New Zealand Problem Gambling Foundation urges tougher enforcement of offshore gambling ad rules

The Problem Gambling Foundation has called for tougher regulation and enforcement against overseas gambling companies it says are breaching New Zealand's advertising laws. The call comes as the country prepares to launch a licensed online casino market.

Advocacy director Andree Froude told RNZ's Morning Report that offshore sites promote their services through social media, influencers, inducements and tagging on buildings and walls. She said this showed existing restrictions were not working, and that operators had disregarded the rules for years.

The foundation's concerns follow accounts from people who receive gambling promotions, including those recovering from gambling problems. A former problem gambler told RNZ that illegal online casino ads continued to reach the phones of people in recovery, and others said they received bonus cash offers after several days without betting. Some reported seeing large amounts of gambling advertising after searching online for a gambling harm organisation, even though they had never used a gambling site.

Last week, 11 entities secured the right to apply for the 15 online casino licences available in New Zealand, with the auction's final price reaching $15 million per licence. Froude said advertising requirements were confusing because different legislation applies to different activities. Online casinos would face advertising rules under the licensing system but are currently prohibited from advertising to New Zealanders. She contrasted this with TAB and Lotto, which she described as facing few or minimal restrictions, with advertising governed by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Froude said penalties would achieve little without enforcement. She called for the Department of Internal Affairs to have enough resources to monitor operators and ensure compliance, and for authorities to pursue court action where breaches warrant it. She also argued that failures to follow the law should be weighed during the licensing process, with penalties applied from the outset. Beyond that, she called for gambling advertising to be prohibited, citing World Health Organisation support for such restrictions as an essential early step in reducing gambling-related public health harm.

Entain, which operates TAB and Betcha, said customers need to know what support is available to keep their betting enjoyable and safe. The company said it operates under very strict conditions and has spent considerable amounts on safer gambling and age limits, and confirmed its commitment to responsible gambling.