New Zealand Online Casino Bill Moves Closer to Becoming Law
The bill has been progressing through New Zealand’s legislative system over several months, with the most recent update in December reviewing responses to a consultation on key elements of the framework.
Online Casino Gambling Bill (New Zealand) has passed its third and final reading, moving the country’s new online casino regulatory framework to the final stage before receiving royal assent.
The bill has been progressing through New Zealand’s legislative system over several months, with the most recent update in December reviewing responses to a consultation on key elements of the framework.
Internal affairs minister Brooke van Velden confirmed the latest milestone on Thursday, although no exact date has been set for ratification. It is expected to be signed into law in the coming weeks.
Advertising and harm prevention rules to follow
Supporting regulations covering advertising, gambling harm minimisation, consumer protection, and enforcement are set to be introduced “later this year,” according to the ministry.
Further legislation on cost recovery fees and operator levies will be implemented at a later stage.
Van Velden said:
“Under the new framework, up to 15 licences will be available through a competitive process. Licensed operators will be required to exclude problem gamblers and meet strict harm prevention and consumer protection requirements.”
She added:
“The Department of Internal Affairs will regulate the sector using strengthened enforcement tools, including take-down notices, formal warnings, enforceable undertakings and penalties of up to NZ$5m for serious or persistent breaches.
“These tools will ensure that New Zealand law applies to all online casino gambling available in New Zealand, regardless of where operators are located, closing off avenues for avoidance and strengthening the regulator's ability to monitor and enforce compliance by international operators.”
