Policymakers Are Moving to Tighten Gaming Rules as NZ Bill Advances to Third Reading

(AsiaGameHub) –   During today’s reading of New Zealand’s new gambling bill, concerns raised by community groups, spearheaded by an opposition MP, regarding comprehensive player safety measures were discussed.

Labour politician and party spokesperson, **Lemauga Lydia Sosene**, has emerged as a central advocate for ensuring that community benefits are a significant component of New Zealand’s online gambling laws.

Sosene and the community organizations she championed secured a victory late last year when the government committed to implementing a compulsory 4% levy on online casino profits, earmarked for public investment, with a future review to consider increasing this rate.

The Labour MP now appears to have achieved another success, as her advocacy for robust measures to reduce gambling harm seems to have prompted the New Zealand government to prioritize this aspect in the forthcoming bill, which cleared its penultimate parliamentary stage today.

The bill now requires only its third reading approval before receiving Royal Assent, at which point it will be enacted into law and establish the framework for a multi-licence online casino market in New Zealand.

Following a review of the current version, which was voted on today, March 27, policymakers have suggested several amendments to strengthen problem gambling regulations before the bill proceeds to another vote.

Specifically, clause 39 mandates that operators implement all reasonable measures to minimize the risk of harm from online gambling. The proposed amendment suggests that these measures be directly linked to the procedures outlined in the regulatory framework, thereby preventing any undue confusion.

Additional assurances regarding the government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations were recently provided by **Paul James**, Chief Executive Officer of the **New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs**.

“We are striving to achieve a balance between effective measures for detecting, preventing, and minimizing harm, while simultaneously ensuring that the regulations are not so stringent as to impede gambling operators’ effectiveness, and that New Zealanders feel secure in their decisions to engage with our non-extended gambling options,” James stated.

“An incorrect balance would lead individuals to resort to the black market, leaving New Zealanders to gamble without any assistance or safeguards,” he added.

New Zealand is getting ready to issue 15 online gambling licenses by the close of this year, with the **Online Gambling Bill** anticipated to receive Royal Assent and establish the framework for the new market on May 1.

Under the proposed schedule, applications for online casino licenses will commence on December 1, with the 15-license market slated to become operational on July 1, 2027.

Presently, international gambling firm **Entain** holds an exclusive sports betting license through a franchising agreement with local operator **TAB NZ**.

The company has previously indicated its intention to secure three of the 15 available licenses, a move that would provide it with a significant edge in a market abundant with cross-selling prospects.