Proposed regulation for online casinos in New Zealand, featuring 15 licenses granted through an auction process.
Lucas Dunn, a New Jersey-born and raised writer, now works full-time as a copywriter and occasionally paints. With over six years of professional writing experience under his belt, Lucas has made a name for himself in the gambling industry, specializing in writing reviews for casinos, software providers, and games.
Lucas's content focuses on casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs. His unique perspective, stemming from his background in psychology from Rutgers University, adds a thoughtful and analytical edge to his work.
In the world of online gambling, Lucas's services are sought globally by clients from various countries such as the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Canada.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the casino market is currently unregulated. However, a significant change is on the horizon. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has proposed a bill to award up to 15 casino licenses by 2026, marking a landmark regulation for the country.
This bill, known as the Online Casino Gambling Bill, aims to prioritize harm minimization, consumer protection, and tax collection. Under this new framework, licensed operators must meet regulatory requirements including mandatory age verification, strict advertising restrictions, and harm prevention measures. Fines of up to NZ$5 million can be imposed on unlicensed operators or for breaches.
Major international gambling brands like 888, bet365, and Super Group have already shown interest in applying for licenses under this regime. The licensing auction is expected to begin in February 2026, with licensed operators anticipated to launch in April 2026.
This legislation also intends to regulate offshore online gambling activity, estimated to cost New Zealanders NZ$500-900 million annually, channeling it into the local economy with better oversight and public benefit.
As the Online Casino Gambling Bill makes its way through Parliament, Lucas Dunn continues to provide insightful and informative content on this developing story. For those interested in learning more about Lucas's work and other related topics in the gambling industry, there is a 'see more' option available.
Lucas Dunn, with his expertise in reviewing casino games, online casinos, and software providers, continues to expand his reach in the global gambling industry. In New Zealand, where the casino market is about to be regulated with the introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill, Lucas's insightful content on the topic is of great interest to many.
