The New Zealand government has published the regulatory framework for the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, establishing operational standards for licensed digital operators. The rules take effect on 3 July 2026, coinciding with the start of the national licensing application window.
Player Protections and Account Controls
The legislation mandates strict consumer protection measures. Players must configure daily, weekly, or monthly caps on session duration, deposits, and total expenditure. Platforms are required to prompt users to set these boundaries during registration and each subsequent month. Adjusting or removing limits requires a mandatory 24-hour waiting period. Continuous play sessions trigger automatic interruptions, including a minimum five-minute pause after one hour. Additional tools cover scheduled time-outs ranging from 24 hours to three months, session pop-up alerts, and self-exclusion options processed within 24 hours. Operators retain the authority to issue warnings and impose exclusions of up to two years for players exhibiting problem gambling behavior.Account verification and financial controls form another core component. Providers must confirm a user’s full name, date of birth, and minimum age of 18 before enabling access. Systems must also screen for prior exclusions or duplicate registrations.
Credit cards and specific linked payment instruments are prohibited for funding accounts. Each individual may maintain only one account and one deposit method per platform, with a 24-hour restriction on switching funding sources. Withdrawals may be routed to alternative methods.
Companies must also maintain transparent game rules and keep compliance and customer records for the entire relationship period plus seven years.