New Zealand will allow offshore online casino operators that are in dispute with the government over their previous operations to apply for licenses under new online gambling regulations.
The country announced that firms that currently cater to its customers will be able to enter the licensing race, despite facing legal action related to their past conduct.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden said that the government does not want the licensing regime to be overly prohibitive, because this would limit competition within the country.
Velden explained in comments to the Parliament’s Governance and Administration Committee that companies facing litigation are not to be barred from obtaining licenses on this basis alone. Companies will remain free to make applications for licenses in accordance with the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 provided they meet the licensing criteria.
The New Zealand government added in a statement that past legal battles should not exclude potential applicants from the competitive process. Up to fifteen offshore online casino licenses are to be awarded via a two stage application procedure. Potential licensees will need to pass initial assessments of suitability. This will include checks on connections to organized crime, before being invited to a competitive auction.
The government confirmed that an established presence within New Zealand will no longer be a major consideration during the application process.
