New Zealand online casino bill sparks advertising concerns 

Critics warn the legislation could trigger a surge of gambling ads.

New Zealand.- Community groups and gambling harm advocates continue to voice opposition to New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Bill, which would allow the government to auction up to 15 online casino licences.

Martin Cheer, managing director of the gaming machine money distributor Pub Charity told Parliament’s Governance and Administration select committee the bill would lead to a “tsunami” of gambling ads and promotions, including push alerts and free credit offers. “If you are sick of seeing Entain and TAB on your screen now, you have not seen anything yet,” he warned.

The Problem Gambling Foundation also criticised the lack of restrictions on inducements. Spokesperson Andree Froude called such offers “exploitative,” citing the case of a woman who was offered a NZD 1,000 (US$588) welcome bonus but found she had to wager 40 times before withdrawing funds. The foundation has called for a ban on gambling advertising altogether.

Opponents also argue that the bill could erode revenue from gaming machines, which currently fund community sport and projects. Community Sport Collective spokesperson Martin Snedden said there was “a complete failure to recognise the importance of community benefit” in the proposal.

Some industry stakeholders have backed the legislation. TAB has expressed interest in entering the market, while global operator SGHC, which runs the Betway brand, welcomed the regulatory framework and called for the cap on licences to be raised.

Select committee hearings are ongoing.

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Critics warn the legislation could trigger a surge of gambling ads. New Zealand.- Community groups and gambling harm advocates continue to voice opposition to New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Bill,…