New Zealand online casino licensing: 2026 transition

Updated 24 September 2026. The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 is in force, but New Zealand’s licensed online casino regime is being introduced in stages. No licence has yet been issued under the new process, according to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), which expects to begin issuing licences in early 2027. This page distinguishes operators currently allowed to operate during the transition from operators that may later receive a New Zealand licence.

Licensing timetable

17 July–14 August 2026: expressions of interest were submitted and assessed.
29 September 2026: auction scheduled for eligible participants. Successful bidders win the right to apply for a licence; an auction result is not a licence.
October 2026: full licence applications are expected to open for successful bidders.
1 December 2026: operators that have not applied must cease providing online casino gambling in New Zealand. Applicants may continue operating without advertising while DIA decides their applications.
Early 2027: DIA expects to begin issuing licences; the fully licensed regime is expected during 2027.

These are DIA’s published dates as at 24 September 2026 and may change. Check the DIA provider timeline and DIA information for players for current status.

How licences will be awarded

Up to 15 licences will be available, one per brand. The process has three stages: expression of interest, auction for the right to apply, and a full suitability assessment. A person may hold no more than three licences. DIA says licences can run for up to three years, with a possible renewal of a further five years. A casino’s overseas licence is not a New Zealand licence.

What players should check now

DIA says there are currently no changes for online casino customers. Operators that provided services in New Zealand before 1 May 2026 may continue during the transition until 1 December 2026, subject to the Act. Online casino advertising to New Zealand customers is currently prohibited. The planned public register and registration icon will help identify licensed operators once licences are issued; do not treat a claimed icon or an overseas licence as proof of a current NZ licence.

Racing and sports betting are governed separately. DIA states that, from 28 June 2025, online racing and sports betting in New Zealand is prohibited unless offered by TAB NZ or its brands. An online casino licence will not authorise ordinary sports or racing betting.

Duty and community returns

Do not confuse licensing status with tax status. Inland Revenue’s offshore gambling duty guidance describes a 12% duty applying from 1 July 2024 to online gambling provided by offshore operators to New Zealand residents. Check the current legislation and IRD guidance before stating a later rate or the allocation of proceeds.

Safer gambling: Gambling carries a risk of harm. Help is available through Safer Gambling NZ or on 0800 654 655. This page is general information, not legal advice.