Foreign firms likely to dominate NZ's online gambling market
With New Zealand poised for transformation with proposed new measures to regulate online 바카라 gambling, there are concerns among local operators that foreign companies will take a leading role in the market. The new regulatory framework is set to commence in February 2026.
As per local media reports, foreign companies are seen as likely to dominate the market, with most of the 15 available licenses expected to be awarded to large international operators. There are concerns that offshore firms will capture significant market share and would lead to the potential loss of community funding that gambling profits currently support.
NZ’s New regulatory framework
The new regulatory framework includes limiting the number of licences issued to operators, introducing age verification systems, and banning ads targeting children. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden outlined the proposed regulations, saying that offenders could face fines of up to NZ$5 million ($3 million). The government aims to rein in the rapidly expanding sector, which has seen increasing numbers of New Zealanders gambling on offshore websites.
Currently, New Zealand does not regulate online 바카라 gambling, leaving consumers exposed to unregulated offshore platforms. Velden stressed that the new regulatory system would channel local customers toward up to 15 licenced operators, ensuring a safer and more controlled environment for online gambling.
Online 바카라 operators will be allowed to advertise
The report comes at a time when local media reports state that online 바카라 operators will be allowed to advertise for the first time. This has sparked concerns of rise in problem gambling. Velden said allowing the licence holders to advertise was crucial to the new market model.
In addition, Velden has indicated that she anticipates most of the 15 licenses will be awarded to large offshore companies. She reiterated the need for a fair marketplace while acknowledging the potential for local operators to compete. Domestic gambling entitites, including SkyCity Entertainment Group and Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) New Zealand, have written to government ministers to express their concerns about the government’s proposal to open up the online gambling market to 15 operators. The fear is that this move could lead to greater tax avoidance, undermine local businesses, and create an unfair playing field for domestic operators.
According to reports, SkyCity has requested that only five online gaming licenses should be issued. The company argues that allowing more operators, especially those without a domestic presence, could result in significant challenges for New Zealand’s tax system and create an unfair market for local businesses.
Focus remains on fair marketplace: Velden
Local media has reported that Velden has rejected the appeal. “I’m here to ensure that we have a fair marketplace and a fair, regulated market.” She furthered “I think it’s fair just to allow anybody to bid for one of the licences, rather than try and say, just because you’re here and you’ve been established for years in New Zealand, you’re necessarily a better operator.”
If foreign operators dominate the New Zealand market, the long-term consequences could be significant. The new regime would not require successful bidders to contribute to community grants, which could result in reduced community contributions as offshore companies may prioritise their shareholders over local initiatives.
TAB Chief Executive Nick Roberts said that this “threatens the viability of all domestic gambling operators for the benefit of offshore multinational organizations.” The operator said this could put “at risk” the “funding streams for racing and sport.”
While the Cabinet has acknowledged that community funding may be jeapordised, Velden emphasised that the focus remains on creating a safe and regulated online gambling environment rather than relying on grants from operators.
