TLDR New Zealand will not adopt Australia-style gambling advertising restrictions for now The Online Casino Gambling Bill is expected to pass in May 2026, allowing up to 15 licensed operators Australia’s gambling ad restrictions take effect January 1, 2027, and New Zealand is watching closely New Zealand may still introduce ad rules later, especially around children’s programming Over 50 sports groups and 955 advertising complaints are adding pressure to the debate
New Zealand has confirmed it will not follow Australia’s lead on gambling advertising restrictions, at least not yet. The country is instead turning its attention to regulating online casinos through new legislation expected to pass next month.
The Department of Internal Affairs said it is aware of Australia’s upcoming reforms but is not planning to rush into similar measures. The government wants to see how Australia’s system works before making any decisions on domestic advertising rules.
The Online Casino Gambling Bill is the immediate priority. It is expected to be enacted in May 2026 and would bring the country’s unregulated online casino market under formal government oversight for the first time.
The bill would create a licensing system allowing up to 15 online casino operators to legally serve New Zealand customers. Until now, the market has operated without local regulation.
This means New Zealand is taking a structural approach rather than an advertising-led one. The government believes setting up a proper licensing framework should come before any moves on how gambling companies promote their products.
Australia’s Advertising Overhaul Sets the Benchmark
Australia has already announced sweeping changes to gambling advertising. The new rules are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The Australian reforms include limits on television betting ads during daytime hours. There will also be a complete ban on these ads during live