New Zealand Opens iGaming Market as Australia Tightens Gambling Rules
Australia – 13 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Australia and New Zealand are undergoing significant regulatory changes that will reshape their gambling and online casino markets during 2027.
While Australia is preparing new advertising restrictions and stronger measures against illegal operators, New Zealand is progressing towards a licensed online casino market attracting interest from international companies.
The developments reflect two different regulatory approaches within Oceania, with implications for operators, technology suppliers and iGaming platforms.
Australia Introduces New Restrictions in January
Australia’s Parliament approved amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 in August 2026, with most provisions scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.
Key measures include:
- Prohibiting betting advertisements during live sports coverage on television, radio and digital platforms.
- Limiting television betting advertisements to three per hour between 6am and 8.30pm.
- Restricting gambling advertising on professional team uniforms and at sporting venues.
- Introducing stronger measures against illegal operators, including payment blocking.
- Enhancing consumer protections through BetStop, the national self-exclusion register.
The reforms aim to reduce gambling advertising exposure and strengthen consumer safeguards.
Northern Territory Proposes Deposit Limits
Meanwhile, Australia’s Northern Territory, where approximately 50 betting operators hold licences, is considering additional regulatory requirements.
The proposed legislation includes:
- Players aged 18–21: maximum monthly deposits of AU$500.
- Players aged 22–24: maximum monthly deposits of AU$1,000.
- Bonuses: a prohibition on promotional incentives and VIP schemes.
- Penalties: increasing the maximum fine from AU$194,000 to AU$10 million or 10% of annual revenue.
These measures remain legislative proposals and have not yet been enacted.
Industry Warns About Illegal Gambling
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), representing operators including bet365 and Unibet, acknowledged the need to reduce gambling advertising exposure.
The association reported that its members had reduced free-to-air television advertising expenditure by 71% over five years and removed live betting odds from sports broadcasts.
However, it warned that certain restrictions could weaken the competitiveness of the regulated market.
According to RWA estimates, Australian consumers lose approximately AU$4 billion annually through illegal offshore gambling services.
The organisation considers stronger action against unlicensed platforms essential to preventing customers from moving towards services operating without domestic oversight.
Regulators Intensify Enforcement
The introduction of new rules follows increased regulatory enforcement activity.
During 2026, Tabcorp received a AU$350,000 fine from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission for breaches involving multi-factor authentication requirements.
The company also paid AU$2.7 million in penalties relating to unsolicited commercial communications identified by Australia’s federal communications regulator.
Jamie Nettleton, a partner at law firm Addisons, warned that overlapping federal and territorial regulations could increase compliance complexity.
He also noted that Australia’s reforms will be reviewed after three years.
Tabcorp Announces AU$267 Million Acquisition
Despite the regulatory challenges, Australia’s betting market continues attracting investment.
In August, Tabcorp announced the AU$267 million acquisition of BetMakers Technology Group.
The transaction is intended to modernise its technology infrastructure and strengthen its ability to provide business-to-business solutions.
BetMakers’ main products include the Apollo wagering platform and RaceOdds horse racing technology.
The acquisition demonstrates operator interest in expanding technological capabilities and developing additional revenue streams.
New Zealand Selects 11 Prospective Licensees
While Australia introduces tighter restrictions, New Zealand is advancing towards a regulated online casino market.
Following an initial allocation process, 11 operators were approved to submit licence applications.
Selected companies include:
- Stake, which intends to apply for one licence.
- Entain, seeking two licences independently and a third in partnership with TAB NZ.
- SkyCity Entertainment Group.
- Super Group, owner of Betway.
The selection does not constitute final licensing approval. Applicants must still complete the relevant regulatory assessments.
Philippines Also Considers Regulatory Restructuring
Elsewhere in the region, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is progressing with plans to separate its casino operating and regulatory responsibilities.
PAGCOR currently manages approximately 40 Casino Filipino branches and associated gaming venues.
The proposal would involve privatising these operations, allowing the organisation to focus on industry supervision.
The plan remains under review by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GCG).
If endorsed and subsequently approved by the President, the separation could be implemented through an executive order.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The reforms highlight the different regulatory strategies being pursued across Oceania and other regional gambling markets.
Australia is focusing on advertising restrictions and consumer safeguards, while New Zealand is preparing to introduce private operators under a new licensing framework.
For international companies, the changes create commercial opportunities alongside additional technology and compliance requirements.
With Australian advertising restrictions scheduled for January 2027 and eleven companies cleared to apply for online casino licences in New Zealand, Oceania is preparing for regulatory changes that will reshape competition across the iGaming industry.
Editó: @fonta
