“All it takes is one taste and once you’ve tasted it, it will spiral out of control.” That’s the warning from a recovering online gambling addict in Auckland, who fears the government’s plan to license up to 15 online casinos could lead to more people falling into the same trap.
The Bill in Brief
The Online Casino Gambling Bill, introduced by Internal Affairs minister Brooke van Velden, would auction 15 licences for online casino operators. Companies would need harm-prevention strategies, age verification (18+), and must stick to advertising restrictions. The regime is expected to start in February 2026. The minister says it will prioritise harm minimisation while collecting tax, with 4% ringfenced for community returns.
What Worries Experts
But the Problem Gambling Foundation and addiction researchers say the Bill is light on detail. Andree Froude of the Problem Gambling Foundation agrees that regulating some offshore sites would help—but she says the Bill falls short on age verification. “With offshore casinos it’s really easy to get around that, or sometimes there’s no age verification at all.” The Foundation wants online gambling advertising banned altogether.
“Children are still going to see the advertisements. This is going to normalise online casino gambling behaviour to children and adolescents and it will influence their future gambling involvement.” — Maria Bellringer, AUT Gambling and Addictions Research Centre
Maria Bellringer, director of Auckland University of Technology’s Gambling and Addictions Research Centre, adds that the Bill doesn’t stop casinos offering incentives like free bets and moneyback guarantees—and that advertising rules don’t go far enough. The Ministry of Health reports one in five NZ adults are affected by their own or others’ gambling; Māori, Pacific, Asian, and young people are at greater risk.
A Personal Story
The Auckland man, who asked to remain anonymous, said his addiction cost him over half a million dollars and damaged his relationships. He was first exposed to online gambling at 12 through a gaming site. By 20 he had become a regular at SkyCity’s Auckland casino. For a time luck was on his side—he won numerous jackpots—and that’s when he dived head first into online gambling. “It was something I constantly convinced myself would make my life better. I would tell myself that eventually one of these days it’s going to pay off.” But as the saying goes, the house always wins. Now 34, he says the addiction has impacted his relationship with his partner and his son, and he rarely speaks to distant family. He has no money, and the shame has at times led him to dark thoughts. He adds that there’s no easy way to stop: “People have the freedom to jump on an online casino and gamble. But if you recognise that you’ve got an issue, there’s no button, there’s no way that you can just go ‘I don’t want to do that anymore’.” He worries about his young son seeing casino ads on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok—“most TikToks have a watermark for an online gambling platform, just subtly put in there.”
The Influencer Angle
Gambling harm advocates have also raised concerns about social media influencers promoting offshore casinos. The Department of Internal Affairs has warned that influencers could face fines of up to $5,000 for promoting overseas gambling websites. Critics say that alongside direct advertising, influencer content normalises gambling to young audiences who may not understand the risks. The DIA is currently considering how to restrict or prohibit inducements and what forms of advertising will be allowed under the new regime.
What Happens Next
The Department of Internal Affairs says work on regulations to restrict inducements and advertising is underway. Operators will need to prove they can verify age and identity before being licensed. Breaches could mean penalties of up to $5 million and licence suspension or cancellation.
For Kiwi players, the message is the same whether you use offshore casinos today or licensed NZ casinos tomorrow: gamble responsibly, set limits, and if things stop feeling fun, reach out. Gambling Helpline Aotearoa: 0800 654 655 or free text 8006. See our responsible gaming page for more.