must provide full name, date of birth, and proof of age before activating an account, and operators must check for prior exclusions or existing accounts. Credit products are prohibited, and each player may only register one deposit method and one account per platform, with deposit changes locked for 24 hours. Withdrawals may use an alternative method. Operators must retain compliance and customer records for seven years and provide accessible game rules.
Advertising restrictions are extensive. Promotions cannot appear on front pages of print publications or public transport, and broadcast ads are prohibited during and 30 minutes before or after live programming. Banned practices include sponsorships, endorsements, affiliate marketing, inducement advertising outside strict controls, ads encouraging impulsive play, and personalized promotions targeting higher spending. Advertising must not appeal to under-18s or audiences where more than 20% are minors. Direct marketing requires explicit consent and must include mechanisms to control frequency and content.
Product design and operational requirements are also specified. Operators cannot allow multiple slot sessions simultaneously, autoplay is banned, and network progressive jackpots are limited to licensed platforms except for human-only poker games. Any game elements encouraging excessive or impulsive play are prohibited. Operators must submit quarterly and annual reports on player metrics, usage, and profits and notify the secretary of serious incidents within five working days. A quarterly levy of 3.5% on online gambling profits is required, with penalties for late payment.
The new rules will guide prospective operators as they evaluate participation in the licensing process, which allows up to 15 licences. Applicants begin with a formal expression of interest, including a $19,000 fee, followed by a licensing auction and detailed application. During Entain’s FY25 earnings call, CEO Stella David stated the company intends to pursue three licences.
Source:
New Zealand introduces online gambling regulations ahead of licensing process, igamingbusiness.com, June 8, 2026
