The Department of Internal Affairs

Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua

Building a safe, prosperous and respected nation



 

Online Casino Gambling

Information for players

Online casino gambling regulation will protect players

The new regulatory system will make online casino gambling safer and fairer for everyone.

No change for now

Currently, overseas gambling sites operate without New Zealand regulation. The proposed new regulatory framework will require all licensed operators to comply with rigorous safety standards, ensuring stronger player protections and a safer gambling environment.

There are currently no changes for players in New Zealand, as details of the regulatory framework are still being worked through.

Changes once the new regulatory system is in place

Once the licensing process is complete, there will be up to 15 licensed online casino gambling brands operating in the New Zealand market. All licensed operators will be held to the same regulatory standards, so as a player, you'll be more protected. These standards will include making sure the games are fair, secure, and minimise harm.

To help players know exactly which online casinos are safer to use, and meet regulatory standards, the Department of Internal Affairs will publish a register of the online casinos licensed in New Zealand. These casinos will also have to use a unique registration icon, both on their platforms and in their advertising, to help players identify that they hold a licence.

If you think a licensed online casino has not met the required standards, you will be able to complain either directly to the online casino or to the Department of Internal Affairs.

If you decide to use an unlicensed platform, you won’t have the same player protections.

To stay updated or to ask the team introducing the new framework a public question, visit:

Register your interest (Office Forms)

Ask us a question (Office Forms)

View other public questions and answers

Relationship with racing and sports betting

Sports and racing betting is regulated under the Racing Industry Act 2020 and Gambling Act 2003. The proposed changes to online casino gambling will not change this.

As of 28 June 2025, online racing and sports betting is prohibited unless it is operated by New Zealand’s domestic provider TAB NZ. This includes TAB’s other brands such as Betcha.

While overseas companies can continue to offer online casino gambling to customers in New Zealand, pending the new legislation to regulate this market, these companies must not offer racing and sports betting in this country.

Read our media release about the changes to online racing and sports betting

Need help with your gambling?

If you or someone you know needs support with gambling, help is available. You can: