As part of its attempt to prevent offshore gaming websites from targeting gamers on the island nation in the Pacific Ocean, the government of New Zealand is moving toward legalizing online casino gambling.
The iGaming news originates from Hon. Brooke van Velden, New Zealand's Minister of Internal Affairs, who announced this week that a framework for issuing licenses for internet gaming will be included by early 2026. Operators must provide consumer safeguards, assure responsible play, pay taxes on their gross gaming income earnings, and pass suitability checks. There will only be a limited number of licenses available.
The ultimate objective of gambling's online development is to give New Zealanders the safe online gambling environment they desire, something overseas websites do not, so they may bet from the comforts of their homes, according to van Velden.
"Licensing is how we regulate most forms of gambling domestically. This is not intended to increase the amount of gambling New Zealanders do but to ensure operators meet requirements for consumer protection and harm minimization, as well as paying tax,” the minister explained.
Although there are less than 5.5 million people living in New Zealand, the nation's economy depends heavily on the millions of visitors it receives each year.
The only land-based casino license in New Zealand is held by SkyCity Entertainment Group. The business owns and runs gaming resorts in Queenstown, Hamilton, and Auckland. TAB New Zealand is the exclusive provider of parimutuel and sports betting.
In New Zealand, the Internal Affairs Department of van Velden oversees all gambling activities.
SkyCity's casinos in New Zealand brought in about NZ$387.2 million (US$229.5 million) in retail gross gaming revenue last year. Its properties increased nongaming revenue by around US$111 million. There are roughly 1,900 slots and 150 tables in Auckland, 339 slots and 23 tables in Hamilton, and 86 slots and 12 tables in Queenstown.
SkyCity, an Auckland-based company, has long supported the growth of internet casinos in New Zealand. According to the company, illicit casino websites have been siphoning play from offshore gaming websites for decades, thereby poaching into its business.
SkyCity released a statement endorsing van Velden's declaration that the federal government is creating the legal framework necessary to permit internet casinos.
"The SkyCity Entertainment Group remains supportive of the regulation of online casino gaming in New Zealand with an emphasis on strong host responsibility and delivering community benefits in New Zealand,” a company release read.
Presumably, SkyCity has a good chance of obtaining one of the upcoming iGaming concessions.
According to van Velden's announcement headed "Regulation Online Casinos Approach," the licenses would be put up for auction. If the operator continues to be in accordance with regulations, the permits would be good for three years.
Van Velden claims that New Zealand will treat online sports betting and casino gaming differently than the United States, where commercials for these services have overtaken commercial breaks. The minister clarified that while authorized online gambling businesses would be allowed to advertise “with strict limitations,” they would not be allowed to sign sponsorship agreements with stadiums, sports teams, television networks, or other organizations.
Online gambling would only be available to those who are eighteen years of age or older. Online slot machines and table games would be permitted for licensed operators to run, but not sports betting or lottery goods.
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