New Zealand is moving to set up rules for its online casino market, as the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is asking companies that run online casinos to officially show their interest in getting a license.
This plan, part of the Online Gambling Implementation Programme, aims to create clear rules that protect players and bring online gambling activities, currently run from outside the country, under local control.
Trina Lowry, who leads the Online Gambling Implementation Programme, stressed that the most important thing for online casino operators wanting to enter the New Zealand market is to register their interest on the official website.
She added that talking with potential applicants early will help create a system that is “clear, effective, and helpful for operators.”
The government has confirmed that licenses will be given out through a fair competition, and applicants must meet various rules for safety and reducing harm to be considered.
Currently, New Zealanders gamble online mostly on websites based outside the country, and it’s against the law to advertise these services locally.
The new law suggests that once it’s in place, licensed online casinos will be allowed to advertise within New Zealand. This is a big change from the current Gambling Act 2003, which completely forbids such advertising.
The government believes that bringing these services under a licensed system will give players access to safer, more open platforms.
It will also help better control gambling harm and finances. New Zealand has also updated its plan to prevent gambling harm, introducing new steps to better protect players who might be at risk.
