The Department of Internal Affairs

Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua

Building a safe, prosperous and respected nation



 

Online Casino Gambling

Information for online casino customers

The Online Casino Gambling Act is now in force and establishes a new regulatory system to protect players and make online casino gambling safer and fairer for everyone.

No change for now

We anticipate that we will start to issue licences under the Online Casino Gambling Act from early 2027 onwards. The Online Casino Gambling Act will require these licensed operators to comply with safety standards, ensuring stronger player protections and a safer gambling environment.

There are currently no changes for online casino customers in New Zealand. Online casinos that provided services to people in New Zealand before 1 May 2026 are allowed to continue to operate until 1 December 2026. During this time, we will start the licensing process, however providers must not advertise to people in New Zealand.

You can report unlawful advertising by email us at onlinegambling@dia.govt.nz

Changes from 1 December 2026

Up to 15 online casinos will be successful at auction and gain the right to apply for an online casino licence. From 1 December 2026, only these operators will be able to provide online casino gambling to customers in New Zealand.

These operators will be permitted to operate under an exemption while their applications undergo a rigorous assessment process. All other online casinos will be legally required to exit the New Zealand market.

We expect to start to issue licences from early 2027. All licensed operators will be held to the same regulatory standards, meaning people who choose to gamble will be better protected. These standards will ensure online casinos are fair and secure and that harm is minimised. To help customers identify which online casinos are licensed and meet New Zealand’s regulatory requirements, we will publish a public register of licensed online casinos. Licensed casinos will also be required to display a unique registration icon on their platforms and in their advertising, making it easier for players to recognise licensed operators.

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 us as the regulator of online casino gambling in New Zealand.

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: