New Zealand has announced a major shake-up of its online gambling rules
New Zealand will finally regulate its online gambling market in 2026. Consequently, a new Bill aims to minimise harm and capture crucial tax revenue. Currently, the market operates in an unregulated era, but this will soon end.
Currently, New Zealanders can legally use offshore casino sites. Consequently, an estimated NZ$700m to NZ$900m leaves the country annually. These overseas platforms often attract players with diverse games, fast payments and strong privacy policies. However, the rules are now changing.
From July 1st, 2026, international operators must comply with the new licensing regime. Otherwise, they face a total ban from the market. Essentially, operators must either join the scheme or exit completely.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will oversee this major shift. Specifically, it will run a competitive auction for just 15 licences. The process will unfold in three key stages:
- Firstly, expressions of interest.
- Then, the auction itself.
- Finally, full application submission.
Major global players are already eyeing these limited spots. To prevent market saturation, each brand can only hold one licence. However, a single operator can own up to three licences in total. These licences last for three years, with an option to renew for five more. This structure allows for continuous evaluation of each operator’s suitability.
Taxation is a crucial part of the new framework. From 2026, a 12% duty on Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) will apply, plus a 15% GST. Furthermore, the duty will rise to 16% in 2027.
Revenue forecasts, however, vary significantly. For instance, the Inland Revenue Department predicts around NZ$35m annually. Conversely, the National Party anticipates a much higher NZ$176m.
Alongside new taxes, stricter advertising rules will launch. Ads will be banned between 6:00am and 9:30pm. Additionally, the rules prohibit social media influencers and all sponsorships.
Important consumer protection measures will also be implemented. These include mandatory deposit limits. Moreover, a 1.24% gambling levy will fund crucial support services.
Portugal’s online gambling revenue grows 11.6% in Q3 2025
Portugal’s gambling regulator, the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), has published its third-quarter figures for 2025. Notably, the online gambling market generated €297.1 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR). This represents a significant 11.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Furthermore, the market saw a sequential 3.5% rise over Q2 2025.
The growth was primarily driven by the online casino sector. Importantly, this segment accounted for 66.4% of total GGR, reaching €197.4 million. This figure marks a 12.7% year-on-year rise. Within this category, slot machines remained the most popular, representing 79.2% of all casino wagers.
Conversely, sports betting generated €99.7 million in revenue. While this is a 9.4% annual increase, it also reflects an 8.7% decline from the previous quarter. This quarterly dip is likely due to seasonal changes in the sports calendar. Football continued to lead this segment, attracting 71.8% of all sports bets.
By the end of September 2025, registered player accounts totalled 4.9 million. This is a 7.8% annual increase. However, new registrations during the quarter fell by 22.7% to 208,500.
Meanwhile, responsible gambling participation rose sharply. The number of self-excluded players reached 342,200, a substantial 23.9% increase year-on-year.
In contrast to online growth, Portugal’s land-based gambling revenue fell 4.6% year-on-year to €72.4 million. While slot machine revenue in physical venues edged up 2.1% to €57.3 million, revenue from table games and other types declined sharply by 24.2%.
Georgia bans 40% of population from gambling
The Georgian government has enacted a major ban, preventing 40% of its population from gambling. Officials have now added over 1.57 million people to the National Exclusion Registry, meeting a key target set by former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.
The vast majority were registered automatically. Notably, public sector employees and citizens with criminal records face mandatory exclusion. In contrast, only 36,000 people chose self-exclusion, while courts ordered 62 additions.
This registry follows stricter laws. Firstly, the legal gambling age was raised to 25 in 2024. Then, in 2025, the Revenue Service began overseeing all operators and the registry.
The policy continues under Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. His government has since introduced biometric checks in venues and a new tax system.
Tax rules now strongly distinguish between residents and foreigners. Operators pay 15% tax on revenue. Additionally, Georgian citizens pay a 5% income tax on winnings.
However, foreign players are exempt. The state views gambling largely as tourism, aiming to shield locals from financial harm.
Ultimately, Georgia’s approach is clear: minimise domestic gambling addiction while still attracting international gaming tourism.
