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, plus an indicative timeline based on the current version of the Bill.
Legislation development is continuing
It’s important to note that the Online Casino Gambling Bill is still progressing through the New Zealand parliamentary process and because the legislation is not yet finalised, the implementation timeline remains unconfirmed and may change as the Bill progresses.
The anticipated timeframe is based on the current version reported by the Select Committee. However, this is dependent on that version successfully passing all remaining parliamentary stages and receiving Royal Assent.
Only once the Bill is enacted we will confirm the implementation timeline as soon as we are able to.
Current status of the Bill on New Zealand Parliament’s website
Licensing process and timeline overview
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 be granted more than three licenses as part of this process.
Licenses will be issued through a three-stage process:
1 May 2026
After the Online Casino Gambling bill passes into law, we expect the Act to commence from 1 May 2026. At this point, there will be a prohibition on advertising unlicensed online casino gambling. Compared to the existing Gambling Act ban, this new prohibition includes significantly increased penalties for breaches. Providers already offering online casino gambling in New Zealand may continue their existing operations until 1 December 2026.
After the commencement date, we will be able to provide guidance on how the three-stage licensing process will be implemented including details of how the auction will run.
Mid 2026
The detailed online casino gambling regulations are expected to be published. We will begin sector engagement to ensure interested providers and others who have obligations under the Online Casino Gambling Act understand what they need to do to comply.
July 2026 onwards
The three-stage licensing process is likely to begin in July 2026, following the publication of the final regulations. We expect the three stages will take place as follows:
July 2026: Expressions of interest open
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 provider 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.
September 2026: Auction takes place
The right to apply for a licence will be awarded to up to 15 providers through a competitive process. Cabinet decided that the first competitive process should be an auction. Only providers 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.
We will provide guidance on how the licensing process will be implemented in advance, including details of how the auction will run.
October 2026: Application process begins
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 provider has demonstrated that they are suitable to hold a licence and willing and able to comply with all requirements.
1 December 2026
From this date 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 have an exemption to continue to operate (without advertising) until the outcome of their application has been determined.
If the licence application is ultimately declined, the provider will be required to cease all online casino gambling operations in New Zealand and exit the market immediately. If a licence application is approved, the provider becomes a licensed operator and may begin full New Zealand operations under the new Act, including advertising.
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 the licence application is declined, the provider will be required to cease all online casino gambling operations in New Zealand and 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)
