TLDR
- New Zealand will not adopt Australia-style gambling advertising restrictions for now
- The Online Casino Gambling Bill is expected to pass in May 2026, allowing up to 15 licensed operators
- Australia’s gambling ad restrictions take effect January 1, 2027, and New Zealand is watching closely
- New Zealand may still introduce ad rules later, especially around children’s programming
- Over 50 sports groups and 955 advertising complaints are adding pressure to the debate
New Zealand has confirmed it will not follow Australia’s lead on gambling advertising restrictions, at least not yet. The country is instead turning its attention to regulating online casinos through new legislation expected to pass next month.
The Department of Internal Affairs said it is aware of Australia’s upcoming reforms but is not planning to rush into similar measures. The government wants to see how Australia’s system works before making any decisions on domestic advertising rules.
The Online Casino Gambling Bill is the immediate priority. It is expected to be enacted in May 2026 and would bring the country’s unregulated online casino market under formal government oversight for the first time.
The bill would create a licensing system allowing up to 15 online casino operators to legally serve New Zealand customers. Until now, the market has operated without local regulation.
This means New Zealand is taking a structural approach rather than an advertising-led one. The government believes setting up a proper licensing framework should come before any moves on how gambling companies promote their products.
Australia’s Advertising Overhaul Sets the Benchmark
Australia has already announced sweeping changes to gambling advertising. The new rules are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The Australian reforms include limits on television betting ads during daytime hours. There will also be a complete ban on these ads during live sports broadcasts.
Radio advertising will face stricter requirements as well. The use of athletes and celebrities in gambling promotions will also be restricted under the new rules.
New Zealand officials have said they are watching these changes closely. However, they want evidence that the Australian model is effective before considering whether to adopt anything similar.
The Department of Internal Affairs said the government is open to revisiting the issue down the line. But for now, the focus remains on getting the casino licensing framework right.
Ad Rules May Still Come, Especially Around Children
While New Zealand is holding off on broad advertising restrictions, some targeted rules are still on the table. The Department of Internal Affairs said online casino advertising regulations could include protections around younger viewers.
Ads during programs watched by children could be banned. There may also be limits on ad placement when more than 20 percent of the audience is under 18.
Sponsorship and endorsement deals tied to racing bets could face restrictions too. The Racing Industry Amendment Act 2025 gives authorities the legal basis to act on advertising in the future.
The Minister for Racing is expected to study how the current system performs before pushing for further changes. Any future action will be guided by data, according to the Department of Internal Affairs.
The issue carries political weight. More than 50 sports groups have raised concerns that advertising changes could reduce funding for community sports programs.
The Advertising Standards Authority has also reported receiving 955 complaints related to gambling advertisements. Its code of conduct on gambling ads is currently under review.
New Zealand’s gambling advertising code review is expected to take place in the coming months. The outcome could shape whether stricter rules are introduced alongside the new casino licensing framework.
