Former gambler says regulators need sharper teeth on illegal casino ads
A former problem gambler says regulators need sharper teeth to stop ads for illegal online casinos reaching people trying to quit.
Jack told RNZ he started gambling after seeing an online ad offering free spins. He said he still sees gambling promotions on Instagram and receives dozens of gambling emails each day. RNZ
He supports banning gambling ads. He said adverts and inducements risk dragging recovering gamblers back in.
Advertising a gambling site based overseas is illegal in New Zealand. TAB, Betcha and Lotto are the only local operators currently allowed to advertise.
Problem Gambling Foundation advocacy director Andree Froude told RNZ that gambling regulation has not kept up with changes since the Gambling Act 2003. She said all gambling ads should be banned, including ads for licensed operators.
Advertising overseas gambling is prohibited under section 16 of the Gambling Act 2003. Department of Internal Affairs
Online casino gambling in New Zealand is regulated under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, with rules for licensed operators covering harm minimisation, consumer protection and advertising. Offshore gambling websites may not be regulated at all and have no harm minimisation mechanisms in place to protect players, according to the Department of Internal Affairs.
