The Government of New Zealand recently announced that online casinos licensed to operate would prohibit the acceptance of the use of credit card fillings by players. The New Zealand Minister of Home Affairs, Brooke van Velden, described this as a “critical safeguard” against financial harm and as an attempt to stop the risk of gamblers falling into debt cycles. The decision was published as a final revision of the Online Casinos Bill, which is currently under consideration in Parliament.
Under the Act, New Zealand will legally authorize up to 15 online casinos to operate in late 2026 and allow their public outreach services. However, the “Card Card Filling Ban” introduced by the Cabinet this time was seen as a key concession for parliamentary support. Many parliamentarians had previously expressed reservations about the bill. This policy will be formally implemented when the 2026 Act recommences debate, and its implementing regulations are still being developed. Brooke Van Fell stressed: “I would never like to see people fall into a vicious circle with more debt due to online gambling. Credit cards allow vulnerable groups to easily exceed their financial capabilities, and as the online lottery market evolves, we must build stronger protections.” The Government of New Zealand projects that online casino licence sales will generate approximately NZ$ 44 million (US$ 25.6 million) in fiscal revenue. At the same time, the Act requires the operator to transfer 4 per cent of the total lottery income (net of money) to charities and community organizations as social hazard compensation.
This policy triggered a bipolar reaction. Martin Cheer, Managing Director of the pro bono Pub Charity Board, publicly questioned: “Can a ban on credit cards really prevent operators from applying for license plates?” He pointed to the dilemma of policy implementation: “nearly no one paid for bank transfers”, suggesting that players might turn to other payment channels to circumvent restrictions. In doing so, New Zealand is following Australia ‘ s example, and in 2024 Australia passed the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act, which fully prohibits online gambling from receiving credit cards, credit products and digital currency payments and aligns online rules with real casinos. Non-compliant businesses face a maximum fine of $247.5 million ($165 million).
The Australian Government ‘ s reform drive is highly consistent with New Zealand ‘ s efforts to contain the gambling debt crisis. Consumer rights organizations and banking associations supported the policy as effective in protecting vulnerable groups. Critics have pointed out, however, that gamblers may turn to debit cards or offshore platforms and instead channel funds towards offshore operators that are not subject to domestic regulation, making governance more difficult.