Online Casino Gambling
Information for online casino providers: licensing and compliance
The licensing process for online gambling operators has not yet started and will only begin following the commencement of legislation in 2026.
If you’re interested in gaining a licence to conduct online casino gambling in New Zealand, this page outlines what you need to know about the upcoming process and requirements.
Legislation development is continuing
It’s important to note that legislation is still being developed. The Online Casino Gambling Bill is still going through the various legislative stages of the New Zealand Parliament. This means that until the Bill becomes enacted into law and regulations are finalised, some aspects of the proposed legislation may still change.
Current status of the Bill on New Zealand Parliament’s website
Licensing process
Up to 15 online casino gambling licenses will be available, each valid for a period of up to three years, with the possibility to renew for a further five years. Each licence will cover a single brand, and the various platforms players may use to interact with that brand. No one can hold more than three licenses at any one time.
Licenses will be issued through a three-stage process:
1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Potential operators will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), which must include detailed information about the applicant and key officers including their compliance history. The purpose of this stage is to ensure that the potential operator has sufficient capital, has not been convicted of any crime involving dishonesty, and that accepting the expression of interest is unlikely to prejudice New Zealand’s international reputation.
2. Auction: The right to apply for a licence will be awarded to up to 15 potential operators through a competitive process. Cabinet decided that the first competitive process should be an auction. Only potential operators who have had their EOI accepted will be invited to participate in the auction. The Secretary will be responsible for setting the rules and managing the auction process.
3. Licence application: Successful bidders may apply for a licence by paying the amount for a licence determined by the auction and completing a comprehensive application, including providing a business plan and detailed strategies relating to advertising and marketing, consumer protection, harm prevention and minimisation and compliance. The Secretary must not grant a licence unless the potential operator has demonstrated that they are suitable to hold a licence and willing and able to comply with all requirements.
It is likely that the auction will be completed, and applications received no later than 1 December 2026. Indicative dates and further information about the licensing process will be shared with you in early 2026.
Requirements for licensed operators
Licensed operators will need to comply with regulations designed to ensure system integrity, player protection, and responsible gambling.
The details of the regulatory framework are currently still being worked through. Finalised regulations and guidance on how to comply will be published in mid-2026.
Requirements for providers who do not gain a licence
From 1 December 2026, providers are required to cease conducting online casino gambling in New Zealand if they have not applied for a licence. Providers who have submitted a licence application can continue to operate until the outcome of their application has been determined. If it is declined, the provider must exit the market.
Stay informed
To stay informed, or to ask the Online Casino Gambling Implementation (OGI) team a question, visit:
Register your interest (Office Forms)
Ask us a question (Office Forms)
