March 10, 2025

Meet the Key People Behind NZ’s Upcoming Gambling Regulations

New Zealand is introducing significant updates to its gambling regulations, aiming to strike a balance between economic growth and player protection. These changes reflect the constantly changing landscape of online gambling and address concerns around addiction and transparency in the industry.

The online gambling world runs alongside technology, including digital assets such as cryptocurrencies. Only a few years ago, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were rarely used in casinos.

Countries like Malta and the UK have already rolled out cryptocurrency licensing frameworks, offering a potential blueprint for New Zealand. These frameworks are placed to ensure anti-money laundering law compliance while allowing players access to faster, secure transactions. For New Zealand, the upcoming regulations aim to strike a balance: fostering innovation while addressing potential risks such as regulatory gaps and misuse of digital currencies.

According to Brooke Van Velden, the government plans to issue 15 licenses for New Zealand online casinos by 2026. The auction process for these new licenses will begin in February 2025, with an official rollout planned for April in 2025.

The licenses have the potential to greatly enhance economic benefits to NZ, while also including stricter measures for player protection. Operators adopting cryptocurrencies must adhere to robust anti-money laundering protocols, safeguarding players while leveraging the advantages of digital currencies.

Why New Zealand is Updating its Gambling Regulations

In New Zealand, a lot of factors have led to needing an update on gambling regulations. These include a rise in gambling addiction and the increasing use of cryptocurrencies, which have increased the need for updating regulations.

Studies have shown a growing rate of New Zealanders struggling with gambling addiction. Players that are prone to compulsive gambling spend beyond their means, and chase losses, risking financial ruin. The new regulations aim to protect players, by promoting responsible gambling practices.

Cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular at online casinos since they offer benefits like instant payouts and privacy. However, without clear rules, they also pose risks such as fraud and money laundering. These regulations will keep New Zealand’s gambling industry safe, transparent, and forward-looking.

Economic factors also play a major role. With gambling being highly popular in NZ, issuing new licenses will allow operators to increase revenue while introducing safer measures to the industry. Ultimately, the main goals of the new regulations are to enhance player protection and to ensure a secure framework in place that will capitalise on economic growth.

Key Figure Driving the Regulatory Changes: Hon Brooke van Velden

The key figure driving the regulatory changes is Hon. Brooke Olivia van Velden. Born on 15 October 1992, Van Velden has been the deputy leader of ACT New Zealand since June 2020, and since 2023, the MP for Tāmaki.

Since assuming her role, Van Velden has prioritised a safer gambling environment while maximising the industry’s economic potential. Her proactive approach includes making sure new licenses include player protection measures and adapting policies to address the cryptocurrencies at NZ online casinos.

Voices from Responsible Gambling Advocacy Groups

Responsible gambling advocacy groups in New Zealand are working to protect player safety and promote responsible gambling practices. Collaborating with the Department of Internal Affairs, these groups help shape policies that prioritize player well-being while addressing industry challenges.

They plan to reduce gambling harm with responsible gambling tools such as:

Deposit limits
Self-exclusion
Responsible advertising.
Deposit Limits
Loss Limits
Wagering Limits
Time Limits
Reality Checks
Self-Exclusion
Cooling-Off Periods
Session Limits
Activity Tracking
Gambling Block Software
Links to Support Services

After the changes are in place, NZ players can expect:

Mandatory self-exclusion and cooling-off periods at NZ casinos
A larger budget for problem gambling support programs
Stricter advertising laws, especially when targeted at under-aged
Better ways to monitor responsible gambling standards.

How Māori Perspectives Are Being Considered

There is an increasing need to spotlight the Māori communities’ perspective on gambling regulations in NZ. The fear is that as it’s so easy to access online gambling, they can fall into the gambling addiction trap. Earlier this year, Te Kāhui Mokoroa was mandated to safeguard native communities from gambling harm. He is part of the National Māori Gambling Harm Minimisation Collective. His role is to safeguard native communities from gambling harm.

Van Velden’s proposal also seeks to address the heightened concerns over how easy it is to gamble online. Compared to traditional casinos, online gambling is open 24/7.

Cath Healey. the General Manager of the Gambling Recovery Service, Rangihaeata Oranga, argues that the well-being of players should be more important than profits. Statistics show that the Māori are 5 times more likely to develop gambling problems than other groups. This is especially true with pokie machines, which have resulted in some Māori families losing everything because of gambling addiction.

Minister Van Velden has made it her mission to institute a licensing system for online casinos. The inclusion of Te Ao Māori, a holistic Māori worldview, will bring balance to all aspects of life. This way of thinking is being incorporated into the regulation process.

Incorporating Te Ao Māori means emphasising fairness, balance, and respect for both individuals and communities. At the same time, Te Ao Māori acknowledges the importance of collective well-being and sustainability.

Through these efforts, Māori voices are not only heard but actively shaping the future of New Zealand’s gambling landscape. This will ensure that regulations are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and socially responsible.

The Anticipated Impact of the New Regulations

The anticipated impact of New Zealand’s updated gambling regulations is expected to be far-reaching. It will be helpful to many sectors of society and promote safer and more responsible gambling.

The key benefits to society include:

Reduced Gambling Harm
Enhanced Community Well-Being
Increased Consumer Confidence
Legitimization and Growth
Technological Innovation

The upcoming gambling regulations are a major change for New Zealand. By balancing economic improvement with player protection, these regulations are meant to set a new standard for responsible gambling.