New Zealand cracks down on harmful betting with sweeping reforms
New Zealand has introduced strict new balance regulations to curb harmful betting practices. The changes include bans on credit card payments, affiliate marketing, and multi-game slot play. Authorities aim to tighten oversight while maintaining player options through a limited number of licensed operators.
Under the new rules, credit cards and buy-now-pay-later services can no longer fund gambling accounts. This move targets financial risks linked to problem betting. The government has also prohibited affiliate marketing and influencer promotions to reduce exposure to gambling news.
Operators must now enforce age-verification checks for all new sign-ups. They are also required to monitor and intervene when customers display harmful gambling behaviours. Players will be restricted from playing multiple slot games at once, a measure designed to slow down high-risk betting.
The grey market remains a concern, with New Zealanders spending around NZ$1.4bn (US$830m) on offshore gambling sites in 2025. To address this, the government will issue 15 permits for licensed operators, balancing consumer choice with stricter regulation. Fines for promoting illegal platforms have risen sharply to NZ$5m (US$3m).
The reforms mark a significant shift in New Zealand's approach to online gambling. Licensed operators will face tighter controls, while unlicensed platforms risk heavy penalties. The government expects these measures to reduce harm while keeping betting options available through regulated channels.
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