New Zealand will make available 15 online casino licences under new legislation that aims to regulate the country’s online gambling market.
While the finer details of the regulatory system are being developed, the bill sets out key licence conditions.
The bill establishes a structured three-step licensing procedure, starting with an invitation for expressions of interest. This is followed by a competitive process, and finally, formal applications.
The Department of Internal Affairs will maintain full regulatory authority, including licensing, oversight, enforcement and the publication of a public operator registry. It will also hold powers to issue take-down notices, formal warnings and binding undertakings.
Operators must take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of harm caused by online casino gambling. They must also exclude anyone who identifies as a problem gambler or requests to be banned from the platform.
The bill bans offering credit to gamblers when the operator knows – or should know – it is intended for gambling. It also prevents licensees from offering products that closely resemble existing National Lottery games.
The Online Casino Gambling Bill’s introduction comes just days after a law was passed that confirms BDG Games of online sports and racing betting in the country. It is thought that the new regulations could provide a major boost to the nation’s betting industry.
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