New Zealand’s Government has ruled that online casinos will not be permitted to accept funds from players using credit cards, in what ministers describe as a key safeguard against financial harm. The decision was announced by Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden as part of ongoing efforts to finalise the Online Casino Bill.
The legislation, which is currently in Parliament, would allow up to 15 online casinos to operate legally in New Zealand and to advertise their services from late next year. However, the Cabinet’s move to ban credit card deposits is seen as the most significant concession so far in negotiations with Members of Parliament (MPs), many of whom have yet to be won over. It comes as part of renewed debate on the Bill in 2026, following initial discussions in September 2025.
Ministers hope the restriction will address growing concerns about gambling‑related debt and problem gambling in the online space. Under the proposed regulations, online casinos would be barred from accepting credit cards, and the details of this policy are still being drafted into regulation.
Van Velden said preventing credit card funding is intended to stop players from falling into “a cycle” of debt. She argued that credit cards make it easier for vulnerable individuals to gamble beyond their means, and that stronger safeguards are needed as the online gambling market evolves.
“I did not want to end up with people who were using online gambling making their way into further debt and getting themselves into a bit of a cycle,”
– Brooke van Velden, Internal Affairs Minister, New Zealand
Officials have forecast that the sale of online casino licences could net the Government around NZ$44 million ($25.6 million). At the same time, other concessions include an agreement that operators must transfer four percent of their gross gambling revenue, defined as total intake less payouts, to charities and community groups.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Martin Cheer, managing director of Pub Charity and a vocal critic of the Bill, questioned whether the credit card restriction would deter operators seeking licences. He also cast doubt on enforcement, pointing out that “nobody does bank transfers”, implying that many players prefer other forms of payment.
New Zealand’s decision follows a similar path to neighbouring Australia, which banned credit cards and specific digital payment methods for online gambling back in mid-2024. Under Australia’s Interactive Gambling Amendment, online wagering providers can no longer accept credit cards, credit-related products, or digital currencies. This brings online betting into line with the rules already governing land-based venues. Companies that don’t comply face potential fines reaching AU$247,500 ($165,190).
The Australian Government pushed through these changes largely due to worries about gambling-related harm and how easily people could access credit to fund their wagers. Consumer advocacy groups and banking associations backed the reforms, arguing they’d offer better protection for vulnerable Australians at risk of spiraling into debt through gambling.
Critics of Australia’s ban have pointed to practical challenges, such as gamblers switching to debit accounts or other payment methods, and concerns that the prohibition may push activity towards offshore operators not bound by domestic regulations.
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