New Zealand has introduced new regulations on gambling advertisements, prohibiting licensed operators from using terms related to luck. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) enforced these rules in line with the Online Gambling Regulations 2026.
Under the new guidelines, gambling advertisements will not be allowed within 2 kilometers of schools or in venues where audiences include individuals under 18. Advertisements featuring cartoons or mascots are also banned.
Casino operators must ensure their ads are specifically targeted based on age and location and are required to disable automated audience expansion features.
Additionally, the regulations prohibit slogans that suggest gambling can bring happiness, success, or a better life, or that imply luck affects gambling outcomes. Ads must also refrain from using images of gambling machines or poker chips, and promoting offers or personalized ads geared towards encouraging gambling for money is not allowed.
These changes come on the heels of New Zealand's launch of the initial phase of its online casino licensing process, which will grant up to 15 licenses through a competitive auction.
