The New Zealand government has published the regulatory framework for the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, establishing operational standards for licensed digital operators. The rules take effect on 3 July 2026, coinciding with the launch of the national licensing program.
Player Safeguards and Verification
Operators must implement mandatory player controls, including daily, weekly, and monthly caps on session duration, deposits, and total expenditure. Platforms are required to prompt users to configure these limits during registration and review them monthly. Adjustments to spending or time caps require a mandatory 24-hour waiting period. Continuous play sessions trigger automatic five-minute interruptions after one hour, alongside optional cooling-off periods ranging from 24 hours to three months. Self-exclusion requests are processed within 24 hours, and operators hold authority to impose up to two-year bans for players exhibiting problem gambling behavior. Account verification mandates confirmation of full name, date of birth, and minimum age of 18 before activation. Credit cards and specific linked payment instruments are excluded from eligible funding methods. Each user may maintain only one account and one deposit method per platform, with a 24-hour restriction on changing the funding source. Operators must retain customer and compliance records for the duration of the relationship plus seven years and provide complete documentation of game mechanics.Advertising Controls and Rollout
The framework imposes specific limitations on promotional activities. Digital and print advertisements are restricted from front-page placements and public transit networks. Broadcast slots prohibit casino promotions during live programming and within a 30-minute window before and after transmission. Sponsorship and endorsement-style campaigns are also excluded. The regulations were issued through an Order in Council following recommendations from the minister of internal affairs. The licensing phase for prospective operators is scheduled to open in July 2026.The regulatory update follows a multi-year review of the country's gambling market, which previously operated under land-based casino frameworks.