The New Zealand Government has announced proposals to regulate online casinos, with the new system to be “in place from early 2026.” In a statement on the government’s website, Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden said the government had “agreed to a high-level approach to regulating online casinos designed to minimise harm, support tax collection and provide consumer protections to New Zealanders. “This is not intended to increase the amount of gambling New Zealanders do but to ensure operators meet requirements for consumer protection and harm minimisation, as well as paying tax,” van Velden continued. She clarified that only a limited number of licenses will be allocated via auction, each lasting three years and being conditional on meeting regulatory requirements. The minister explained that licensed gambling operators will be allowed to advertise, which is currently prohibited, but with strict limits.