TLDR New Zealand published regulations for the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, taking effect July 3, 2026 Operators must offer spending limits, break-in-play features, and self-exclusion tools Credit cards and multiple accounts per platform are banned Advertising is heavily restricted, including bans on sponsorships and affiliate marketing A 3.5% quarterly levy on gambling profits will apply; up to 15 licences will be issued
New Zealand has published the rules that will govern its new online casino industry. The regulations were issued on Friday and come into force on July 3, 2026 — the same month the licensing process is expected to begin.
The rules follow the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which became law last month. That law allows up to 15 licences to be issued to qualified operators through a competitive application process.
The regulations were issued through an Order in Council, following recommendations from the minister of internal affairs.
Player Protection Rules
Operators must let customers set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on deposits, spending, and playtime. These limits must be offered at account creation and again every month after that.
Players who want to increase or remove a limit must wait 24 hours before the change takes effect.
Platforms are required to include break-in-play features. After 60 minutes of continuous play, a minimum five-minute break must be triggered. Time-out options ranging from 24 hours to three months are also required, along with pop-up alerts showing session information.
Players can self-exclude for a fixed period or indefinitely. Operators must process those requests within 24 hours. Operators can also exclude suspected problem gamblers for up to two years.
Payment and Identity Requirements
Customers must verify their full name, date of birth, and age before activating an account. The minimum age is 18.
Credit cards and certain