NZ Gambling Ad Ban Urged Ahead of Online Casino Launch
The Problem Gambling Foundation calls for a gambling advertising ban in New Zealand before regulated online casinos launch.Summary
The Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) is urging New Zealand authorities to implement a total ban on gambling advertising. This call comes as 11 entities have secured rights to apply for the country's 15 available online casino licenses, following an auction that generated NZ$15 million.
Advocacy director Andree Froude warns that offshore operators are currently flouting existing laws by using social media, influencers, and other promotional tactics to target New Zealanders, including those recovering from gambling addiction. The PGF argues that current regulations are insufficient to prevent harm and suggests that operators' compliance records should heavily influence the licensing process.
While new advertising requirements for authorized operators are set for June 2027, the PGF emphasizes that enforcement requires significant resources from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Successful applicants include companies such as Stake, Entain, SkyCity, and SkillOnNet.
(Source：World Casino News)