The New Zealand Online Casino Gambling Bill (Bill) is now at the Second Reading stage of the parliamentary process. If it passes this stage, it will go to a committee of the whole House, it will then be read for a third time and voted on. If the bill is passed it will progress for Royal Assent. The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has published an updated timeline on the anticipated commencement of the Bill and the licensing process. At present, the DIA anticipates that the Bill will pass into law and commence on 1 May 2026.

The UK Government has announced significant changes to gambling tax duties in an effort to raise over £1 billion per year to support ailing public finances and tax sustainability. The reforms signify a clear shift in gambling policy by the government and raise implications for consumers and online operators regarding profitability, pricing, product mix and long-term sustainability in the UK market.

New Zealand government’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Brooke van Velden, has released the Cabinet paper and associated materials relating to the Online Casino Gambling Bill. The Cabinet paper addressed the main concern that came up during the select committee process, in which nearly 4,000 submissions advocated for community returns to be included in the Bill.

Insights from Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, keynote at the 2025 IAGR Conference, and what his remarks on crypto adoption and regulatory risk mean for the Australian gambling sector.

Online Wagering

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With the recent closure of land-based casinos, retail wagering venues and gaming venues, sign-ups to online gambling operators are increasing at a significant rate as retail customers shift to online.