A gaming machine lobby group is pleased about a government move to bring online operators into line.

The Government's announced it's starting a licensing program, which will see 15 licences given and an up to $5 million fine for anyone operating online without one.

Gaming Machine Association Independent Chair Peter Dengate Thrush told Mike Hosking internet casinos threaten the current gambling model, which works well for them.

He says New Zealand has low problem gambling rates and puts millions of dollars back into the community, as per government regulation.

Despite being pleased about the crackdown, the group does believe the Government should be doing more, and online casinos should face the same rules as other operators.

Dengate Thrush says the law doesn’t address any of the major problems, not does it require online companies to invest into the community.

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