According to Brooke van Velden, the Minister of Internal Affairs of New Zealand, the government has "agreed to a high-level approach to regulating online casinos that is intended to minimise harm, support tax collection, and provide consumer protections to New Zealanders."

“This is not intended to increase the amount of gambling that New Zealanders engage in; rather, it is intended to ensure that operators comply with the requirements for consumer protection and harm minimisation, as well as paying taxes,” Van Velden stated.

The number of licenses that are available will be restricted and will be distributed through an auction. With the condition that regulatory requirements are met, each licence will be valid for three years.

Under the regulation, licensed operators are restricted to providing online casino games, not sports betting or lottery products. They are permitted to advertise, but only within stringent parameters. Sponsorship of online casinos remains illegal. Online wagering will require a minimum age of 18 years.

I anticipate that the new regulatory system will be implemented in early 2026, and the public will have the chance to provide feedback during the Select Committee process. Van Velden concluded that the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will serve as the regulator once it is constituted.

The recent SkyCity case serves as a prime example of the DIA's unwavering commitment to regulatory conformance in the gambling sector in New Zealand.