New Zealanders Voice Opposition to iGaming Bill

On Tuesday, New Zealand’s parliament passed the first reading of the Online Casino Gambling Bill, a proposed law intended to legalize and regulate online gambling within the country. This decision was met with conflicting comments from those opposing and those supporting it.

Some Voices Support the Decision, While Others Oppose It

During Tuesday’s session, Labour Party politician Lemauga Lydia Sosene voiced opposition to the bill, arguing that it would expose New Zealand to international gambling operators without offering a sufficiently robust plan to reduce gambling-related harm. Sosene emphasized the need for the government to take online harm reduction and consumer protection seriously, stating that the current version of the bill fails to fully address these concerns and instead presents them in vague terms.

In contrast, Jamie Arbuckle, a Member of Parliament for the New Zealand First Party, which is part of the governing coalition, expressed support for the bill. He argued that it would help curb the country’s currently unregulated online gambling market.

Arbuckle stated that the legislation aims to establish a strong regulatory framework for online casino gambling, protecting consumers and minimizing harm. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that only trustworthy operators are permitted to participate in the online gambling sector.

What Does the Bill Propose?

As previously announced, the bill proposes issuing up to 15 online gambling licenses, each valid for a three-year term, through an auction process. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including having a harm-prevention strategy and disclosing their compliance history. The enforcement of the new regulatory framework will be overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs. All operational costs will be covered by fees imposed on licensed gambling operators.

Under the proposed legislation, only casino-style games would be permitted, and participants must be at least 18 years old. Companies that violate the regulations could face fines of up to NZD 5 million (approximately US$3 million), according to the bill.

In a statement released Tuesday, New Zealand’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, said the bill is designed to protect online gamblers by implementing appropriate safeguards. She noted that while New Zealanders currently have legal access to thousands of offshore gambling websites, the lack of regulation means there are no standards for player safety or mechanisms for harm minimisation.

Van Velden stated that the purpose of the bill is to make online gambling safer for New Zealanders and ensure that companies offering these services contribute to tax revenue and help fund gambling harm treatment services within the country. The bill will now move to a parliamentary select committee for further review. Minister van Velden encouraged New Zealanders to participate in the process by sharing their views during the public submission period, which will open prior to the bill’s final reading.