Iwi leaders have called on the government to push pause on its plan to auction 15 online casino licences, describing the reform as gambling by stealth and raising concerns that Maori and Pasifika communities—who already face higher rates of gambling harm—were not properly consulted.
What Is Happening
The Online Casino Gambling Bill, introduced in 2025, would create New Zealand’s first regulated online casino market. Up to 15 licences would be auctioned, with operators expected to launch in 2026. The government argues the regime will make online gambling safer by replacing unregulated offshore sites with licensed operators that must meet age verification and harm-minimisation standards.
We think this will create another set of dependants. People will be able to sit in their homes and have a casino in their hand and in their pocket. It will ultimately affect the way of life for some of our families. — Rahui Papa, Pou Tangata chair
Iwi Concerns
The Online Safety Iwi Leaders Group says there was no initial consultation with communities most likely to be impacted. They point out that Maori and Pasifika are disproportionately affected by gambling harm, and that young Maori (taiohi Maori) are especially at risk—with online gambling often under the radar of caregivers. Last month RNZ reported that successful bidders for the online casino licences would not be required to pay any money to community groups, with Internal Affairs minister Brooke van Velden saying she expected large, offshore gambling companies to win the majority of the licences. That announcement drew sharp criticism from iwi and community organisations who argue that local sports clubs, cultural groups, and harm-prevention services have long relied on funding from land-based gambling—and that the new regime may funnel revenue overseas instead.
Rahui Papa, chair of Pou Tangata (part of the National Iwi Chairs Forum), said the reform is astounding, disappointing and concerning. He added that if operators are offshore, there is no compulsion to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi or to channel funding back into communities for harmful gambling support. In his view, the lack of research into the harmful effects—physical, financial, and psychological—on families across Aotearoa is a serious gap. He has called for experts and community leaders to have their say before the regime, slated for February 2026, comes into effect.
Government Response
Internal Affairs minister Brooke van Velden has said the Bill will go through Parliament and the public will have their say via the Select Committee process. She has emphasised that under the status quo, New Zealanders already gamble on thousands of unregulated offshore sites with no minimum standards—and that licensed operators will be required to verify age, minimise harm, and pay GST, the offshore gambling levy, and the problem gambling levy.
Broader Context: Who Supports and Opposes the Bill
The debate is not black and white. Some harm-reduction advocates support regulation on the grounds that it will replace thousands of unregulated offshore sites with a smaller number of licensed operators who must meet strict standards. Others argue that expanding the market at all—even in a controlled way—will increase overall gambling participation. SkyCity and the TAB have written to ministers opposing the reform, fearing competition from offshore bidders who may dominate the auction. Documents obtained via the Official Information Act showed both entities strongly opposed government moves to open up a large market with 15 operators.
What This Means for Kiwi Players
For now, nothing changes. Kiwis continue to use offshore casinos as they have. If the reform proceeds, you will eventually see NZ-licensed operators alongside existing offshore options. The debate highlights the need for robust harm-minimisation and community input—something players should keep in mind whether they use offshore sites today or licensed NZ casinos tomorrow. Whichever way the reform goes, the fundamentals remain: choose licensed sites, set limits, and if gambling stops being fun, reach out for help.
If you or someone you know needs support with gambling harm, contact Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655 or free text 8006. See our responsible gaming page for more resources.