The End of Gambling on Credit: New Zealand Blocks Credit Cards in Casinos Ahead of Regulated Market Launch
Ahead of the large-scale launch of a licensing system for the gambling industry, the New Zealand government has taken tough measures: a ban on the use of credit cards for betting with bookmakers and playing in online casinos.
Regulators intend to stop not only direct transactions but also shut down all possible workarounds. Indirect deposit methods will also fall under restrictions — for example, topping up e-wallets using borrowed bank funds for subsequent gambling.
According to expert forecasts, the updated market will be fully operational by the end of 2026. Up to 15 licensed operators are expected to enter competitive play. The economic impact of the changes is expected to be significant: license sales alone are estimated at around $25 million. In addition, gambling companies will be required to pay a 16% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR).
Isn’t a 16% tax a bit excessive?
Meh.
Most problem gamblers are lazy — they want a simple “click and money’s gone” experience. If you complicate the process, many will just give up. So there is some logic in this — it will filter out some impulsive players.
Lol, good luck with that :D Bitcoin and USDT say hello. Anyone who really wants to deposit will find a way — even through the devil himself. Restrictions only work on housewives; experienced players have long been using crypto.
To hell with them and their bans! My money — I’ll do whatever I want with it. If I want to max out my credit card and then live on instant noodles for a month, that’s my personal choice. Everyone’s sick of all this regulation — soon we’ll need permission just to breathe.