The bill now heads to its second parliamentary reading.
New Zealand.- New Zealand has taken another step towards regulating online casino gambling after Parliament’s Governance and Administration Committee recommended the Online Casino Gambling Bill. The decision sends the bill to its second reading.
The committee endorsed the creation of a regulated domestic market in a bid to replace the widespread use of offshore sites. If enacted, the bill would introduce a capped licensing system, stronger enforcement powers against unlicensed operators and rules around harm minimisation, advertising and consumer protection.
Under the proposed framework, up to 15 online casino licences would be issued, a limit lawmakers say is intended to control market size. Following a transition period, operators offering online casino games without a licence would face stricter restrictions and enforcement measures.
Community funding was one of the most debated aspects during the select committee process, which drew nearly 5,000 public submissions. Many raised concerns that a shift from land-based gambling to online play could reduce funding for local sports clubs and community groups. In response, the committee backed a model that would ring-fence a portion of revenue for community purposes.
The committee recommended adjustments to the implementation timeline, pushing key dates back to allow more time for regulators to establish licensing and enforcement systems and for offshore operators to apply for licences.
Introduced in June 2025 and passed at first reading the following month, the bill is now expected to be enacted in early 2026, subject to parliamentary approval at second reading. Licensing, application reviews and enforcement would then be rolled out in stages.
The bill now heads to its second parliamentary reading. New Zealand.- New Zealand has taken another step towards regulating online casino gambling after Parliament’s Governance and Administration Committee recommended the Online Casino Gambling Bill. The decision sends the bill to its second reading. The committee endorsed the creation of a regulated domestic market in a…
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