In New Zealand, the final reading of the online casino bill took place
The New Zealand Parliament has passed a bill regulating online casinos in its third and final reading. It is now set to be submitted for royal assent and could come into force as early as May.
The law aims to enhance consumer protection and establishes a licensed online casino market: the country's authorities plan to issue up to 15 licenses through a competitive process overseen by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Applications are expected to open in July, with a deadline of December 1, 2026.
The new model for controlling online casinos includes strict requirements for operators. The regulator will have broad powers, including issuing warnings, orders for removal, and fines up to 5 million New Zealand dollars (2.93 million US dollars) for serious violations.
The law also applies to foreign operators if their online casinos are accessible in New Zealand. Companies that do not submit their applications in time will be required to cease operations in the country.