The Minister for Mental Health in New Zealand, Matt Doocey, has announced that the Government has released the refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm.

“The updated strategy includes a targeted investment of over $81 million to improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand,” Mr Doocey said.

“We know that simply announcing strategies isn’t enough to make a material difference. We want New Zealanders to see real change and make progress, that is why as part of this strategy we’ve built in an independent review in 2025/26 to track what’s working, and what’s not.

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“The strategy focuses on delivering timely, effective support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling harm. Key areas of investment include increasing access to treatment and support, improving prevention and early intervention initiatives, and improving the effectiveness of support for those experiencing gambling harm.

“We know one of the biggest barriers to people accessing support is workforce, that is why the plan includes ways we will grow the gambling harm workforce. We will be creating up to 18 additional clinical internship places.

“It is expected these interns will be supported to develop gambling harm expertise by working closely with a supervisor in a clinical setting. This approach is necessary to bridge the gap between education and work and will give interns the practical experience needed to help people affected by gambling harm.

“Not only will this ensure more people can access help, but this will also support people who could otherwise struggle to meet the requirements to become registered clinicians.

“One in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling harm in their lifetime—either directly or through someone they know. This can have devastating effects not only on individuals, but also on their families and wider communities.”

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Services will be funded through the new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations, paid by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB NZ and Lotto NZ. Work is also underway on how online casino operators will contribute under upcoming regulations.

The strategy was developed through a two-stage consultation process and strongly reflects the voices of people with lived experience.

“I want to thank those who shared their experiences with us. You’ve helped ensure this strategy is reflective of real-life experiences and have helped to ground the strategy with a strong understanding of what support works best for you and our communities,” Mr Doocey said.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found four wagering service providers – Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet and Topbet – breached rules that protect people who registered with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).

An ACMA investigation found Buddybet failed to close wagering accounts for people on the NSER and sent marketing to them. The company has since exited the Australian market.

A separate ACMA investigation found Ultrabet reopened the account of someone at the end of their self-exclusion period and allowed that person to bet with that account. Ultrabet also caused marketing to be sent to another self-excluded person.

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Under the NSER rules, once an individual registers with the NSER, wagering service providers must close that person’s account as soon as practicable. Accounts must not be reopened or reinstated once a person ceases to be registered with the NSER.

Instead, people at the end of their self-exclusion period who want to recommence gambling need to make a clear and deliberate choice to do so. Providers must also cease sending self-excluded people any electronic marketing such as emails or texts.

The ACMA has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Ultrabet, which commits the company to review its compliance systems and processes and implement improvements.

Following two other separate investigations, online bookmakers VicBet and Topbet have each been issued with a formal warning after the ACMA found they contravened the NSER marketing rules. The ACMA found each company had sent marketing material to a self-excluded person.

Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood said breaches of the NSER rules can lead to significant harm.

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“Wagering providers should know their obligations under the rules and know that we are enforcing them. The rules about account closure must be complied with,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

“People on the NSER have made a conscious effort to exclude themselves from online gambling services. Sending gambling marketing messages to people who are trying to stop gambling is unacceptable. Betting services must have systems in place that respect the decisions of people to self-exclude, or face further consequences.”

Regulating the Game 2026 has welcomed its first joint sponsors, CherryHub and Ebet, two Australian companies driving transformation across the gaming and hospitality sectors.

Now in its sixth edition, Regulating the Game has cemented its reputation as the premier gambling law and regulation conference. Returning to Sydney in March 2026, the event will again bring together global regulators, industry pioneers and compliance professionals for three dynamic days of policy and sector dialogue, strategic insights and capability building.

The programme will span high-impact keynotes and panel sessions addressing regulatory challenges, financial crime and public policy reform; innovation showcases exploring AI, RegTech and emerging technology; and deep dives into safer gambling, risk management and compliance uplift.

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With expert-led masterclasses and the return of Pitch!, now hosted at the iconic Yallamundi Rooms at the Sydney Opera House, Regulating the Game 2026 will “continue to shape the future of not only effective and leading-edge gambling regulation, but also a forward-thinking, innovative, and socially responsible industry,” the organisers noted.

Frank Makryllos, Managing Director and CEO of Ebet, said: “Regulating the Game plays a critical role in fostering the collaboration and thought leadership our industry needs. As suppliers, Ebet and Cherry Hub are committed to equipping venues with practical tools to manage risk, support safer gambling practices, and meet evolving regulatory expectations, including AML/CTF and financial crime compliance.”

Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, said: “CherryHub and Ebet represent the innovation and integrity we seek to champion through Regulating the Game. Their support reflects a strong alignment with our mission to promote evidence-led policy, ethical leadership, and safer gambling outcomes.”

With a refreshed agenda, an expanded Exhibition Showcase, and the return of the Pitch! Challenge, Regulating the Game 2026 is “set to raise the bar once again, fostering critical dialogue, driving collaboration, and advancing not only regulatory excellence but also a vibrant, innovative, and ethically led industry,” the organisers concluded.